Washing Machine Stuck On Wash Cycle? (16 Solutions to Try)

If you have a washing machine that’s stuck on a wash cycle, you’re not alone.

This is a common problem and in most cases, it can be fixed without calling a repairman.

There are plenty of solutions to try before you call for help.

In this blog post, we’ll cover sixteen solutions that you can try before calling the service center or a professional.

Here’s what this article covers:

• What to do if your Washing Machine is Stuck on Wash Cycle?
  • Check Program Errors
  • Check the User Manual
  • Check the Laundry Load
  • Check for Clothes with Loose Fibers
  • Check the Lid Switch
  • Check the Water Level
  • Check the Water Level Sensor
  • Check the Drain Pump
  • Check for Foreign Objects
  • Check the Water Inlet Valve
  • Check for blockages in the drainage system
  • Use Suitable Detergent
  • Check the water level control valve
  • Clean the filters
  • Try a Different Cycle
  • Reset the Machine
  • Call the Service Center OR Professional for help
• Final Thoughts
• Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s go through each of the solutions.

What to do if your Washing Machine is Stuck on Wash Cycle?

If your washing machine is stuck on the wash cycle, it can be frustrating.

There are several reasons why your washing machine may be stuck on a wash cycle.

Let’s take a quick look at the possible causes and solutions.

Check Program Errors

The first thing you should do if your washing machine is stuck on a wash cycle is to check for program errors.

Program errors can occur if the washing machine has any underlying issue OR if there is something wrong with the washer internally.

Having said that in most cases, program errors can be due to false positives.

For example, if the washer doesn’t sense a laundry load, it may assume there is something wrong and throw a program error.

False alerts can be easily eliminated by either canceling and restarting the wash cycle OR resetting the machine.

Check the User Manual

If you’re unsure about how to clear a program error or reset the machine, the next best thing to do is to check the user manual.

The user manual will have all the information you need on how to troubleshoot and fix common issues and program error codes.

Check the Laundry Load

Another common reason why your washing machine may be stuck on a wash cycle is due to an imbalanced laundry load.

If the load is unbalanced, it can cause the washer to become off-balance and stop mid-cycle.

To fix this issue, you will need to redistribute the laundry load evenly and restart the cycle.

The laundry load can have a big impact on the washing machine’s performance.

Also Read: How to balance a washing machine drum?

Check for Clothes with Loose Fibers

If any of the clothes in the load have loose fibers, it can cause the washer to become clogged.

To fix this issue, you will need to remove any clothes with loose fibers and restart the cycle.

If the washer is still getting clogged, you may need to clean the filters.

Check the Lid Switch

The lid switch is responsible to detect if the washer door is open or closed.

If the lid switch is defective, it can cause the washing machine to get stuck on a wash cycle.

It’s common to see sporadic behavior i.e. at times the lid switch may work just as expected and at times it may not work at all. This generally happens when the lid switch is starting to fail OR if there is loose connectivity.

You can check the lid switch using a multimeter, simply unplug the lid switch connector and place the multimeter on the outer connector.

And then check for the continuity, if there is no power detected OR if there are intermittent fluctuations, it signifies that the lid switch is either failing OR there is loose connectivity.

To fix this issue, you may need to replace the lid switch.

Check the Water Level

Another common reason why your washing machine may be stuck on a wash cycle is due to low water levels.

If the water level is too low, it can cause the washing machine to get stuck on a wash cycle.

There can be multiple reasons why your washer has low water levels in the first place, it can be anything from a choked drainage system to a faulty pump.

It’s important you get the issue diagnosed if the root cause is low water levels.

To fix this issue, you will need to add more water to the washing machine and restart the cycle.

However, if you are using a front-load washer, you may not be able to add the water manually.

What you can try doing is, drain the washer manually and then try running a fresh wash cycle.

Having said that, if the water level issue is due to a choked drainage system, it’s likely that your washer will have a hard time flushing out the wastewater.

Check the Water Level Sensor

The water level sensor is responsible for detecting the water levels in the washing machine.

If the water level sensor is defective, it won’t be able to detect the ideal water level required to run a wash cycle.

There is a possibility that everything is ok inside the washer except the water level sensor.

The possible solution to this problem is to first check the power continuity on the water sensor board.

If there is no power supply, you will need to replace the water level sensor.

Check the Drain Pump

A faulty drain pump is another common reason why your washing machine may be stuck on a wash cycle.

The drain pump is responsible for draining out the water from the washing machine.

If the drain pump is defective, it won’t be able to drain out the water properly, which also means your washer won’t proceed to fill the washtub with fresh water unless wastewater is completely flushed out.

To fix this issue, you may need to diagnose the drain pump by using a multimeter and if everything is OK, just try cleaning the drain pump.

If nothing works, replace the drain pump.

Check for Foreign Objects

If there are any foreign objects stuck in the washing machine, it can cause the washer to become clogged.

The most common foreign objects that get stuck in a washing machine are small items such as coins, buttons, hairpins, socks, etc.

Try clearing out the foreign objects.

Check the Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve is responsible for supplying water to the washing machine.

A choked water inlet valve is a common issue that can cause the washing machine to get stuck on a wash cycle.

To fix this issue, you will need to clean the water inlet valve and restart the cycle.

If the valve is damaged beyond repair, you will need to replace it.

You can easily clean the water inlet valve by following the below steps:

• Unscrew the valve from your washer (Usually located at the backside of the washer)
• Remove any debris or sediment that might be present
• Flush the valve with clean water
• Screw the valve back into place
• Restart the cycle

Check for blockages in the drainage system

If there is a blockage in the drainage system, it can cause the water to go back into the washing machine.

This again means that your washer won’t be able to fill the tub with fresh water, thereby causing it to get stuck on a wash cycle.

To fix this issue, you will need to clear out the blockage from the drainage system.

You can do this by using a plunger or a drain snake.

If you are unable to clear the blockage, you will need to call a professional.

Use Suitable Detergent

An Unsuitable detergent can produce lots of suds that can prevent the washing machine from draining properly.

Try switching the detergent if you notice a specific brand of detergent is causing the issue.

Also, make sure to use the correct amount of detergent as using too much can also produce excess suds.

Check the water level control valve

Check if the water level control valve is blocked, if it is blocked, try unblocking them by using Vinegar and water.

Clean the filters

Check for possible clogs and blockage in filters, if you notice any, clean them out.

A blocked or choked filter can cause the washing machine to get stuck on a wash cycle.

To fix this issue, you will need to clean the filters and restart the cycle.

Try a Different Cycle

If your washing machine is still stuck on the wash cycle, try changing the cycle.

Sometimes, a simple change in the cycle can help fix the issue.

Reset the machine

As a last resort, you can try resetting the machine.

This will usually clear out any errors and help fix the issue.

To reset the machine, simply unplug it from the power outlet and wait for a few minutes.

Then plug it back in and restart the cycle.

If the washing machine is still stuck on wash cycle, you may need to call a professional.

Call the Service Center OR Professional for help

If you have tried all of the above solutions and your washing machine is still not working, it is time to call a professional.

They will be able to diagnose the issue and provide a solution.

Final Thoughts

If you are taking proper care of your washer by doing timely maintenance and cleaning, it’s unlikely that you will face this situation.

As a best practice, always use high-quality detergent and try avoiding fabric softeners unless necessary.

I hope this article helped you to understand why your washing machine is stuck on a wash cycle along with possible fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related that are often asked.