What causes a washing machine not to spin?

Author: Dr. Merlin Hilpert I  |  Last update: Saturday, July 19, 2025

The washing machine is too full. The load is improperly balanced. The washer itself isn't balanced correctly. The lid switch is broken.

How do I fix my washing machine not spinning?

Check to ensure it's properly latched. Look for Blockages: - Check the drain hose and filter for clogs. If water isn't draining properly, the spin cycle may not activate. Check for Overloading: - If the machine is overloaded, it may stop spinning. Remove some items if the load seems too heavy. Inspect the Belt:

Why is the drum not spinning on my washing machine?

A faulty motor or drive belt

If the drive motor isn't working, your washing machine may have issues when it tries to spin, even though it fills without any problem. If the drive belt breaks or falls off, the washer may still be able to agitate and make noise, but the drum won't spin around.

Why are my clothes too wet after the spin cycle?

A slow spin speed may have been selected. A slow spin speed will eliminate less water than a fast spin speed. Cold water can make clothes feel more wet. If the ground water temperature is very low where you live or during a certain season of the year, this could make the clothes seem to be more wet.

How much does it cost to fix the spinner on a washing machine?

Repair Costs by Problem

Washer Not Draining: ~ $100–$250. Washer Not Spinning: ~ $100–$300. Washer Shaking (Unbalanced): ~ $50–$150.

Front-Load Washer Won’t Spin — Washing Machine Troubleshooting

Is it normal for a washing machine to stop spinning?

Check the laundry load

Lots of washing machines have sensors that stop the drum spinning if it starts wobbling off balance. This stops the appliance from moving around too much and damaging itself. Washing machines often wobble when there's one heavy item in the drum, like a big towel or blanket.

Is it worth repairing washing machine?

It's often more economical to replace a less expensive middle-aged washer when it breaks down. You'll pay a few hundred dollars more than you would for a repair, but your new washer will probably have newer technology and more features. If you have a high-end washer, it's clearly worth having a minor repair done.

Why is my washer not spinning out all the water?

A washing machine not draining can have multiple causes, including a clogged or jammed drain hose or a broken pump, lid switch, or belt. No matter the culprit, you need to drain the water from the washing machine before diagnosing the issue or doing any work to remedy the situation.

How long should a washing machine last?

Average washing machine lifespan

Well, this figure obviously varies depending on lots of different factors - including brand, model, how you use it, and how well you maintain it. But generally, if you look after your washing machine properly you should it expect it to last anywhere between 7 and 12 years.

Why do I have to run my spin cycle twice?

If your washer's spin cycle is not removing enough water from your clothes, they will take longer to dry. This can result in your dryer taking two cycles to dry clothes. Solution: Check your washing machine's spin cycle efficiency.

Why is my washing machine humming but not spinning?

The worn out carbon brushes

In some circumstances, it will produce a constant humming sound, but the drum of the machine won't rotate. The most likely explanation for this problem is that the carbon brushes which are located on either side of the main motor have worn out and will need to be replaced.

How do you reset a washing machine that is stuck on the spin?

Hitting Reset
  1. Unplug the machine from the power outlet.
  2. Leave the washing machine unplugged for at least one minute to let the memory clear.
  3. After waiting, plug the washing machine back into the power outlet.
  4. Once the machine is powered back on, look for error codes displayed on the panel.

Why is my Whirlpool drum not spinning?

A damaged drive belt can be the cause if your Whirlpool dryer won't spin. Try to manually spin the drum from inside the dryer. If the drum spins easily, your Whirlpool dryer belt is broken. Normal wear and tear can damage the drive belt over time.

Why is the drum not spinning on the washing machine?

An imbalanced drum is a common reason for your machine not spinning. The easiest way to avoid an imbalanced drum is by making sure you don't overload your washing machine, or if you have one large piece of laundry, add smaller pieces to balance out the load. You may also need to check that your machine is level.

What does it mean when your washing machine has no spin?

Here are a few common reasons a washer won't spin: The washing machine is too full. The load is improperly balanced. The washer itself isn't balanced correctly. The lid switch is broken.

Where is the spin switch on the washer?

The switch is usually on the right side of lid. Most models have either a probe or a magnet on the lid that activates the lid switch when the lid is closed. Lid switch probe: A small plastic piece on the lid that that fits into a hole with a switch on the washer around the opening.

How do you know when you need a new washing machine?

It's impacting your clothes

Clothes coming out still stained. Clothes stained from rust in the drum or leaking gasket. Torn clothes due to loose parts. Colour fading.

Which washer brand lasts the longest?

If you're looking for a washer and dryer that will last a long time, Samsung is right up there with LG and Whirlpool in terms of longevity. Like Maytag, Samsung appliances typically require fewer repairs. The highly rated Korean brand started making washing machines in the '90s.

Is it worth repairing a 10 year old washing machine?

A ten-year-old washing machine is generally reaching the end of its lifespan. This means that issues are far more likely to occur. While you might be able to repair one issue, another might quickly take its place. If your washing machine is over ten-years-old, it's best to completely replace it, to save money.

How to fix a washer that doesn't spin?

A displaced or faulty spin switch is the most likely cause. This small switch should be pressed down by the lid when it's closed. If it isn't pressed down, your machine may prevent the spin cycle as a safety measure. To troubleshoot this, hold the switch down with your finger (with the lid open) and start a spin cycle.

Why are my clothes still wet after the spin cycle?

Make Sure to Balance the Load

One of the most common, and easiest to fix, is when the washer cannot reach the spin speeds it needs to remove water from the clothes. This is often caused by the load being unbalanced. The issue often occurs when washing bulky items like blankets or towels.

How to tell if a washing machine drum is loose?

The most common causes of a loose drum

The quickest way you can diagnose this issue is to switch off your washing machine at its power source and then spin the drum gently by hand. If you hear a grinding noise during this operation, the chances are high that it's your bearings that need attention.

What usually fails on a washing machine?

A broken motor coupler, failed lid switch or bad timer could also prevent this type of washer from spinning. On top-load, vertical modular washers (washers whose lid is always locked during the entire wash cycle), a failed shifter assembly or worn drive belt can prevent the washer from spinning the wash load.

What is the most expensive part to replace on a washing machine?

Drum. Unfortunately, the drum is the most expensive of all the possible washing machine replacement parts. Expect to spend at least $400 on a washing machine drum replacement. Water Inlet Valve.

What is considered old for a washing machine?

It's more than six years old

Once your machine is more than six years old, a major failure usually means you'll need to buy a new one because any repairs will be expensive. And with older appliances you'll need to weigh up the risk that, after paying to fix one problem, something else may break.

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