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In this article, we shall look at how to fix some of the most common Whirlpool front load washer problems.
Read it to the end if your Whirlpool front load washing machine is malfunctioning.
Whirlpool front load washer problems and solutions
Keep in mind that we shall look at the potential fix for each problem individually, starting with what you can do if your washer is not starting (won’t turn on).
Whirlpool front load washer not turning on / Whirlpool front load washer won’t turn on / Whirlpool front load washer won’t start / Whirlpool front load washer won’t power on
The main reason why your washer is not starting is due to problems with power supply.
So begin by confirming that your washer is connected to a working power outlet and that power is actually turned on.
It is also important to ensure your washer is connected to its own independent power outlet.
Lastly, if the washer is still not starting, be sure to check the mains – confirm that the circuit breaker to the washer outlet is not tripped(reset it, if tripped).
Whirlpool front load washer won’t begin wash cycle / Whirlpool front load washer not beginning cycle
If it won’t start washing, you should again verify that there’s power (check for power issues as we have seen above).
Next, test the door switch – if it is faulty, your washer is unlikely to start because it will be sensing the door as open.
In fact, for some models, the washer will notify you about a door locking issue by making a beeping sound when you press the START button.
Now, to test the switch, you will need a multimeter.
Your best bet is to get a replacement If you find it defective.
Whirlpool front load washer not cleaning clothes / Whirlpool front load washer not removing stains
#1- Ensure you are not overloading the unit
To begin with, confirm that you are not overloading your unit – overloading could lead to some spots being left dirty.
So, how can you tell if you have overloaded your washing machine?
Well, putting anything more than 3/4’s of the washer counts as overloading – you can always confirm from your manual on the maximum load.
#2-Change the wash setting
Next, confirm that you are using the right setting.
You see, using the wrong setting could end up in your clothes coming out partially clean.
For instance, if you try to wash jeans using the delicates cycle, they will come out still dirty no matter the number of wash cycles you run them in.
Quick Tip: If unsure of the wash cycle to use, refer to your owner’s manual for a detailed explanation.
#3-Ensure you are using a laundry detergent
While at it, confirm that you are using the right laundry detergent (and the right amount).
I should add that even using excess detergent can result in partially clean clothes.
Quick Tip: You can always confirm the amount to use from the description of the laundry detergent.
#4- Try using hot water
If your clothes are heavily soiled, try to use hot water – it washes them best.
Whirlpool front load washer not draining / Whirlpool front load washer not draining completely / Whirlpool front load washer won’t drain or spin / Whirlpool front load washer leaves clothes wet
First check that you’re using the correct cycle – using cycles with slower speeds removes less water and vice versa so use the recommended cycle for your clothes.
Secondly, make sure that you’re not overloading your front-load washing machine – overloading tends to leave some clothes still overly wet (check and confirm that the load is properly balanced too).
Next, verify that the drain hose is not clogged (from accumulated lint, pet hairs, socks and so on).
Here you need to clean the drain hose.
Something else: Confirm that the end of your drain hose is not more than 96 inches above the floor for proper draining (lower it, if necessary).
It could also be that you are using excessive or the wrong detergent – this is so if are seeing extreme suds.
Now, to remove the extra suds, select DRAIN & SPIN with EXTRA RINSE – do not add more detergent after this.
The next possible culprit is the drain pump-Just like the drain hose, it could also be clogged by the same material.
So take off the pump and check for any stuff that could be stuck in there.
Bear in mind that the pump may be faulty, which means you might need a new pump.
Whirlpool front load washer won’t lock / Whirlpool front load washer not locking
The biggest cause of locking fault is the presence of an item under the lid – it could be preventing it from locking.
You therefore need to check and remove any items that may be lodged under the lid.
Next, check the door latch – it could be broken meaning you may have to get a replacement door latch.
Whirlpool front load washer locked and won’t open at end of wash cycle
Well, there could still be some water remaining in the washer so it might be why it won’t open after cycle completes.
For that reason, select DRAIN & SPIN – this setting removes any water remaining in the washer and unlocks it immediately.
Lastly, check to see if the FanFresh® option is turned on.
Why?
Because when it is on, the fan blows and the load is periodically tumbled for up to 12 hours while the door remains locked.
Now, touching the power button turns this option off and unlocks your door (for the most part).
Whirlpool front load washer has odors / Whirlpool front load washer is smelling
These washers typically smell bad if you do not leave your door open for some time after using the washer.
Now, to get rid of the smell, run the Clean Washer with Affresh® cycle.
After that, always run this cycle after every 30 wash cycles or at least once a month.
Water not flowing into Whirlpool front load washer
Here, start by confirming the following:
- Both hoses are attached.
- Water flows to the inlet valve.
- Both hot and cold water faucets are turned on.
In addition, check if there are kinks along the inlet hoses(straighten them out, if you see any).
Now, if this does not solve fix your washer, check the inlet valve screens – they may be clogged.
If so, be sure to clean them.
In the event that none of these fixes your washer, you might need a replacement inlet valve – the valves may have become bad, causing the problem.
Whirlpool front load washer load not rinsing clothes
When it comes to rinsing faults, begin by confirming that you are not overloading your washer – it, in general, will not rinse all the clothes well once overloaded(check and confirm that your load is properly balanced too).
Also, as earlier mentioned, you might be using too much or the wrong detergent – these extra suds could cause the washer not to operate correctly.
So select DRAIN & SPIN with EXTRA RINSE to remove the extra suds.
Finally, check the water supply – confirm that it is flowing into your front load washer (we have just seen what to check above).
Whirlpool front load washer overly vibrates or “walks” during a cycle
Begin by checking your load-It could be unbalanced or too large for your washer.
If so, balance or reduce the load size appropriately.
Next, check and confirm that all your washer’s feet are in full contact with the floor (also confirm that the jam nuts are tight against the bottom of the cabinet).
Next, confirm that your washer is level –use a level.
If this does not fix your unit, it could be that your shopping bolts are still in the back of your washing machine and you should remove them.
See your owners manual if you’re unsure how to remove these bolts.
Whirlpool front load washer problems and solutions continued
Whirlpool front load washer is wrinkling or tangling clothes
Begin by making sure that you are loading your washer as recommended – no overloading.
While at it, be sure to add load loosely – items need to move freely within the washer. This reduces tangling and wrinkling.
Wrinkled clothes are also an indication that you might be using the wrong setting. For example, selecting higher soil levels or using the wrong cycle for your garment.
Next, confirm that you are using warm water for your cycles – warm water helps to relax the wrinkles. You can always set this before beginning your wash cycle.
It could also be that you are not unloading your washer promptly so try to unload your washer as soon as the cycle is over from now on.
If you are not around to unload it, always use the FanFresh® option.
Whirlpool front load washer water and suds leak from door / Whirlpool front load washer water and suds leak from rear of cabinet
If suds are leaking, you are either using the wrong detergent or you are using too much detergent – we have already talked about this.
Remember that to remove the extra suds, you need to select DRAIN & SPIN with EXTRA RINSE – and do not add more detergent afterward.
Oh, and confirm that you are not using thickened, easy-pour or no-splash leach when running the clean washer with affresh® cycle.
Instead, use the recommended affresh® tablet or regular, non-thickened chlorine bleach when cleaning your front load Whirlpool washer.
Finally, if the water is leaking around the door, there could be some lint, pet hair or other debris stuck on the inner door glass.
This can hinder proper sealing with the rubber door seal so clean the door glass and seal and see how it goes.
Whirlpool front load washer problems and solutions -Conclusion
In this article, we have tackled the general problems that you may face with most Whirlpool front load washing machines.
Now, for problems and error codes associated with a specific model, you can always refer to your owner’s manual – it will have a troubleshooting section that detail how to fix all problems and error codes.
Best!
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