Category: Washing Machines

If your washing machine is not draining completely, you may notice water left in the drum after a cycle finishes. Clothes may feel overly wet, and the washer may struggle during the spin cycle.

In most cases, the issue is caused by a blockage, a drain hose problem, or a failing drain pump.

Here’s what to check.

1) Clogged Drain Pump Filter

Many front-load washers have a small drain pump filter that collects lint, coins, and debris.

When this filter gets blocked, water can’t drain properly.

What to check:

• Look for a small access panel near the bottom front of the washer
• Place towels down before opening
• Remove and clean out any debris

Even small objects like coins or hair buildup can restrict drainage.

2) Kinked or Clogged Drain Hose

If the drain hose is bent, crushed, or partially clogged, water may drain slowly or incompletely.

What to check:

• Pull the washer slightly away from the wall
• Inspect the drain hose for sharp bends
• Make sure it isn’t pushed too far into the wall drain

If possible, disconnect and flush the hose with water to check for blockages.

3) Drain Pump Starting to Fail

If you hear humming but water remains in the drum, the pump may be struggling.

Signs include:

• Slow draining
• Grinding or unusual noises
• Water left after every cycle

A failing drain pump may need replacement.

4) Washer Not Level

If the washer is not level, it may prevent proper spin and drainage.

When the machine cannot balance itself, it may reduce spin speed, leaving water behind.

If your washer also shakes violently during spin cycles, that can indicate a balance issue or worn suspension components.

Fix:

• Adjust leveling feet
• Make sure all four feet touch the floor evenly

5) Overloading the Washer

Too many clothes in one load can block proper drainage and spinning.

If clothes are packed tightly, water can remain trapped.

Try running a smaller load to see if the issue improves.

When It’s Not a DIY Fix

Call a technician if:

• The washer shows drain error codes
• The pump makes loud grinding noises
• Water remains even after cleaning the filter and hose

Most incomplete draining problems are caused by simple clogs or hose issues.

Quick Recap

If your washing machine is not draining completely, check:

• The drain pump filter
• The drain hose
• The drain pump
• Washer leveling
• Load size

Most of these fixes are straightforward and inexpensive.

If your washing machine smells like rotten eggs, the odor is usually coming from bacteria, trapped water, or sewer gas—not the machine itself going bad.

This smell can get worse when the washer runs or right after a cycle finishes.

Here’s what typically causes it and what you can do about it.

Why a Washing Machine Smells Like Rotten Eggs

That sulfur smell usually comes from one of these issues:

• Bacteria buildup inside the washer
• Standing water in the drain or hose
• Sewer gas backing up through the drain
• Mold or mildew trapped in hidden areas

The good news is most of these are fixable without replacing anything.

What to Check First

Start simple before assuming a major problem.

• Run an empty hot-water cycle
• Smell the washer during and after the cycle
• Check if the smell is stronger near the drain pipe

This helps narrow down whether the issue is inside the washer or coming from the drain.

Common Causes and Fixes

1) Bacteria Buildup Inside the Washer

Detergent residue, fabric softener, and moisture can create bacteria that smells like sulfur.

Fix:

• Run a hot cycle with white vinegar or a washer cleaner
• Follow with a second hot cycle using baking soda
• Leave the door or lid open after washing to dry the tub

This is the most common cause.

2) Dirty or Clogged Drain Hose

Water can sit in the drain hose and grow bacteria.

Fix:

• Pull the washer out carefully
• Check the drain hose for kinks or sagging
• Flush the hose with hot water if possible

If water can’t drain freely, smells will come back.

3) Sewer Gas Coming From the Drain

If the smell is strongest near the wall drain, sewer gas may be escaping.

This happens when:

• The drain trap dries out
• The washer isn’t used often
• There’s a plumbing vent issue

Fix:

• Pour water into the drain to refill the trap
• Run the washer at least once a week

If the smell keeps returning, a plumber may need to check the venting.

4) Mold or Mildew in Hidden Areas

Smells can hide in:

• Rubber door gasket (front-loaders)
• Detergent drawer
• Under the washer lid

Fix:

• Wipe seals and gaskets with vinegar
• Remove and clean the detergent tray
• Dry all areas thoroughly

When It’s Probably Not DIY

Call a professional if:

• The smell is strong throughout the house
• Sewer odors persist after cleaning
• You suspect a plumbing vent or drain issue

Those problems are usually outside the washer itself.

Quick Recap

If your washing machine smells like rotten eggs, the most common causes are:

• Bacteria buildup
• Standing water in the drain system
• Sewer gas from a dry or blocked trap

Regular cleaning and proper drainage usually solve the problem.

A washing machine that shakes violently can be alarming, especially if it feels like it’s about to walk across the floor. This is a very common issue and usually doesn’t mean the machine is broken. In most cases, the problem is related to balance, load size, or how the washer is installed.

Below are the most common reasons washing machines shake, what’s normal, what’s not, and what you can safely check yourself.

Common Reasons a Washing Machine Shakes Violently

Washing machines spin at very high speeds, especially during the final spin cycle. If something is even slightly off, that motion can turn into intense shaking.

Uneven or Unbalanced Load

This is the most common cause.

Heavy items like towels, blankets, or jeans can clump together on one side of the drum. When the washer spins, the uneven weight causes the machine to shake aggressively.

Washer Not Level

If the washing machine isn’t sitting level on the floor, it can wobble and shake during operation.

This often happens when:

• The washer was recently moved
• The floor is uneven
• The adjustable feet aren’t properly set

Even a small tilt can cause major vibration.

Overloading the Washer

Putting too many clothes into the washer makes it harder for the drum to spin evenly. Overloaded washers are much more likely to shake, especially during high-speed spin cycles.

Worn or Damaged Shock Absorbers

Front-load and high-efficiency washers use shock absorbers or suspension rods to control movement. If these parts wear out over time, the washer may shake excessively even with normal loads.

This issue is more common in older machines.

Shipping Bolts Still Installed

If the washer is new and shakes violently, shipping bolts may still be installed. These bolts are used to protect the drum during transport and must be removed before use.

Leaving them in place can cause extreme shaking.

Is Some Shaking Normal?

Yes. Mild movement during the spin cycle is normal, especially with heavy loads. However, violent shaking, loud banging, or the washer moving across the floor is not normal and should be addressed.

If the shaking happens every load, even with light clothing, something is likely off.

Easy Things You Can Check and Fix Safely

You can often reduce or eliminate shaking with a few simple checks.

Redistribute the Load

If the washer starts shaking:

• Pause the cycle
• Open the door
• Spread clothes evenly around the drum
• Restart the cycle

This alone fixes many shaking problems.

Check That the Washer Is Level

• Place a level on top of the washer
• Adjust the feet until the washer sits evenly
• Make sure all feet are firmly touching the floor

Some washers also have locking nuts on the feet that should be tightened once level.

Avoid Overloading

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for load size. Clothes should have room to move freely inside the drum.

Use the Correct Spin Speed

High spin speeds aren’t always necessary, especially for bulky items. Lowering the spin speed can reduce shaking significantly.

When to Call a Professional

If the washing machine still shakes violently after:

• Leveling the washer
• Redistributing loads
• Avoiding overloading

The problem may involve internal components such as:

• suspension rods
• shock absorbers
• drum support issues

These repairs usually require professional service.

How to Prevent Shaking in the Future

• Wash bulky items separately
• Mix heavy and light items in loads
• Level the washer periodically
• Avoid overfilling the drum

Good loading habits go a long way in keeping your washer stable.

Final Thoughts

A washing machine that shakes violently is usually dealing with balance or installation issues rather than a serious mechanical failure. Simple adjustments and proper loading can often solve the problem quickly.

If shaking continues despite these fixes, a professional inspection can help identify worn components.