Why Does My Washing Machine Keep Stopping? (Find Out Now!)

So, you started your washing machine and walked away to do other tasks. When you returned, instead of finding freshly cleaned laundry, you found half-washed, soapy clothing. This means your washing machine stopped mid-cycle. So, why does this happen?

There are many potential reasons why a washing machine might stop during a wash cycle. The potential problems could range from an imbalanced load of laundry to a damaged part. Luckily, it often means that the washer is detecting a problem and preventing further damage to the machine. This safeguard will save you time and money on more complicated repairs.

Keep reading for a breakdown of common problems that might cause a washing machine to stop mid-cycle, and how to fix them.

This is a common problem in top-loading washing machines that occurs when all of the items have been loaded to one side, or have moved to one side during the cycle. It is also common when washing bulky items, such as bedding or towels. If you noticed a loud banging noise prior to your washing machine turning off, this is likely the culprit.

Many washing machines contain sensors that will detect imbalance and automatically turn off your machine to prevent damage to the machine itself. This is the simplest cause of a washer that keeps stopping, with the quickest fix:

Another simple and straightforward reason why your washing machine stopped running is due to an issue with the power supply. This could mean that the lights flickered while your washing machine was running, or there might’ve simply been a random malfunction.

To fix problems with the power supply, try doing a master reset on your washing machine. This can be completed by simply unplugging the machine for one minute, and then plugging it back in. Some washers can also be reset by opening and closing the door 6 times in a row within 12 seconds.

Another potential problem with the power supply could be a faulty plug, which will require repair or replacement.

Every washing machine, no matter the type, has a mechanism on the door which either prevents the door from being opened mid-cycle or pauses the cycle when the lid or door is opened.

Top-loading washing machines contain a lid switch, which automatically pauses the cycle. This is operated by a pin on the bottom of the lid, which flips the switch when the lid is closed. Ensure that your lid is completely closed and that the pin has clicked. If this is the case and the washer still won’t resume the cycle, you may need to replace the lid switch.

Front-loading washing machines contain a door lock, to prevent users from opening the door mid-cycle. This is also present in some newer models of top-loading machines. This component can malfunction just like the lid switch. If your washer contains a digital screen, it might also display an error code when a malfunction has occurred with the door lock.

While it is possible for experienced individuals to replace the door lock and lid switch, it is best to consult a professional repair technician to avoid further damage.

Your washing machine contains a filter that catches debris and miscellaneous items. This feature prevents items from clogging or damaging the main drain, which can be a more serious problem. To avoid damage to your machine, it might shut itself down when the filter becomes clogged.

The filter is often located on the front of the washing machine in the bottom right corner. It can be identified by a small rectangular square, which is a panel that covers the filter components.

Here’s how to unclog your washing machine filter:

Some washing machines contain a timer that signals the next cycle. If your timer is malfunctioning, it can cause the same cycle to be repeated over and over, or it can cause your washer to pause between cycles. Washing machine timers have been known to go bad over time.

To access the timer, you’ll either need to remove the back of your washer or the control board. Consult the manual for your washing machine model to identify the timer’s exact location, as it varies between models. You will need to test the timer with a multimeter to diagnose a problem. If a problem is identified, this part will need to be replaced.

There are a number of reasons why a washing machine might go off balance. You might have overloaded the tub, or it could simply be a result of bulky items within a load of laundry. It could also be a result of debris stuck between the tub and agitator. Or, your washing machine might not be on a level surface. If your washing machine is brand new, you might have accidentally missed a piece of packaging material to be removed.

If none of these problems is the culprit, your washing machine might have a damaged component that needs to be replaced. Contact a repair technician for best results.

Residue buildup in your washing machine is a normal occurrence over time. If it seems to be happening too frequently, you might be using too much soap per load, leaving excess soap behind. If this is the case, you might also notice excess soap left behind on your clothing.

To prevent residue buildup, run your washer’s clean cycle regularly. Alternatively, clean your washing machine by running an empty cycle with 2-4 cups of white vinegar.

There are a number of reasons why a washing machine might stop mid-cycle. These potential reasons range from simple to complex. Some can be easily fixed at home, and others will require assistance from a technician.

When diagnosing the problem with your washer, start by trying out the simple fixes, unless there are other signs indicating a bigger problem with your machine. Then work your way to the more complicated potential problems until you get your machine back in working order.