What to Do If Your Washing Machine Doesn’t Heat Water

A Real-Life Case

I noticed that after finishing a laundry cycle, my clothes were clean but felt unusually cold. Normally, hot programs leave them warm. I suspected the heating element had burned out. Before rushing to order spare parts or calling service, I opened the manuals that came with the washing machine. They explained possible reasons for the issue and provided simple troubleshooting tips.

Why a Washing Machine May Not Heat Water

Incorrect program chosen. Some eco or cold-wash modes don’t use heating at all.

Faulty heating element. If it’s damaged, the water never warms up.

Thermostat malfunction. The machine can’t regulate or detect water temperature.

Wiring problems. Loose connections may stop power from reaching the heater.

Control board error. Rare but possible, the electronic board may fail to send the heating signal.

In my case, the problem was that I had selected an eco program without realizing it.

Step-by-Step How I Fixed It

Check the program settings. The manuals pointed out which cycles actually heat the water. I had mistakenly chosen a cold program.

Test another cycle. Following the manuals, I ran a cotton cycle at 60°C to see if heating worked. This time, the water was warm.

Inspect the heating element. The manuals explained how to access the bottom panel and visually check for damage or limescale. Mine looked fine.

Check the thermostat. The manuals described diagnostic modes where the thermostat can be tested. It responded normally.

Monitor results. After switching to the correct program, the machine heated water properly again.

FAQ

Q: What if the machine never heats on any program? A: The manuals recommend testing the heating element with a multimeter to confirm resistance.

Q: Can detergent type affect heating? A: The manuals note that some detergents are optimized for cold water, which may make it seem like the machine isn’t heating.

Q: Should I replace the heater myself? A: According to the manuals, it’s better to let a technician handle it unless you have experience with electrical repairs.

Final Thoughts

I almost assumed my washing machine needed expensive repair, but the real issue was simply the wrong program selection. Thanks to the manuals, I discovered the problem quickly and restored normal operation. This experience proved once again that manuals are not just installation booklets — they are essential troubleshooting guides for everyday home appliances.