Washing Machine & Appliance Advice from MJ Appliances Repairs

Practical advice for keeping your washing machine running properly — written by a working technician, not a marketing team.

Defy front loader washing machine with washing and water left sitting in the drum after the cycle has finished

Washing Machine Repairs

Washing Machine Won't Spin — The Six Faults, In The Order I Check Them

Most people assume a machine that won't spin has a dead motor. Usually it doesn't. Here are the six faults I check, in order — and the two you can often sort out yourself.

1 August 2026

Line-art diagram of a voltage spike travelling from a wall socket to a washing machine when power returns

Load Shedding & Power

Can Load Shedding Damage Your Washing Machine? What Actually Breaks and How to Protect It

Load shedding may be suspended, but the surge when power returns still kills washing machines. Here is what it damages, how to check yours safely, and how to protect it.

23 July 2026

Inside an open LG washing machine during a repair call-out in Midrand

Brand & Error Codes

LG Washing Machine Error Codes: What OE, IE and UE Actually Mean

Your LG washing machine is flashing OE, IE or UE and has stopped mid-cycle. Here's what each code means, which ones you can clear yourself in ten minutes, and which ones mean a part has failed.

17 July 2026

Samsung washing machine display showing an error code during a wash cycle

Brand & Error Codes

Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes: What 4C, 5C and UE Mean

A code flashing on your Samsung's display isn't the machine dying — it's telling you exactly what's wrong. Here's what the three most common ones mean, and which you can sort yourself.

10 July 2026

Illustration weighing up repairing a washing machine against replacing it with a new one

Repair or Replace

Repair or Replace Your Washing Machine? An Honest Guide for South Africa

When a washing machine breaks, the real question is whether it's worth fixing or time to let go. Here's the honest maths — the 50% rule, the age test, and the SA-specific things that tip the decision either way.

3 July 2026

Water left standing in the drum after a cycle — the most common sign your machine isn't draining.

Washing Machine Faults

Washing Machine Not Draining? How to Diagnose It Before You Call

Water left standing in the drum after a cycle is usually one of a few common faults — and some you can check yourself in ten minutes. Here's how to work out what's wrong before you call a technician.

22 June 2026

Defy washing machine rating plate showing the model number DTL139

Brand & Error Codes

Defy Washing Machine Error Codes Explained (Top Loader)

Your Defy top loader is flashing an error code — but the same code means different things on different models. Here's how to read yours correctly and what you can safely check yourself.

12 June 2026