I’ll never forget the time a thunderstorm knocked out my power mid-wash cycle. When the lights flickered back on, my washing machine just sat there—silent, unresponsive, and full of soaking wet clothes. Panic mode: activated.
If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry! Most washing machines have built-in protection against power surges, but sometimes they need a little help getting back to normal. The good news? A simple reset is often all it takes. I’ve done this plenty of times, and I’m going to walk you through exactly what to do—step by step.
Let’s bring your washing machine back to life! 🚀
Step 1: Unplug It and Take a Deep Breath
Before you start pressing buttons like a mad scientist, the first thing you should do is unplug the machine.
✅ Pull the plug from the wall and let it sit for at least 5 minutes.
✅ If your machine is hardwired, flip the breaker switch off.
✅ Use this time to grab a coffee or take a deep breath—rushing won’t help!
💡 Why This Works: Modern washing machines have memory chips that sometimes “freeze” after a surge. Unplugging it lets everything fully reset.
Step 2: Try the Classic “Power Button Trick”
Sometimes, your washing machine just needs a little push to wake up. After you unplug it, try this:
1️⃣ Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds.
2️⃣ Release it and wait another minute.
3️⃣ Plug the washer back in and see if it responds.
This little trick has worked for me more times than I can count. Think of it like rebooting a stubborn smartphone—it just needs a little reminder to start fresh.
Step 3: Reset Using a Special Button Combo (If Your Washer Has One)
Some washing machines come with a hidden reset feature. The exact steps depend on your model, but here are some of the most common reset methods:
🔹 Press and hold the Start/Pause button for 5 seconds.
🔹 Press Start + Power at the same time for 10 seconds.
🔹 Turn the dial to the Off position, then back to a cycle, and press Start.
If your machine has a digital display, you might see an error code—write it down! That can help you troubleshoot later if needed.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re not sure which reset method works for your model, check the user manual. (No idea where it is? A quick Google search with your washer’s model number + “reset” should help!)
Step 4: Flip the Breaker If It Still Won’t Turn On
If your washer still won’t respond after unplugging it, it might not be getting power at all. Here’s what to do:
1️⃣ Go to your home’s breaker box.
2️⃣ Find the switch labeled “Laundry” or “Washer”.
3️⃣ Flip it OFF, wait 10 seconds, then flip it ON again.
I had a washer once that wouldn’t turn on no matter what I did—turns out, the power surge had tripped the breaker without me realizing it. A simple flip fixed everything!
Step 5: Check for a “Surge Protector Mode”
Some newer washing machines actually lock themselves down after a power surge to prevent damage. If yours has this feature, you may need to manually reset it.
🔹 Check your user manual (or look up your model online) for any “Power Surge Reset” instructions.
🔹 Some washers have a small reset button near the power cord—press and hold it for 5 seconds.
🔹 If your washer has a digital display, look for an “Unlock” or “Reset” option.
💡 Pro Tip: If you live in an area with frequent power surges, consider plugging your washer into a surge protector. It’s a cheap way to avoid problems in the future!
Step 6: Run a Quick Test Cycle
At this point, your washing machine should be back in action. But before you start throwing in a full load of laundry, run a quick test cycle:
✅ Set it to a short cycle (like Rinse & Spin).
✅ Watch and listen for anything unusual—delayed start, weird noises, flashing error codes.
✅ If everything seems normal, you’re good to go!
🎉 Congrats! You just saved yourself a repair call.
If your washing machine is still acting up after all these steps, don’t give up just yet. Here are a few more things to check:
🔹 Is the outlet working? – Try plugging something else into the same socket to be sure.
🔹 Are there error codes? – Look them up online for clues about what’s wrong.
🔹 Is the control panel fried? – In rare cases, a massive power surge can damage the machine’s electronic board. If you suspect this, it might be time to call a pro.
Power surges can be a headache, but resetting your washing machine is usually quick and easy if you know what to do. I’ve done this process more times than I’d like to admit, and trust me—it’s way better than calling for repairs!
Next time your washer refuses to turn on after a storm or power outage, just follow these steps:
✔️ Unplug it and let it rest.
✔️ Try a manual reset button combo.
✔️ Check the breaker.
✔️ Run a quick test cycle.
And most importantly—stay patient! Washing machines are just like us… sometimes they need a moment to reboot. 😄
Now go rescue your laundry and enjoy your fully functioning washer! 🚀
