Washing Machine Agitates Really Slow

If a washing machine is agitating slowly, there must be a problem with the agitator. Alternatively, it may depend on the wash settings you have selected.

Watching a washer agitate slowly is one of the most frustrating things to watch. The worst feeling is not knowing if your clothes will actually come out washed well.

In case you have changed the wash settings of your washer, there is nothing to worry about. When washing delicates, the washing machine agitates slowly to avoid tears and damage.

However, there may be other reasons why your washing machine is agitating slowly. If you are stuck with one such problem, you have come to the right place.

In this article, I will discuss the various reasons for a washer to agitate slowly and how you can fix these issues. Most of these problems can be solved at home so you need not worry too much.

Why Is The Washing Machine Agitating Slowly?

A slowly agitating washing machine can be caused by different wash settings and power supply issues. Additionally, they can cause problems with the agitator and the motor control board.

When your washing machine is agitating slowly, it might be trying to save your delicate clothing. However, this is not always the case.

In some instances, the washer may agitate slowly even in normal wash settings. This activity might indicate the presence of a bigger issue.

Usually, a washing machine may agitate slowly if there is power fluctuation or a loose connection. Yet, there are other reasons why it may be behaving this way.

1. Custom Wash Settings

Sometimes the slow agitation may be caused by the wash settings of your washing machine. When you have sketched delicates or silk from the control panel, the agitation speed may get reduced.

Slower agitation would mean less damage to delicate fabrics and embroidery. Therefore, when you select these options, the machine will naturally agitate slowly.

2. Stuck Laundry

Small bits of laundry or foreign objects may be caught inside the drum and the agitator. This will cause the agitator to get blocked and move slowly.

The blockage is usually caused by broken zips, coins, hairpins, socks, and other small items that may be accidentally left in the washer. To avoid this problem I would recommend double checking all pockets of your clothes before putting them to wash.

3. Broken Or Damaged Agitator 

A broken or damaged agitator may cause the washer to agitate slowly or not agitate at all. An inspection of the agitator will show you if this problem exists. 

You will need to remove the control panel and the casing to reveal the agitator. If it’s damaged, your clothes won’t be cleaned properly. 

4. Power Supply Problem

An inadequate power supply can cause the agitator to move slowly since the supply is limited. A loose connection or low voltage problems can cause slow agitation.

You need to check if the washing machine is getting adequate power to run smoothly. The agitation may also stop if there is a water supply issue.

5. Motor Control Board Problem

The motor control board is also responsible for controlling and regulating the motion of the agitator. In case the board malfunctions, there will be a problem with the agitation speed.

A short circuit of the board may also hinder the agitation process and stop it completely. You need to take out the motor control board and examine it properly to see the problem. 

How Do You Tell If Your Agitator is Broken?

If the agitator on your washer is broken, the machine will stop agitating completely. Alternatively, a close inspection of the agitator will also reveal if it has broken down.

Additionally, a damaged agitator will lead to slow agitation of clothes, and in the end, they will come out dirty. Sometimes you simply have to clean the agitator for it to work properly. 

If all else fails, you can dissemble the washer and check the agitator for breakage or wear and tear. If you are not familiar with washer parts, it’s best to get them checked by a professional. 

How To Fix A Washer That Won’t Agitate?

A slowly agitating washer can be fixed in many ways. The first step will involve finding the main cause of the slow agitation. 

Once the cause is identified, here are the troubleshooting steps that you must follow depending on the problem:-

• If you have chosen delicates or silk, the washer will agitate slowly because of the fabric. However, you can also increase the agitation speed by selecting the power options from the control board.

• In case there is an electric or water supply issue, make sure it is fixed before you test the washing machine again. Try changing the power cord and your switchboard if there is an electric supply problem.

• When the agitator is the problem, you need to dismantle the washer and take a closer look at it. If it’s damaged or broken, replace it immediately with a new one.

• You need to replace the motor control board if it malfunctions or appears to have been short-circuited. You will find plenty of tutorials on how to complete this task.

Is It Possible To Wash Clothes Without The Agitator?

Yes, it is possible to use a washer without an agitator. Usually, when an agitator is absent, an impeller is used to facilitate movement.

If you are wondering about using your washer without the agitator, you can go for it. However, I have tried this method before and can say that it doesn’t clean clothes that well.

Sure, it does open up the space for more clothes but then again you cannot go past the overall load in any case. Additionally, you will need at least an impeller to make the clothes move and mix with water and detergent.

It can be a good alternative when you are short on money and cannot fix the agitator. However, if you want squeaky clean clothes, I would not recommend discarding an agitator.

Final Remarks

Now you know that a slow agitator is not always a cause for alarm. Additionally, you can fix any mechanical problem that is causing your washer to not agitate.

You can always call a professional if money is not an issue. However, the troubleshooting steps are simple enough to achieve through DIY.

Here is a quick recap of what I’ve talked about before.

A slow agitating washing machine may be caused by wash settings or power supply issues. Alternatively, they can be due to damaged agitators or a malfunctioning motor control board.