Too much foam in the washing machine: causes and what to do
When there is too much foam in the drum, the machine may stop, rinse for longer or show a suds code: Sud on Samsung, EF2 on Electrolux, AEG and Zanussi, E17 on Arçelik. Samsung stresses that this is not a malfunction: when the machine detects over-sudsing, it pauses, waits for the suds to settle and carries on with the cycle by itself.
The cause is almost always the detergent: there is too much of it, or it is not made for automatic washing machines. Electrolux adds that detergent residue built up inside the machine also produces foam.
Likely causes
- too much detergent — Electrolux names overdosing as the main cause;
- a detergent not made for automatic machines, such as hand-wash powder: Samsung warns that it causes excessive suds;
- a concentrated detergent used at a normal dose — Samsung advises reducing the dose for concentrates;
- soft water: less detergent is needed, and Electrolux advises following the pack's dosing for soft water;
- clothes that were pre-soaked and are already full of detergent (Electrolux);
- detergent residue in the machine — it builds up with overdosing and constant low-temperature washing (Electrolux).
Safe steps you can try
- If the machine has stopped because of foam, give it time: Samsung explains that it waits for the suds to settle and then carries on with the cycle.
- Dose detergent as the pack says — Electrolux advises following it carefully and, in soft water, using the soft-water dose.
- Use a detergent made for automatic washing machines, and reduce the dose for concentrated products (Samsung).
- If it foams even at the right dose, clean the detergent residue out of the machine: Electrolux suggests several hot washes without detergent until no more foam appears, or a Cotton 90 °C cycle with an empty drum and a washing machine cleaner.
- Run a Cotton 90 °C maintenance wash once a month — as Electrolux advises.
- Use Extra Rinse and choose the programme for the fabric type (Electrolux).
- If foam persists, try a different brand of detergent — Electrolux suggests this too.
When to call a technician
Call a technician if foam or a suds code appears with the right dose of a suitable detergent and after cleaning the machine, if the machine does not drain at the same time, or if foamy water spills out. The drain may be blocked or the water level sensor (pressure switch) may be faulty.
A MasService technician will check the drain and the level sensor and name the price before starting.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sud code on a Samsung a fault?
No. Samsung stresses that the Sud code does not indicate a malfunction: the machine detected too many suds, paused and will continue by itself. Use less detergent in the next washes.
Why does it foam when I use my usual amount?
The detergent may be concentrated, the water soft, or detergent residue may have built up in the machine. Samsung advises a smaller dose for concentrates, and Electrolux advises cleaning the machine with hot washes without detergent.
Can I use hand-wash powder in the machine?
Better not: Samsung warns that detergent not made for automatic machines causes excessive suds. Use a detergent for automatic washing machines.
Other faults
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