Washer will not drain
Check the drain hose for kinks and the pump filter for lint, coins and socks. On front load machines the filter sits behind a small panel near the bottom.
If the drum stays full of water after cleaning the filter, the pump may have failed.
Place towels first, because the filter holds water.
When a washer will not drain, a coin, a hair tie or a small sock is often in the pump. Check pockets before washing and consider small mesh bags for tiny items.
Washer will not spin
An unbalanced load, a lid or door switch problem, a worn belt or a failed motor coupling stops the spin. Redistribute the load and check that the door or lid closes.
If the drum turns freely by hand but never spins, call.
Do not force the lid or door.
A load that is too large or too heavy can unbalance the drum and trigger a stop. A single heavy rug or comforter is a classic cause, and splitting the load solves it.
Washer shakes or is loud
Check that the machine is level and that all four feet touch the floor. Remove shipping bolts on new front loaders. Worn shocks, springs or bearings cause loud thumping and roaring.
Overloading and heavy single items cause shaking too.
A roar during spin often means bearings.
If your machine walks or thumps on a wood floor, a vibration pad or a stable platform can help, and a leveling check twice a year keeps it from creeping.
Washer odor and mold
Moisture trapped in the door seal and detergent residue breed mold. Use the right amount of high-efficiency detergent, wipe the seal and leave the door ajar between loads.
Run a washer cleaning cycle monthly.
Persistent odor with a torn seal calls for a new boot.
Use only the recommended amount of high-efficiency detergent. Extra suds trap residue in the drum and the seal and are a leading cause of odor and slow rinsing.
Dryer will not heat
Check that both breaker poles are on. Clean the lint screen and the vent. A blocked vent trips the thermal fuse, and an element, igniter or thermostat may have failed.
If you smell gas, leave and call your gas utility.
Do not run a dryer with a blocked vent.
Half-power in a dryer is a sneaky problem. If the drum turns but heat is weak, check that both breaker poles are on and that the plug is seated fully before blaming the heater.
Dryer takes too long
The usual cause is a restricted vent. Disconnect the dryer, check the duct and the outside hood and clean them. Crushed foil duct traps lint.
Overloading and washer spin problems also lengthen drying.
A hot, humid laundry room is a clue.
Take a moment to look at the vent hood outside. A flap that does not open fully, a nest or a mat of lint is a quick clue that the whole run needs cleaning.
Preventing lint fires
Clean the lint screen after every load, have the full vent cleaned yearly, use rigid or semi-rigid metal duct and never run the dryer while you are away.
Keep the area around the dryer clear of clutter.
Clean laundry machines run longer and safer.
A smoke alarm in or near the laundry area, and a habit of never leaving the dryer running while you are out, are simple, inexpensive protections.
Clean the filters, seals and vents, keep machines level and call early for noise, leaks or heat problems.
