Guide
How to Reset a Washing Machine
General UK guide explaining safe reset steps for common washing machine issues.
A quick guide to safe first-step washing machine resets before arranging a repair.
Last updated: 15 April 2026
Many washing machines can be reset after a minor interruption, but the safe first step is always to stop the cycle, switch the appliance off, and check the manual if one is available.
A reset works best when it follows the right first check for the fault family. If the machine is not draining, start with drainage pages such as Beko E18, Hotpoint F05, or Samsung 5C before you try another cycle.
Safe reset checklist
- Turn the appliance off and unplug it from the mains.
- Wait a few minutes before restoring power.
- Check for obvious issues such as a blocked filter, a door not closing properly, or a tripped circuit.
- Restart with a short cycle only if the machine appears safe to use.
Reset after fill or water-level checks
- Use Samsung 1C or Samsung 1E if the washer cannot trust the water level reading.
- Use Samsung OC, Samsung 0C, or Samsung LC if the drum looks too full or water may be leaking.
- Use Samsung 4C or Samsung 4E1 if the machine is simply not filling properly.
Reset after door or spin checks
- Use Hotpoint F06, Hotpoint F17, or Samsung DC1 if the washer will not start because the door is not recognised as locked.
- Use Samsung UB, Samsung UE, or the guide on door, balance and spin faults if the machine drains but still will not spin.
Reset-related washing machine fault codes
Bosch Washing Machine E30
Overflow or leak protection has been triggered
Bosch Washing Machine F21
Motor drive or drum movement issue
Samsung Washing Machine AC
The washer has detected an internal communication fault between electronic controls.
Samsung Washing Machine LC
The washer has detected a leak risk or water where it should not be.
Samsung Washing Machine OC
The washer thinks the drum is overfilling or the water level is rising too high.
Hotpoint Washing Machine F01
Motor drive or drum movement issue
Hotpoint Washing Machine F02
Motor drive or drum movement issue
Hotpoint Washing Machine F09
Control or wiring communication fault
Common drainage fault codes
Hotpoint Washing Machine F05
The washer has not drained properly before the spin stage.
Samsung Washing Machine ND
The machine is not draining water correctly
Hotpoint Washing Machine F11
The washer has a drain pump or drainage-circuit fault and cannot empty water properly.
Samsung Washing Machine 5C
The washer cannot drain the water away
Samsung Washing Machine SE
Drainage timeout or not-draining fault
Beko Washing Machine E18
The washer is not draining fast enough through the pump and hose system.
Indesit Washing Machine F11
The washer has a drain pump or drainage-circuit fault and is not emptying water properly.
Bosch Washing Machine E18
The washer cannot drain within the expected time
Common door lock and balance fault codes
Hotpoint Washing Machine F06
The washer cannot confirm that the door is locked securely.
Samsung Washing Machine DC
Door locking or door sensing problem
Samsung Washing Machine DE
Door locking or door sensing problem
Samsung Washing Machine DC1
The washer cannot confirm that the door is shut and locked correctly.
Samsung Washing Machine DE1
The washer cannot confirm that the door is shut properly.
Hotpoint Washing Machine F17
Door locking or door sensing problem
Common balance and spin fault codes
Samsung Washing Machine UE
Load balance or spin detection problem
Samsung Washing Machine UB
The load is too unbalanced for safe spinning
Samsung Washing Machine UB1
The washer has detected a serious load-balance problem while trying to spin.
Beko Washing Machine E17
Load balance or spin detection problem
LG Washing Machine UE
Load balance or spin detection problem
LG Washing Machine UE1
Load balance or spin detection problem
Frequently asked questions
Will a reset fix every washing machine fault?+
No. A reset may clear a temporary interruption, but recurring fault codes usually need further checks.