The water and detergent during the wash cycle create a foam that helps clean your clothes. However, the overflow of bubbles coming from the washing machine indicates an issue that needs to be fixed.

So, what to do when washing machine overflows with bubbles? Too many suds from the washing machine will not only cover and damage the floor but also lead to poorly washed clothes that you will need to wash again.

Continue reading if you want to discover what you can do when the washing machine overflows with bubbles.

What to Do When Washing Machine Overflows With Bubbles
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What to Do When Washing Machine Overflows With Bubbles

There are several steps to implement in a situation in which your washing machine starts overflowing with foam.

You will need to cut the power, put away the clothes, stop the suds, and finally figure out the problem to prevent it from happening again.

Steps to Take When the Washing Machine Overflows

Cut the power

When the washing machine overflows, the first thing to do is to cut the power off. That said, you will need to cut the power from the circuit breaker or the fuse box, as standing in water and unplugging the power cord from the wall is risky and can lead to electrocution.

You also shouldn’t press the ‘Cancel’ button as it may activate the drain cycle. If the power is off, but the machine continues to overflow, there may be a problem with the water inlet valve.

Stop the studs from overflowing 

Once you cut the power, you need to place your clothes in a safe space and move any other items affected by the overflow process.

Then, it is time to stop the suds, and you can do so by grabbing a salt shaker. The salt and the water create a chemical reaction, making the studs disappear.

Clean up the area

Afterward, you can clean the area from the water to prevent floor damage. You can start by mopping up the water around the appliance, or if there is too much water, you can also use a bucket. 

In some cases, you may also need to use fans to dry out the area, as the floor can become moldy or wrapped. You can also call for a professional clean-out service if there is heavy damage.

Read more: What To Do If Glass Breaks In Washing Machine?

How to Prevent Overflow From Happening Again

Now that you know what to do when the washing machine overflows with bubbles, let’s discuss how to prevent it from happening again.

One of the main factors causing overflow is using the wrong detergent or too much of it. Therefore, I recommend reading the labels of the cleanser to ensure that you are using the right cleanser and the right amount for your washing machine.

Also, over time, the washing machine accumulated detergent residue inside, causing many issues, such as overflow. In this case, run the self-cleaning or the rinse cycle to dissolve the detergent build-up and clean the appliance.

Also read: Why Are Washing Machine Pedestals So Expensive?

More about the overflow prevention

Once you determine the case with the washing machine, you can make a quick test without putting clothes in the appliance to determine how it performs.

If the machine is new, there can also be faulty equipment. In such a case, contacting the manufacturer might be the best option.

The common cause for a washing machine overflow can also be overstuffing it with clothes, causing risks that can cause overflow. 

Another thing to do is check the washer hose for leaks and ensure it is tightened. If there is hose damage, you will need to replace it with a new one.

Moreover, problems with the plumbing system can also cause overflow. Debris and dirt can clog the drainage system, so regular cleaning and maintaining the pipe and drain are important.

Additionally, to prevent the washing machine from overflowing, check whether the standpipe and water pressure are correctly installed, as low water pressure can also cause overflow.

Also read: What To Do With Old Washing Machine Motor?

Conclusion

So, what to do when washing machine overflows with bubbles? You got all the instructions above. The overflow can lead to improperly washed clothes and damage the floor and any items around it in the process. 

For this reason, you will need to implement the necessary steps to stop the studs from coming out of the appliance and find the root of the issue to prevent a malfunction from happening again in the future.