Washing Machine Stuck On Rinse Cycle (Easy Fix)

Washing Machines are an essential part of our daily life. 

They are a great purchase, with every other brand just becoming better than the last one you saw. But the fact is they sometimes do not function properly.

As frustrating as it gets, washing machines stuck on the rinse cycle is common and happens in every household that uses the appliance frequently.

This article will discuss why your washing machine gets stuck on the rinse cycle. I will also provide some steps to fix this quickly at home, without wasting money on callings for a service technician.

Washing Machine Stuck On Rinse Cycle

If the drain control breaks or the drain is clogged, the washing water won’t be able to escape, and the washing machine will stall trying to start the rinse cycle. A jammed water inlet valve might also be one of the reasons.

Here is what you can try before calling a professional-

1. Check The Water Supply Faucets

A clogged or malfunctioning valve might be one of the primary reasons the washing machine is stuck on the rinse cycle.

Washing machines generally have two supply faucets or water inlet valves, one for hot water and one for cold water. 

Suppose your washer works fine up to the point of the rinse cycle. In that case, this is a likely sign that your cold water supply faucet has malfunctioned since it needs cold water at this point. 

The valve may have jammed. It is also possible that the water filters inside the pipes leading into the washer have become clogged.

This is the primary reason the washer is stuck on the rinse cycle. You can fix this by following some simple steps to clean the water inlet valve of the washing machine.

1. Unplug the washing machine from the outlet.
2. Turn off the water supply at the supply valves on the wall behind the washer by turning the knobs clockwise. There will be supply valves for both the hot and cold water inlets.
3. Unscrew the water supply hoses from the back of the washing machine. Use the pliers if the hose coupling is difficult to move or is stuck in place.
4. Brush out any dirt from the inlet screens.
5. Reattach them when they are clean and plug the washer back into the outlet.
6. Run a test load without clothes to see if the valves and screens return to their original positions.

2. Check The Washer Timer

If the washing machine is still stuck on the rinse cycle, there is a probability that the timer is stuck or not moving forward.

Your washing machine’s cycles depend on the timer you set for them.

If the timer is not moving forward, the machine will likely get stuck on one cycle, and you may need to work on it manually.

The timer needs to send signals to the rest of the washer to make it switch to different steps. You might need to replace your timer to get past the rinse cycle. 

Replacing a timer costs about $120 a piece, and you can follow the step-by-step procedure based on this video.

3. Check The Drain Control

A clogged drain causes the washing machine to get stuck on the rinse cycle.

The drain control mechanism allows water to drain from the washing machine correctly. 

If the drain control breaks or the drain is clogged, the washing water won’t be able to escape, and the washing machine will stall trying to start the rinse cycle. You may be able to clean and readjust your drain control components, or you may have to replace them entirely so they can start functioning again.

How To Unclog The Drain Hose?

Clogged drains might be why your washing machine either does not work or is stuck on one cycle.

Washing machines can have problems, such as clogged or slow draining drains. 

When your washing machine doesn’t drain efficiently, it is often because of soap residue, dryer lint, grease, and oils that come off your clothes. You will need to clean out the drainage pipe to fix this problem.

Usually, hot water and a commercial drain cleaner are excellent and easy components to clean. 

1. Unplug the washing machine from the outlet and locate the drain hose. 
2. Drain the washing machine of the water and remove the drain hose. 
3. Unclog the drain hose using vinegar, baking soda, hot water, or a commercial drain cleaner. 
4. Once done, try running a test cycle without clothes to see if the washing machine drains the water properly.

If you are using a commercial drain cleaner, get one that is safe to use with your type of pipes and your type of drainage system. Some strong products containing sulfuric acid can damage PVC pipes, which are generally not good for the environment.

To minimize the chance of a clogged washing machine drain, place a wire mesh lint catcher on the end of the drainage pipe that is coming out of your machine. 

However, you should also clean your drain hose from time to time for extra precaution.

Why Does A Washing Machine Pause Mid-Cycle?

If your washing machine pauses mid-cycle, it is primarily because of electrical problems.

1. Faulty Wiring

Faulty wiring may be why your timer is malfunctioning and your washer is stuck on one cycle or even in the middle.

2. Power Cut

Power may cut out when your washer reaches the rinse cycle, causing it to shut down entirely. The signals needed to move to the following process may not be able to move through corroded or burned-out wiring. 

These problems can be challenging to pinpoint. Hence, it is best to call for a professional and have them look at the appliance.

Final Remarks

It’s incredibly frustrating when your washing machine is stuck on the rinse cycle, and you must manually drain it. Luckily there are several proven fixes:

1. Check the water supply faucets
2. Check the washer timer
3. Check the drain control