Washing Machine Reset is a process to restart the washer after it experiences an error OR fault caused due to an underlying problem. The process generally involves turning off the washer either through a power-off button OR unplugging the washer from the power outlet followed by restarting the washer.
Technically, resetting is like refreshing the washer functions.
In this post, you will learn:
- Why do you need to reset a washer?
- How to reset a washing machine? (Multiple brands covered)
- Commonly Asked Questions
- And More…
Let’s get started.
Table Of Content
- Why do you reset a Washing Machine?
- How to reset a washing machine?
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you reset a washing machine?
After several types of research and collective information, we have come across a few common causes that force you to reset a progressive washer.
Human error
The most common cause that forces to reset the washer is human error.
Here’s why…
There may be scenarios where you may have selected the wrong cycle type for the wrong type of fabric.
This makes your washer overwork and may lead to an error.
Another possible reason could be, that an unwanted object may have entered the washer through the clothes.
In such scenarios, you may want to stop the washer or open the door in the mid-cycle to rectify the errors.
Although most washing machines have a Start/Pause or a Stop button to halt your washer mid-cycle, there may be instances that it may not work out and this is when you need to reset the washer.
Also read: How to Unlock a Washing Machine Door Mid-Cycle?
Technical errors
Most washers display error codes on the digital display panels.
These errors indicate a possible problem with some of the functions of your washer.
At times, it can simply be a false alarm that goes away with a simple reset.
To avoid a few error codes popping on the display, especially the false alarms, we tend to reset the washer.
While in the majority of the cases the reset works, it may not be able to clear all types of errors.
If you are repeatedly getting the same error code you may have to diagnose and fix these errors with help of the user guide OR simply reach out to an expert.
Also Read: Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes & Solutions
Malfunctioning washer components
At times, the sensors simply won’t respond and may interrupt the ongoing wash cycle.
In such a scenario, resetting your washer is the best thing you can do.
This will not only clear the error but also resume the washing cycle.
Resetting is the best option if your washer is stuck and does not move to another cycle or keeps repeating the current cycle.
Having said that, if there is a major underlying cause such as choked pipe OR worn-out internal components the error may not go away with reset.
Also Read: How to fix 4c Error in Samsung Washing Machine?
How to reset a washing machine?
To reset your washing machine, there is a standard protocol set for almost all brands of washers.
Let’s take a quick look at the steps you need to take in order to reset the washing machine.
Master Reset
The below steps are applicable for most washers irrespective of brands and types.
- Simply, unplug your washer from the power outlet OR you may turn off the power supply to your washer and wait for a couple of minutes.
- Plug the cord back into the power socket OR turn on the power supply.
- Now, open and close the washing machine door six times.
By following the above steps a reset signal is sent to the washer’s control unit.
Note: Few programmable washing machines have a reset button available that can be pushed in order to reset the washer. If that doesn’t work, you may use the above master reset steps.
Let us see a few other ways to reset different washing machine brands.
Steps to reset the Samsung, LG, Amana, Kenmore, and Whirlpool Washing Machines
Although most washers use a similar mechanism to reset the washer, different brands have their own way of executing the resetting function.
Let’s take a quick look into the steps required to reset the washer by 4 brands.
How to Reset SAMSUNG Washing Machine?
Samsung recommends resetting the washer by simply unplugging the power cable and then waiting for at least 1 to 5 minutes. And then, Plug the power cable in followed by starting the washer.
Another option is to use the network reset option.
A Network reset is performed to erase all Wi-Fi and network information from the washing machine.
Follow the below steps in order to perform the network reset:
Step 1: Gently press and hold the “Smart Control” button near the Display Panel until you see “AP” displayed, this may take about 3 seconds of holding time.
Step 2: Now press and hold the “Temp” button for about 7 seconds and you will see “OK” after which the display will then go back to “AP” on the panel.
Step 3: Turn off the washer. The next time you try to connect something to the washer, the Wi-Fi and network information will be refreshed.
Note: Network Reset is only applicable to Wi-Fi-capable washers.
Also Read: How to Clean Samsung Washing Machine top load filter?
How to Reset LG Washing Machine?
In Order to reset the LG washing machine simply turn off the washer or disconnect from the power supply.
Ensure that the power is disabled and now press and hold the START/PAUSE button for 5 seconds.
Post which, Turn the washer on or reconnect to the power supply.
Now run you may start the required wash cycle and it should be fine.
If this doesn’t resolve the issue then troubleshooting is required to fix the exact cause.
Also Read: How to clean LG Washing Machine?
How to reset the AMANA Washing Machine?
Amana Washers also uses the standard steps to reset in most cases, however, you may look into other methods mentioned below:
Method 1:
- Turn off the washer by pressing the ON/OFF button and unplug from the power source.
- Wait for a couple of minutes and then connect it back to the power supply.
- Press the ON/OFF button to turn the washer ON.
- Now Turn OFF the washer by pressing the same button (ON/OFF) on your washer.
- Press and hold the ON/OFF button on the washer for about 20 seconds.
Method 2:
- Turn off the washer or disconnect from the power supply.
- Ensure power is disabled and now press and hold the START/PAUSE button for 5 seconds.
- Turn the washer on or reconnect to the power supply.
The washer is now Reset for further operations.
Also Read: How to Clean Amana Washing Machine Filter Top Toader?
Method 3:
- At times you may consider running Self Test or the Diagnostic Modes, this can fix a lot of errors from your Amana washer.
- These modes can reset your washer back to the factory settings.
- In order to follow these steps, you may refer to the user manuals or simply contact the manufacturer’s helpline numbers.
How to reset Kenmore Washing Machines?
Kenmore washers can also be reset through the standard steps mentioned above in this article but there are two more options just in case one doesn’t work.
Standard Resetting steps:
- Press the stop button twice and then press Power.
- Select a Normal Wash cycle.
- Now choose a wash option either Hot & Cold or Cold.
- Finally, press the start button and this should reset your washer.
Other Reset options:
- Turn off the washer or disconnect from the power supply.
- Ensure power is disabled and now press and hold the START/PAUSE button for 5 seconds.
- Turn the washer on or reconnect to the power supply.
- Now simply restart your washer and continue with your laundry.
Also Read: How to Clean Kenmore Washing Machine Filter top loader?
How to Reset WHIRLPOOL Washing Machine?
To reset a whirlpool washing machine simply follow the below steps.
- Press the Power button from the control panel so that the washer turns OFF.
- Unplug the washer from the power supply and wait for a couple of minutes.
- Connect it to the power supply.
- Push the Power button on the control panel to turn the washer ON.
- This will reset the washer.
Also Read: Why is the Whirlpool washer not agitating? (Solutions)
Final Thoughts
In almost all washing machines there is a common protocol to reset the washer. The steps and buttons may vary but overall the core methodology remains the same.
Resetting the washer as the first step is not recommended, instead, you need to get to the core of the cause and fix them accordingly.
The reset option works best for a few scenarios such as temporary errors and false alerts.
Lastly, before doing a hard reset, just check if your washer has a reset button or not.
If your washer has a reset button, make use of it before opting for the hard reset method.
Also Read: How to Troubleshoot a Portable Washing Machine?
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us look into some of the common questions that are asked frequently.
Is there a Reset button on a washing machine?
Most modern-day washers have added the reset feature to make the task easy and it further allows you to fix a few related errors. The most common way to reset a washer is to turn off the washer and disconnect it from the power source, then pause for a couple of minutes followed by restarting the washer.
Why is my washer’s control panel stuck?
Control panels of the washers allow you to select the functions, there are a few possibilities of a stuck or inoperative control panel such as:
1.) Error Codes: Check for any error codes displayed on the display panel and fix them accordingly.
2.) Child Safety Lock: An active Child Safety Lock needs to be deactivated.
3.) Delay Start Feature: If the Delay Start feature was used then you need to deactivate it.
In some cases, you may have to simply restart or reset the washer if the problem persists.
