Washing machines

Front-load washer door glass cracked or broken

A cracked door glass needs replacement rather than repair for safety, and the machine should not be used until it's fixed to avoid water leaks or injury.

Difficulty
Advanced
Time
45–90 minutes
DIY cost
$50–$150
Pro cost
$200–$400

Symptoms

  • Visible crack or chip in the round door glass
  • Water leaking from the crack during a cycle
  • Glass feels loose in its frame
  • Crack appeared after an impact or overloading

Likely causes

  • CommonImpact from a hard object during a cycleItems like shoes with metal eyelets or keys left in pockets can crack the glass from inside.
  • CommonStress from repeated slamming of the doorConsistently forceful closing can weaken the glass-to-frame seal over time.
  • Less commonManufacturing defect or age-related stressOccasionally the glass or its bonding fails without an obvious external cause.

What to do

  1. Stop using the machine immediately once a crack is noticed to avoid the glass failing further or leaking during a cycle.
  2. Check pockets before washing to remove hard items like keys, coins, or small tools going forward.
  3. Order a replacement door glass or full door assembly matching your exact model number.
  4. This repair typically involves removing the door and separating the glass from the frame, which can be intricate depending on the model.
  5. If you're not experienced with appliance disassembly, have a technician handle the door glass replacement.
  6. Close the door gently going forward rather than slamming it to reduce stress on the new glass.

Tools and parts

  • Screwdriver
Front load washer door glass or assemblySearch: “front load washer door glass replacement”

When to call a pro

If you're not comfortable with door disassembly, an appliance technician can replace the door glass or full door assembly safely.

Safety

Use caution

Wear gloves when handling cracked glass and clean up any small fragments carefully before continuing use of the area.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.