Hi there,

Our washing machine has become temperamental (not rinsing or spinning properly). I've tried searching the forums and googling but not had any luck: does anyone know where I can find a repair person (I live in Geneva)? All I seem to find are horror stories about shared laundry facilities and exorbitant prices......

Thanks hugely in advance

FUST has a repair service that will come to you whether you purchased from them or not. If your machine was sold in Switzerland or Germany and not ancient I would guess parts should be easy for them to order. There are many locations in the Geneva area, you can call them on Monday to make an appointment.

I haven't used them myself but know others who have. Results were varied, mostly it seems based on the repairman who showed up being either friendly or not.

What make is your machine?

I usually go direct to the manufacturer - most will have either their own repair service, or a local partner.

Is there a sticker somewhere on the machine, either on the top corner, or perhaps inside on the door ring? This is usually where you can find a service phone number to call. You'll likely need the make and model number when you set up a service appointment.

When getting repairs done, I usually figure on CHF 200-300 for labor, plus parts. Depending on what's wrong, bills have mostly been under CHF 500. (When it's been more that CHF 500, I usually start to think about replacing it with a new machine...)

If the manufacturer tells you that it will be longer than a week for an appointment, ask for the name of a local firm - that usually either gives you a contact who is more motivated to do the job, or 'miraculously' frees up an appointment in the next few days.

The key thing is to insist on a time frame when setting up an appointment. Most services should be able to narrow it down to a half day at least - so you aren't left twiddling your thumbs all day long, waiting...

Good luck.

Thanks. I'll try both solutions.

Given that a new washing machine over the border is around 280 euro it really calls into question the financial sense of getting it repaired - which is a horrible situation to be in from an ecological point of view!!

Many for sale in Media Markt for less than 500, so why repair at all?

If you do not own the machine you should inform the Landlord! He has to order the repair and he will pay the bill. If you order the repair man, the Landlord will probably not reimburse you!

I think it depends on the age of the machine, and also the make and model.

Before calling a service person, there are a few things you can do yourself.
Check that nothing is blocking the filter.
At the back of the machine, disconnet the hose, check to see that is it not clogged. If at any point the water was shut off, when turned back on this can bring debris that will clog the filter. (be sure to put a pail underneath before you disconnect the hose.

And lastly, unplug the machine, wait a few minutes and plug it back in.

You may also want to run a cycle with the machine empty.
Do you regular use tabs in the washer to prevent calc build up?

Hi there,

Just seen your post as I have just come back on to report on said washing machine - and yes, you are correct!! I managed to find an instruction booklet on line and located the filter (I had previously taken the back off, checked the drive belt and hunted around - seen nothing that looked worn), but the filter was completely blocked. Just completed two washes and they both went through perfectly :-)

So - thanks for everyone's suggestions and remember: check your filter!!!