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Whether your washing machine isn’t cleaning your clothes like it used to or you keep finding leaks after each cycle, don’t ignore the signs that something's wrong with your machine.  

Some washing machine problems can be solved super easily using a few tools or even by just a tightening of a hose, while others may need the work of a professional. Read our tips and advice on how to fix some of the more frequent faults.

If your washing machine spends more of its life being repaired than it does washing clothes, it might be time to buy a new one. 

We’ve pulled out our best washing machines  so you can quickly find a great model you can rely on.

A washing machine that doesn't clean your clothes is far from ideal. But it happens – and more often that you'd think.

One of the most common reasons is a blocked detergent line/tray. If your detergent and softener cannot travel down towards your clothes then how can the washing machine wash properly? To add to this, if there is a blockage, eventually detergent, germs and even mould will build up and transfer onto your garments. This will also happen if the filter is clogged or the drainage pipe is blocked.

Try cleaning out both your detergent and filter drawer before starting your next wash cycle. If it's still not working you might need to check the drainage (see below).

If your machine is relatively modern it should flash up with an error code when it fails to finish a wash cycle. If so, check your manual to help you decipher the best way to tackle the problem.

When an error code doesn't appear, other causes might include:

The most likely reason why your washing machine won't advance to the next cycle is a faulty timer. The timer controls each step of the cycle, moving the process from wash to rinse, and then spin. So if the timer breaks the cycles can't automatically move on.

The good news is that you can easily replace it yourself or hire a trades person to do it for you – just make sure you buy a timer that is compatible with your washer make and model.

If your washing gets to the end of each cycle but refuses to spin, it could be down to something as simple as overloading your machine, causing it to become unbalanced. If you've jammed in too many heavy towels, for example, the weight can affect the sensors and shut off the machine. Re-balance the load and try again.

Need a bigger washing machine so you can fit more in one wash? Check out our reviews of washing machines with extra large drum capacity .

If it's not a problem with overloading, it could be one of these issues giving you a washing machine that won't spin:

Other causes include a faulty drive motor or pump. If you're still not sure on the cause call in a professional to inspect your machine.

Most modern washing machines will come up with an error code on the control panel if there is a problem with the heating system. You can then search this error code along with the make and model of your machine to find a fix.

It's also important to note that just because you cannot feel the heat through the washing machine it doesn't mean the water isn't hot. Lots of machines are insulated. If the clothes are being sufficiently cleaned and there is no error code, then the heating is probably fine.

You spend so much time using your washing machine to clean your clothes you forget that it might need a wash itself from time to time. Smells can come from a dirty door seal or a mould infested drum or detergent drawer.

But the first thing to check is the filter and the drain hose for any blockages. Put towels on the floor to soak any excess water and pull out the filter (normally placed at the bottom of the machine). Remove any material or debris.

Before checking the drain hose, grab a bucket because there could be a gush of water when you detach it from the U-bend under the sink. Inspect both the hose and the U-bend for anything that could be clogging it up.

If it's clear then you might need to give the machine a good clean. Mould, built-up grime and detergent can all contribute to bad smells. 

Follow our five easy steps and watch the video on How to clean a smelly washing machine .

A burning smell coming from your washing machine can indicate a potentially dangerous situation. Immediately turn off the machine and unplug it from any power.

The burning smell could be down to a broken drive belt or a broken motor but it's important not to try and attempt to fix the machine yourself unless you are qualified. 

Instead call out a professional to diagnose the problem.

If your washing machine won't drain  the excess water then it will either be caused by a blockage or the pump is broken. You can check which is more likely by listening to the machine during a cycle. 

If you can hear the pump running but the water is not draining then it's a blockage. If you can't hear the pump, something's wrong with it.

Whether it's a coin, a loose sock or your house key that you lost last week, blockages are common in washing machines. 

First things first, unplug the washing machine and lay down some towels – water will leak out. Next, inspect the pump filter, which is typically situated at the bottom of the machine and clear it of any debris.

Now, inspect the drain hose. Typically attached to the U-bend under the sink, the drain hose will be connected via a spigot. 

Unscrew this and empty the excess water from the hose into a bucket or sink. Look in the hose and the U-bend for blockages and remove if necessary.

If none of the above works, check the pump itself for small items of clothing or material that might have wrapped around the impeller. 

Still nothing? The pump may just be broken and need replacing or you could have an electrical fault. A technician can help with this.

If your washing machine is broken, check out our list of the  Best washing machine brands for 2022 .

First, check you detergent. Using incorrect soaps or too much soap can result in excess suds that could cause the drum to overfill and leak.

Next, ensure the machine is completely level – if it tips too much to the right or a little to the left water can seep out.

If the machine's still leaking then it's time to inspect the hose. Tighten the connections and look for any cracks or rips. 

If water still leaks during the next cycle you might need to change the water inlet filter screens or the O-rings in the water hose. Any build-up of debris or general wear and tear can cause these items to fail and create leaks.

If the hose has broken or is rusty then it might need a full replacement. It's also wise to check the water pump, too.

If the leak is slightly smaller and coming from the front this could be the washing machine door. The seal around the dome can become worn with age, resulting in leaking and/or condensation but it's easily replaceable.

The most common reason for a washing machine overfilling with water is a broken water-level pressure switch. The pressure switch uses air pressure to sense the water level in the machine and tells your washer when to stop. If the switch has broken or is blocked then the machine will not know when to stop filling.

There is also a tube attached to the switch. If this has come away from the switch the machine could also risk overfilling. 

Unplug your washing machine, unscrew the top panel and inspect the pressure switch. Each machine will be different so check your manual beforehand.

Another possible culprit could be the water inlet valve. This electronic valve controls the filling of the water. If the valve is faulty and does not close during each cycle once the water is at the appropriate level it will over fill.

Whether you're washing machine hums, buzzes or vibrates, if the noise is excessive then it's probably something you shouldn't ignore.

Leaving your washer to make a racket even though it's still running could result in breaking the machine completely.

If you think your washer is creating too much commotion, follow these easy steps on How to fix a loud washing machine .

If you're washing machine won't stop vibrating or even moves around the room during a wash then it probably needs levelling out. Every washing machine has to sit parallel to the surface it sits on – and if it isn't it will shake, especially during spin cycles.

Check if the machine is aligned using a spirit level. If it's not, adjust the feet underneath accordingly.

If the feet are level then it might be the surface causing the issue. Uneven flooring can create a shaky machine so you can try sitting it on a sturdy piece of wood or old desktop and manoeuvre the corners to even it out.

Unbalanced washing loads can also create lots of movement. Squeezing in eight heavy-duty towels and a bed sheet is too much for a 6kg washing machine – it's bound to vibrate.

If you've just moved house or your washing machine is new make sure you have removed the transportation bolts. These bolts are fitted to the rear panel of the machine and help to lock the drum in place while it's being moved. 

Machines typically have three or four bolts that have to be removed before you can use it. If they aren't taken off this will cause vibrations and could eventually cause irreparable damage.

If you're washing machine door refuses to lock then you firstly need to inspect the door and the handle – is there any visible damage that would mean the latch will not operate?

If the door looks fine, then the most likely culprit is a faulty door interlock. This can be repaired. Keen DIY'ers should find this process relatively simple but always check the instructions for your specific model.

One other, slightly more difficult fix would be repairing the control board. If the interlock is fine but the control board is not connecting with it then the machine won't know when to start. Calling in a professional to test this should be your next course of action.

There are lots of different reasons why a washing machine door might refuse to budge including:

You can force the door to open if needed. Turn off the power from the plug first. Then, unscrew the top panel of the washing machine and using a flat headed screw driver reach down to the door clasp (it will be a metallic top in the centre of the lock mechanism). Push the tip either left or right and the door should release.

Opening your washing machine door in the event of an emergency isn't easy – or super quick. And depending on your model – you might not even have a solution.

For safety reasons, most machines will lock as soon as the cycle begins and not open until after the cycle has completed.

However, some machines have an emergency drain or unlock feature that you can use if the power goes out.

If your model doesn't have this feature, you can also push the pause button. Once the water has drained away the machine door will open. You can then restart the cycle by pressing the start button again.

When your washing machine won't turn on, the first thing to check is the connection and the socket. Is it plugged in? Does the socket look damaged at all? Can another appliance get power from the same socket? It might not be a fault with the washing machine.

Once you've confirmed the power isn't the problem, check the standby switch on the machine. Does it depress normally? Does it stay depressed? Does it look broken? If so, replacing the power switch could do the job.

If the display panel is lit up and you can select programmes but the cycles just won't start then the door latch might be to blame. This features indicates to the interlock, and therefore to the machine, that it's safe to move onto the next cycle. If it has worn or broken the machine won't proceed with a wash. You can attempt to fix this yourself, but if you're not keen on DIY call a local trades person.

Another mechanical issue that could be at fault is the door interlock. This isn't the spring that latches the door shut but the electrical mechanism further inside that keeps the door shut while a wash is in process. Diagnosing and replacing this can be tricky so it's worth calling a professional in.

Before you do anything make sure you have removed the transporter bolts. These are the bolts in the rear panel that are screwed in to keep the drum locked while the washing machine is being moved. If your machine is vibrating or not running correctly and these are still in place, that's why.

If the bolts are out and it's still not working it might be an issue with the installation.

Our guide explains How to install a washing machine properly – take a look.

It's also worth noting the problem might not be anything to do with the move. Check our other common problems to help diagnose the flaw.

If the power to your washing machine won't turn off then your standby button may be faulty. But if the wash cycles won't stop and instead continue to go round and round after every spin, then it's probably down to the timer or control board.

The timer will signal to the machine when to move to the next phase of the cycle, while the control board will signify what programme to use. If either of these is damaged or worn then the machine may continue to run until it's manually stopped. Both functions can be replaced, but the latter should be done by a professional.

If the pump or drain is blocked, therefore stopping the removal of excess water, the machine will also continue to run – it won't advance to spin or finish until the water is drained. Check both for obstructions before paying for a call out.

A washing machine hose can become rusty, making it nearly impossible to remove from the water faucet.

But if you really want to try you have to relieve the water pressure inside the hoses first. To do this, shut the supply valves, turn the washer on, wait a few seconds, then turn it off.

Next, try spraying some WD-40 or a product specific to dissolving rust to penetrate the build-up on the hose. Leave it on for around 15 minutes and then wrap an old rag around the faucet and try to twist open with a set of pliers. If it doesn't budge try getting a professional in to cut the hose and fit a new one.

Most front-loading washing machines are designed at the standard dimensions of 85cm high and 59.5 to 60cm wide. And most kitchen cabinets are also designed to accommodate this size.

But if you're struggling to fit the machine under your worktop, you could try lowering the machine's adjustable feet. This should allow for a few inches.

When a few inches won't cut it then you might have to position your washing machine elsewhere in your home.

If the problem is serious, you'll want professional attention. To find a reliable repairer in your area, use Which? Trusted Traders to find one that has been assessed and checked by Which? trading standards professionals. 

You can also take a look at our guide to domestic appliance repairs to find out the average costs for a range of jobs, as quoted by Which? Trusted Traders from their years of experience. 

If you're considering replacing your washing machine, our guide to the most reliable washing machine brands reveals which brands are less likely to let you down, based on the data we've collected from thousands of washing machine owners.

If you already know what type and brand of washing machine is for you, then head straight to our washing machine reviews .