Stop using it for now. Carrying on with this fault risks further damage or a leak. Switch it off at the wall until it has been looked at.

What F06 actually means

The machine can't confirm the door is locked, so it won't start the wash \u2014 or it won't release the door at the end.

On Indesit washers, F06 is a door interlock fault. Before any cycle starts the control board waits for the interlock to confirm the door is shut and locked; if that confirmation never arrives the machine stops and shows F06. You'll usually see one of two things: the door closes but pressing start does nothing, or the cycle has finished and the door stays locked with water still in the drum.

What usually causes it

Failed door interlock \u2014 by far the most common cause
Damaged or burnt wiring/plug at the interlock (this is what led to the Hotpoint/Indesit door lock recall)
Door not fully pulled shut, or laundry trapped in the seal
Worn or misaligned door catch and hinge, so the latch isn't reaching the lock
Control board not reading the lock signal (less common)

What you can safely check yourself

Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.

Open the door, take out any washing caught between the door and the rubber seal, then close it firmly until you hear it click.
Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute and switch it back on \u2014 this occasionally clears a one-off lock error.
Check the door isn't dropping or catching on the frame as you close it.
Check whether your model is included in the Whirlpool door lock recall for Hotpoint/Indesit machines \u2014 if it is, book it through them rather than repairing it yourself.

When to call someone

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, and it's £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it — £84 in total if it's repaired on the visit with no parts needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.

Indesit F06 error — washing machine

What F06 actually means

What usually causes it

What you can safely check yourself

When to call someone

Other Indesit washing machine codes

Need it looked at properly?