Having the lights go out while you're doing laundry is an unpleasant situation that can happen to anyone.
What is the right thing to do in such a case and how to restart the washing machine so that it continues to work? In this article, we will give you some useful tips.
Why the washing machine does not work after the lights go out
The behavior of the washing machine after the power goes out depends on its model and age. Modern machines usually have protection against voltage surges and are able to continue washing after the power supply is restored.
They can remember the last selected mode and resume it or offer to choose another. They can also display an error code on the display, which must be deciphered according to the instructions.
What to do if your washing machine doesn't work after a power outage
After the power goes out and comes back on in your home, your washing machine may not resume working. In this case, you need to do a few things.
- Check if the machine is plugged into the socket and if there is voltage in the network.
- Try to resume washing by pressing the “Start/Pause” or “Cancel” button on the machine’s control panel. If this does not work, turn the machine off and on again.
- If the machine still does not respond, unplug it, wait 10-15 seconds and plug it back in. This may help reset the washing program.
If nothing helps, select another washing mode and start it. Perhaps the previous mode was damaged due to voltage surges.
- Check if there is water in the machine's tank. If there is, drain it to avoid leaks or flooding. You can use a drain hose or a filter catcher for this.
- Check if the machine door is locked. If so, you need to unlock it by pressing the “Open” or “Unlock” button. If this does not work, you can wait a few minutes or unplug the machine and plug it back in.
- Check if the power cord or socket is damaged. If there is a suspicion of a short circuit or a blown fuse, it is better to call an electrician or repairman.
- Select the appropriate washing mode. If you want to continue washing from the same place where it stopped, select the same mode and press “Start”. If you want to start washing again, select another mode and press “Start”. If you want to cancel washing, select the “Drain” or “Spin” mode.
- Monitor the machine. If you notice any strange sounds, smells or smoke, immediately unplug the machine and call a technician. Also, do not leave the machine unattended during washing, so that you can react quickly if something happens.
- Protect your machine from voltage surges. To avoid machine breakdowns due to voltage surges, which often occur when turning on the light after turning it off, you can use special devices - stabilizers or network filters. They are connected between the socket and the power cord and regulate the voltage in the network, preventing its sudden changes.
How to Prevent Lights from Going Out During Washing
Having the lights go out during a wash cycle is not only annoying, but also dangerous for your machine and your clothes. To minimize the risk of this happening, you can do the following.
- Check the schedule of planned power outages in your area and do not start your car during these hours. This information can usually be found on the websites of energy companies or on social media.
- Use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to power the machine. This device has a built-in battery that keeps the machine running in the event of a power outage. However, it is quite expensive and bulky, so it is not suitable for everyone.
- Buy machines with power failure protection. These machines can automatically resume washing after the power goes out or save the last selected mode for the next start. They also have protection against power surges and error codes for diagnostics.
We hope these tips will help you restart your washing machine after a power outage and avoid unpleasant consequences. Be careful with your appliance and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
