How to Tell If Your Washing Machine Isn't Heating
Unlike some faults, a heating failure is not always obvious because the machine still appears to run normally. Signs include clothes coming out cold to the touch at the end of a hot wash, greasy residue remaining on laundry (grease does not dissolve in cold water), and powder not fully dissolving. You can confirm with a simple test: run a 60°C cycle and check whether the drum feels warm to the touch about 15 minutes in.
Most Likely Cause: Heating Element
The heating element (a resistance heater submerged in the water inside the drum) is the most common cause of a washing machine not heating. Elements typically last 5–10 years and can fail due to limescale build-up (especially in hard water areas) or simple wear. Element replacement costs £80–£140 including parts and labour and is one of the more straightforward repairs.
Thermostat or NTC Sensor
The NTC (negative temperature coefficient) sensor measures water temperature and tells the control board when to switch the heater on and off. A faulty NTC can cause the machine to not heat at all, or to overheat. NTC replacement is inexpensive — the part costs £5–£15 and the repair including labour is typically £70–£110.
Control Board Fault
If the element and NTC test fine, the fault may lie with the control board not activating the heater circuit. This is more complex and expensive to diagnose and repair (£120–£250), but it is less common than an element failure.
Hard Water and Limescale
In hard water areas (most of England, particularly the South East and Midlands), limescale builds up on the heating element and insulates it, reducing efficiency before it eventually causes failure. Running a monthly maintenance wash at 90°C with a descaling tablet can significantly extend element life.