Washing Machine problems and error codes
Start from what your washing machine is doing, or look up the code on its display. Every page puts the stop signs first, then the checks you can safely do yourself.
Common washing machine problems
- Washing machine not drainingA washing machine that won’t drain is usually caused by a blocked pump filter, a kinked or…
- Washing machine not spinningIf your washing machine won’t spin, the load is often unbalanced or too big, or the machine…
- Washing machine door won’t openA washing machine door that won’t open is usually locked for a reason: there’s still water in…
- Washing machine leakingWhere the water comes from tells you most. Leaks at the front usually come from the door, the…
- Washing machine not filling with waterIf no water goes into your washing machine, or it fills very slowly, the tap may not be fully…
- Washing machine shaking or movingA washing machine that shakes, bangs or walks across the floor on spin is usually not level…
- Washing machine won’t turn on or startIf a washing machine is completely dead, test the socket with a lamp, avoid extension leads…
- Washing machine smellsA smelly washing machine is usually caused by detergent residue, damp, mould in the door…
- Washing machine not taking detergentIf detergent or softener is left in the drawer, the drawer or its small siphon caps are…
- Washing machine making a noiseLoud banging, knocking or rattling is usually caused by a machine that isn’t level, transit…
- Washing machine stops mid-cycleA washing machine that stops part-way through is often trying to deal with an unbalanced…
- Washing machine not heating waterTo check whether a washing machine is heating, run a hot wash and feel the door after 30 to…
Stop first: safety problems
- Washing machine tripping the electricsSwitch off safely and stop using it.
- Washing machine burning smellSwitch off safely and stop using it.
Washing Machine error codes by brand
All error codes A–Z- AEG 7 codes: E10, E20, E40, E50, E60, EF0…
- Bosch 4 codes: E16, E17, E18, E23
- Hoover 2 codes: E02, E03
- Hotpoint 8 codes: F01, F02, F03, F05, F06, F08…
- Indesit 4 codes: F05, F06, F08, F11
- LG 9 codes: CL, dE, FE, IE, LE, OE…
- Miele 2 codes: F10, F11
- Samsung 9 codes: 3C, 4C, 5C, dC, HC, LC…
- Zanussi 3 codes: E10, E20, E40
We only list codes we’ve checked against manufacturer guidance. If your brand or code isn’t here, check your manual or the manufacturer’s UK support site, or start from the symptom above.
Maintenance guides
- How to clean a washing machine filterWhenever the machine drains slowly or shows a drain code, and as your manual recommends. Bosch says a clogged filter can cause vibration and noise, longer cycles, random stops and wet laundry.
- How to clean a washing machineAEG recommends a maintenance wash about once a month and cleaning the detergent drawer about every two months. Many machines remind you with a symbol or a code such as LG’s tCL.