Does the washing machine hang during washing? Causes and solutions

A washing machine is a household appliance that is difficult to do without. Yet, it is cumbersome, noisy, and often, it can – due to the poor maintenance accorded to it – be the subject of malfunctions.

In particular, the washing machine may stop suddenly during a wash cycle without warning signals. But why does it happen? And what to do in these cases?

Let’s see the problems for which a washing machine stops during the washing, does not finish the program we had set, and solves them.

The washing machine stops before spinning.

Sometimes it happens that a washing cycle that had not aroused suspicion suddenly stops shortly before the spin cycle: the spin cycle runs very slowly or not at all, stops, and does not drain water.

If this happens, the cause is found in the clogged filter: to prove it, extract it, and check that no residues or small objects are stuck.

Generally, the drain filter is located in the lower part of the appliance, identifiable thanks to the inspection hatch’s presence. If it is believed that the problem depends on the drain, it will be good practice also to check the drainpipe, which can also become clogged.

At other times, the washing machine stops before the spin due to an unbalanced load: if the washing machine has been loaded too much or too little, it cannot balance the weight of its drum during the spin phase and thus cannot work to finish the washing program.

Generally, such a macroscopic malfunction is also signaled on displaying the most modern washing machines, which in cases like these flashes or shows specific messages.

It is good to remember that incorrect use of household appliances often leads to malfunctions or inefficiencies. Also, we should keep in mind the characteristics and instructions indicated by the manufacturer and the quantity and type of clothes to be washed about the washing machine.

The basket locks

One of the most frequent cases is when the washing machine continues to operate, but the basket suddenly stops during washing. If the drum does not turn inside the washing machine, the water cannot reach all the cloths inserted inside the door.

For this reason, we cannot fail to notice that our basket – at a certain point in the wash – has stopped: generally, the laundry will still be partially dry and dirty, even after rinsing. In this case, the person responsible is the belt, which connects the appliance motor to the basket.

If the belt is broken or has fallen, the basket will turn without resistance, with the machine off. If the belt is not broken, it is often possible to reallocate it and restart the washing machine, but this is an operation that presumes using a couple of specific tools such as screwdrivers and pliers.

If, after removing the protective wall from the side of our washing machine – obviously off – we find a broken belt, instead, we should buy a new one and have it installed by a specialized operator.

The washing machine stops filling water.

One of the most frequent problems in apartments and houses not recently built is an insufficient water supply. When it loads a little water, the washing machine cannot work, or it starts and remains in a stalled situation.

If the washer suddenly stops loading water, stops, or loads water slowly or worse intermittently, the problem is because it loads little water from the hydraulic system.

The insufficient water supply will leave us with a blocked washing machine, and probably something is flashing on display. The first thing to do is, in this case, check that the tap is open.

Secondly, check that the pipes are not clogged or too twisted. If the water flow is regular and not interrupted by obstructions or obstacles, the problem could arise from the electronic board or the solenoid valve.

In this case, the only thing to do is resort to a specialized technician familiar with the mechanical and electronic parts of the appliance.

What to do when the problem is in electronics?

If the washing machine stops during the washing, we have just mentioned, the fault may not be due to a mechanical failure. In particular, in modern and latest generation washing machines, the washing cycles and temperatures are managed by an electronic card, which can also be responsible for a washing machine that loads little water, for example, or ends the washing program suddenly.

If this component stops working for any reason, our washing machine may have a more serious problem than expected. The first element that should make us suspicious in this sense is the display that flashes to signal the situation.

If you have such a suspicion, the wisest thing to do is contact experienced staff, whether from the manufacturer or a maintenance company, and submit the necessary resolution. If you want to try to fix it yourself, you can try to find the right spare part online, then proceed with the installation as per the instructions.

This is certainly not a job for everyone. One of the faults that can depend on electronics is that which occurs as a door lock. If the door is suddenly locked even after washing is finished and the washing machine is turned off, then something has gone wrong with the safety mechanisms.

Indeed, a washing machine with a safety door function can only be a modern appliance and plausibly reports the electronic error in progress on a small screen, indicating the program in use and flashes at problems or the end of the wash. In many cases, one can solve this type of problem by using the washing machine instruction booklet.

Attention to maintenance

As with any frequently used, if not daily, appliance, periodically servicing the instrument is a good practice that helps avoid malfunctions and wear. This also applies to the washing machine, which should treat with care: first of all, the door should be left open after each washing to avoid stagnation of humidity and consequent formation of mold and bad smells.

Furthermore, at least every two or three months, the washing machine drum should be cleaned and sanitized with care. To clean the washing machine, set a wash at high temperatures by inserting a white vinegar glass in the basket. At the end of the washing cycle, the washing machine will be sanitized and perfumed.

Constant cleaning of the filter helps avoid hitches such as those described above: it is in the filter that all dirt ends. To clean the filter, extract it and free it from fabric residues and small objects stuck in it. Then, you can go under a stream of running water or soak it in a solution of water and vinegar to sanitize thoroughly.