Why Isn't my Washer Spinning?

Imagine that you load your washer with dirty clothes, add some detergent, set the cycle and return later to discover your washer … isn’t even spinning. It’s disheartening, to say the least.

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Instead of fragrantly clean clothes, you’re left with a soggy mess while wondering how to resolve the problem before you go through every outfit in your wardrobe.

Why Won’t My Washing Machine Spin?

A washer not spinning is clearly a sign that something’s wrong, but there can be one or several reasons why.

Overloaded Drum

It’s natural to want to fill the drum as much as possible, as this makes the washer more energy-efficient, and you spend less of your time at the machine. However, overfilling can strain its motor, which might struggle to spin the drum and may stop completely if you put too many clothing items in.

If you suspect this is why your washer isn’t spinning, remove some of the clothes. Better still, refer to the user manual’s guidance on the machine’s loading capacity and don't exceed it.

Unbalanced Load

While machines are designed to distribute the load evenly, the drum can be unbalanced by heavier items that absorb more water. When this happens, the machine may automatically stop to prevent damage.

Fortunately, the resolution is simple. Remove the heavier items causing the issue and restart the cycle. Common culprits include large towels and blankets, which you can wash separately later.

Damaged or Worn Drive Belt

The drive belt transfers power from the motor to the drum. If it's damaged or worn out, the machine won't be able to spin the drum.

Dealing with this issue is relatively easy. Simply unplug the machine, open the back panel and check the drive belt for signs of wear or damage. If you think the belt is the problem and you're unsure about doing the job yourself, contact a professional appliance repair technician to replace it.

Two words of warning: Always disconnect the electricity supply before working on a washing machine, and be aware that you might invalidate any warranties that require only professionals to perform repairs if you do them yourself.

Faulty Lid Switch

Most washing machines have a lid switch that prevents the machine from spinning when the lid is open. If the switch is faulty, the machine may not engage in the spin cycle. An easy check is to listen for a distinctive click when you close the lid. If you can't hear a click, the lid switch is probably broken. This isn’t a job for a casual DIYer, so you should contact a technician.

Clogged or Faulty Drain Pump

A washer can’t expel water if the drain pump is clogged or malfunctioning, which prevents it from spinning. To fix this, unplug the machine and locate the pump filter. Check the device’s manual if you can’t find the filter. Clean it of any debris, lint or foreign objects and run a spin cycle. If the problem persists, it might be a faulty pump. In this case, it’s best to consult a professional technician for repair or replacement.

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Blocked or Kinked Drain Hose

A blocked or kinked drain hose can impede the water's outflow from the drum, leading to spin cycle problems. Fortunately, this is an easy problem to solve. Inspect the drain hose for any obstructions or kinks. Straighten out the hose if it has a kink, and remove any blockages present.

Malfunctioning Motor or Motor Coupling

A malfunctioning motor or motor coupling can prevent the washing machine from spinning entirely or reduce its spinning capacity. This problem will impact other functions as well, such as agitating clothes during the wash and draining water at the end of the cycle. If all of these faults are occurring, it may be the motor. This is a complex issue that will require professional attention.

Electronic Control Board Issues

Electrical failures and damaged connections within the washing machine’s control board can affect the spin cycle as well as causing a number of other problems. Contact a professional technician if you suspect the control board is the cause of the washer not spinning.