Troubleshooting Tips for Common Washer and Dryer Problems

August 2, 2023

washer and dryer against a blue wall with a shelf of cleaning supplies

*Updated March 24th, 2025

Washers and dryers are essential appliances that keep our lives running smoothly—literally. Whether it’s your favorite hoodie or a week’s worth of socks, we all rely on these machines to keep our clothes clean, fresh, and ready to wear. But when your washer won’t spin or your dryer suddenly refuses to heat up, it can throw a serious wrench in your day (and your laundry schedule).

The good news? Not every issue means it’s time to call in a repair tech or start shopping for a new unit. In fact, many common washer and dryer problems can be solved with a little know-how and a few minutes of your time. From strange noises to standing water, a lot of these issues have simple fixes you can try on your own.

In this article, we’ll walk through some of the most common washer and dryer problems and offer easy troubleshooting tips to help you get things back up and running. With a bit of DIY effort, you might just save yourself time, money, and the stress of dealing with a laundry emergency.

Washing Machine Problems

Before you pick up the phone to call in a repair tech, it’s worth doing a little detective work on your own. Washing machines can act up for all kinds of reasons—some simple, some a bit more involved. The good news is, a lot of these issues have straightforward fixes you can try at home. Let’s take a look at some of the most common washing machine problems and what you can do to troubleshoot them.

1. The Washing Machine Won’t Turn On

When your washing machine won’t turn on, it can be caused by a range of issues. A lack of power or malfunctioning knobs and timers could be to blame – in these cases, you may need to reset the circuit breaker or check if any outlets have become faulty. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may want to look into overheating, which can be caused by frequent use. After you’ve gone through these possibilities and still haven’t found a solution, consider seeking professional help to help find the solution.

2. The Washing Machine Won’t Drain

Poor draining could be an indicator of a few different problems. The drain hose or pump may have become blocked or jammed, which typically requires professional repair. Additionally, objects such as coins and clothing pieces can get stuck between the tub and basket preventing any water from flowing through it. On the other hand, too much detergent is another possible culprit. Try reducing your soap usage to see if this solves the issue!

3. Strange Odors

Using too much detergent can create a build up of soap residue, causing unpleasant odors in your washing machine. To combat this issue, try and remember to wash your washer once a month. Run a hot cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar, and you can even clean around the rubber seal for optimal results.

4. Washing Machine Fails to Spin

If your washing machine’s drum isn’t spinning, chances are either the belt is broken or loose. A gentle hum may tell you that your motor is running, yet no spin cycle starts – this could indicate an issue with a worn out or misaligned belt needing replacement. In addition, if the door won’t seal properly or its switch isn’t responding correctly then the machine will not be able to function properly.

5. Sounds of Shaking

If you’re hearing thumping or squeaking noises, it’s worth taking a deeper look. The most common culprit is an unbalanced load. If not, check to make sure your washing machine is on level ground. Over time, your washer can become unbalanced due to too much shaking.

Dryer Problems

Just like washers, dryers can run into their fair share of hiccups. From clothes that stay damp to strange noises that make you do a double take, these machines can be surprisingly vocal when something’s off. The good news? Many dryer problems are easier to fix than you might think—some just need a little cleaning or a minor adjustment. Let’s go over a few of the most common dryer issues and what you can do to get things running smoothly again.

1. Clothing Doesn’t Dry

If the dryer isn’t doing it’s one job- this is most likely a quick fix. If your clothes aren’t drying or are taking a long time to do so, it’s time to clean your lint filter. You should also check your dryer’s vent hose for any blockages. Any build up of lint or foreign objects could be the reason for extended drying time.

2. Dryer Isn’t Heating

The dryer will produce little to no heat if the dryer can’t get the right amount of air. To get the best possible results, make sure you are providing your dryer with enough airflow and optimal settings for whatever kind of clothes or fabrics you’re working with. Also, it’s important to not overload the machine – too many clothes can prevent effective drying.

A malfunctioning heating element, ignitor, or thermal fuse can also cause a dryer to stop producing heat effectively and will require a professional.

3. Dryer Won’t Power On

If your dryer is acting up, there could be a few potential problems. Start by examining power connections and then move on to possible issues with door switches or thermal fuses. Worn out parts such as thermal fuses, terminal blocks, thermostats or start switches are all possible causes. Consider calling a professional for additional insight into any remaining issues.

4. No Spinning

If the dryer turns on and gets warm, but refuses to spin, something’s up. This could be a result of a worn or broken belt, a motor problem or worn drum support rollers. You’ll most likely need to call in an expert for this type of problem.

5. Your Dryer is Squeaking

If your dryer is typically quiet, but starts making strange or jarring noises then you should pay close attention. Your dryer may be trying to alert you that its motor is about ready for retirement. Squeaking could indicate:

  • Worn out rollers and axles
  • Worn or broken drive belt
  • Dying motor

Replacing a dryer belt yourself is doable, but call a professional in for back up if you’re concerned about taking on the project yourself. The motor is the anchor of your dryer, but replacing it can be much cheaper than buying a completely new dryer.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with washer and dryer problems can be a pain, but with a little troubleshooting, you might be able to get things back on track without calling in a pro. From clearing out lint and checking for blockages to tightening belts or balancing loads, a lot of common issues have simple fixes. Of course, if you’ve tried everything and your appliance still isn’t cooperating, don’t hesitate to bring in a professional—sometimes it’s worth it to save yourself the time and stress. Hopefully, these tips help you keep your laundry routine running smoothly!

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