Is your washing machine not washing clothes properly, leaving them dirty after the cycle or giving off a bad smell? These are signs of your machine not working correctly. In this article, we’ll look at the most common causes of this issue that you can identify and try to fix on your own. We offer simple recommendations that generally don’t require professional knowledge. However, if the problem persists after trying these tips, it could indicate a more serious malfunction. In such cases, we recommend calling a specialist for diagnostics and repair. Book our washer repair service:
Reasons Why the Washer Is Not Cleaning Clothes
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Description and Troubleshooting of Problems
Seized-up Detergent Tray
Residue from powdered or liquid detergent, fabric softener, and limescale gradually build up in the detergent tray. These deposits prevent proper (even) distribution of the detergent and block water flow. As a result, clothes are not cleaned properly and remain dirty.
Solution
- Carefully remove the tray from the washing machine compartment. Usually, it comes out easily by pressing a small tab
- Then wash the tray under warm running water. Pay close attention to the corners and deep areas where detergent residue can collect
- To remove stubborn buildup, use an old toothbrush or a small cleaning brush.
- You also need to thoroughly clean the tray compartment itself
- If the buildup is too strong for water alone, soak the tray for 30–40 minutes in a solution of citric acid or vinegar (use a 1:2 ratio of vinegar to water). This helps dissolve limescale and residue
- After cleaning, rinse the tray thoroughly and dry it completely before putting it back
Pro Tip: We recommend cleaning the tray once a month. This will improve washing quality and help eliminate or prevent unpleasant odors inside the machine.
Dirty Washing Machine
Another reason for poor washing performance is the buildup of dirt, detergent or softener residue, and mold inside the machine. These contaminants are often hidden, such as inside the drum crevices, the drain system, or the rubber door gasket. However, they’re often accompanied by a bad odor, which can help you detect them.
Solution
- Run a wash cycle at the highest temperature. This should be an empty cycle, with either citric acid or a special washing machine cleaner. This procedure helps dissolve limescale and kill bacteria
- Wipe the inside of the rubber door seal with a soft cloth soaked in a solution of water and vinegar (1:1 ratio) or a disinfectant. If you find mold, treat the area several times and dry it thoroughly
- Also wipe down the drum and door. Pay special attention to the door glass and drum edges
- Leave the door and detergent tray open after each wash. This prevents condensation and mold from forming inside the machine
Drum Is Overloaded
When the drum is overloaded with clothes, it’s hard for water and detergent to pass between items. There’s also a less obvious issue — increased wear and tear on many machine components. The motor, bearings, and shock absorbers get overworked. As a result, the clothes aren’t cleaned well. You may even see detergent marks on them.
Solution
- Check your washing machine’s maximum load capacity. For most home machines, that’s 5–7 kg (11–15 lbs) of dry laundry. However, that doesn’t mean you should stuff the drum to the top.
- Base the load on the type of fabric. Heavy items like jeans, blankets, and towels need more space than lightweight fabrics.
- Check the drum fullness with your hand before each cycle. Follow this rule: there should be enough space for your fist between the top of the drum and the laundry. This ensures proper water circulation
Drum not Agitating
If the drum isn’t functioning properly — for example, it doesn’t spin or only spins in one direction — the wash becomes ineffective because the clothes don’t get agitated enough. Water and detergent can’t penetrate the fabric properly. Even long cycles and high temperatures won’t give you clean results.
Solution
- Check the door: if it’s not fully closed, the machine may block the drum from spinning
- Pay attention to the display — it might show an error code
- Try unplugging the machine for a few minutes and restarting it
- Check if the drum is overloaded. Overloading or unevenly distributed laundry can prevent the drum from spinning. If so, remove some items and restart the wash cycle
- With the machine off, try turning the drum by hand. If it doesn’t move smoothly, makes clicking sounds, or feels stuck, it’s a sign of a malfunction. If it doesn’t move at all, definitely call a repair technician
Blocked filter
The filter is designed to catch debris, lint, hair, and small objects. If it gets clogged, water can’t drain properly and won’t rinse dirt from your clothes.
Solution
- Locate and open the filter (usually at the bottom front of the machine)
- Be aware that water may spill out, so place a container or towel underneath
- Clean the filter using a toothbrush or small cleaning brush to remove all debris
- Rinse the filter under running water. Sometimes, objects may get stuck not in the filter itself but slightly deeper in the channel. Check with your finger or a flashlight
- After cleaning, close the filter securely. Tighten the cap properly to avoid leaks during future wash cycles
Repair Cost
| Drum repairing or replacing | $200 – $280 |
| Filter cleaning or replacing | $230 – $350 |
The cost of repairing a washing machine depends on the brand, particular model, and the complexity of the problem.
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6 Comments
My clothes smell musty right after washing, even though the machine and detergent drawer are clean. What should I do in this situation?
Hi Lauren! Most likely, the problem lies in hidden areas of the machine — for example, in the drain hose, pump, or door gasket, where moisture, dirt, and mold can accumulate. Another common cause is poor ventilation: if the door and detergent drawer are kept tightly closed after a wash, the inside becomes an ideal environment for bacterial growth. To eliminate the odor, it’s important to leave the door and drawer open after each cycle, regularly run a hot wash (194 °F / 90 °C) with a cleaning agent, and do a deep clean of the internal components at least once a month. If the smell doesn’t go away, it’s worth calling a technician — there might be buildup inside that needs professional cleaning.
I often wash very dirty work clothes, I’m a construction worker. Should I disinfect the drum after washing such laundry?
Hi Tyler! Yes, it’s good practice. Dirt, grease, construction dust, and sweat can not only leave an odor but also build up in the drain system, filters, and door gasket. After such washes, it’s best to run an empty hot cycle with an antibacterial cleaner or at least with vinegar and baking soda, to remove any remaining residue and prevent bacterial growth. This will extend the life of the machine and help avoid unpleasant smells.
My wife uses fabric softener with every wash. Is it true that softener can cause buildup in the drainage system?
Hi Joshua! Yes, that’s true. Fabric softeners contain fatty substances and silicones that make fabric soft and add fragrance, but they don’t dissolve well in cold water. As a result, they can settle in the detergent drawer, hoses, filter, and especially in the drain system, mixing with detergent residue, lint, and dirt. This creates a favorable environment for bacteria and mold, which eventually leads to bad odors and even poor water drainage. To avoid issues, we recommend: regularly cleaning the detergent drawer, especially the softener compartment; running hot wash cycles (140–194 °F / 60–90 °C) at least once a month with a cleaning agent or vinegar; and not exceeding the recommended amount of softener.