What to Do When Your Washing Machine Breaks

A broken washing machine creates two problems at once: the appliance needs repair, and dirty laundry keeps accumulating.

First, protect the home

If the washer is leaking, stop the cycle if safe to do so and follow the manufacturer's emergency guidance. For electrical problems, burning smells, flooding, or other hazards, stop using the machine and contact an appropriate repair professional. Do not repeatedly restart a malfunctioning washer just to finish one load.

Option 1: Use a laundromat

A self-service laundromat is often the simplest temporary solution. Multiple washers and dryers can let you process several loads at once. Sort laundry at home before leaving to save time.

Option 2: Use Wash & Fold

If your week is already disrupted by the repair, Wash & Fold removes the washing, drying, and folding from your to-do list. At Princeton Laundry, regular Wash & Fold is currently $1.99 per pound, with same-day service available at $2.35 per pound when daily capacity allows.

Option 3: Pickup & Delivery

Princeton Laundry also offers laundry pickup and delivery within its confirmed service area, with transportation currently priced at $7.99 each way within 5 miles and $11.99 each way for distances over 5 miles through 10 miles. Transportation fees are separate from Wash & Fold charges.

What about washing clothes in the bathtub?

Hand washing can work for a few garments whose care labels permit it, but trying to process a household's normal laundry in a tub is labor-intensive and difficult to rinse thoroughly.

Do not let wet laundry sit

If the washer failed mid-cycle and clothes are already wet, remove them when safe to do so. Leaving wet textiles in a closed washer can lead to odor.

The appliance may be broken. Your laundry routine does not have to be.

Princeton Laundry is a locally owned laundromat in Princeton, Texas.