Why is my Washing Machine not Spinning?

Unbalanced Load

One of the most common causes of a washing machine not spinning is an unbalanced load.

When clothes are bunched up on one side of the drum or loaded unevenly, the washer may fail to spin properly. Most modern washers are designed with sensors that detect an unbalanced load and will automatically stop the spin cycle to prevent damage.

How to fix it:

• Redistribute the load: Open the washer door or lid, remove some clothes if the load is too heavy, or redistribute them evenly in the drum. Restart the cycle or run a drain & spin cycle to spin out the load.
• Try smaller loads: If you're consistently overloading your washer, try washing fewer items at a time to help it balance more easily.

Drain System Problems

If your washing machine doesn’t drain properly, it won’t be able to spin as needed. The drain system is responsible for removing water from the drum before the spin cycle can start.

Several issues can affect the drain system, including a stopped up house drain, clogged drain hose or a malfunctioning drain pump.

Clogged House Drain

Check to see if water flows freely down through the drain stand pipe behind your washer. If not, use a plumber’s snake to clear the drain or have a plumber fix the drain.

Clogged Drain Hose

A clogged or kinked hose can obstruct water from draining out of the washer. Over time, debris like lint or fabric softener buildup can block the hose and stop it from draining. Examine the drain hose and clear any clogs.

Here’s a DIY video that shows details on how to troubleshoot and fix your washing machine when it isn’t draining and spinning:

Clogged or Failed Drain Pump

If your washing machine’s drain pump isn’t functioning correctly, water won’t leave the drum, preventing the spin cycle from starting.

Front-load washers typically have a drain pump filter that can get clogged and prevent the drain pump from working. Check that filter and remove lint and debris from that filter.

Here’s an image that shows how to access and empty the drain pump filter in common front-load washers:

If you didn’t find a clog in the drain pump filter or cleared the filter and drain pump makes loud noise or doesn’t work, you may need to replace it.

If you’re uncertain whether the pump is bad or you’re not confident that you can replace the pump yourself, schedule washer repair service to have a technician examine that pump and replace it if it’s bad.

Excessive Suds

Believe it or not, excessive suds can prevent your washing machine from spinning.

If you’ve been using too much detergent or a soap that generates a lot of bubbles, the excessive suds can prevent water from draining properly, causing the machine to get stuck during the spin cycle.

How to fix it:

• Dissipate the suds: When you find excessive suds in the washer, add a ½ cup of white vinegar to help dissipate the suds. Run a rinse, drain and spin cycle or start a new cycle with no detergent added to get rid of the suds and rinse out the vinegar from the load.
• Reduce detergent use: Use only the recommended amount of detergent for your machine and the size of the load. If you’re using a high-efficiency washer, make sure to use the appropriate HE low-sudsing detergent.

Lid or Door Switch/Lock Failures

For top-loading washers, the lid switch plays a crucial role in the spin cycle. Similarly, front-load washers have door locks that must engage before the spin cycle can start. If the lid switch or door lock is faulty, the washing machine will not spin.

How to fix it:

Check if the lid or door is securely closed.

Unplug the washer and inspect the door or lid lock/switch assembly. If the switch or lock mechanism is broken, replace it.

Follow the steps in this video to replace the door lock assembly in a front-load washer:

Here’s a video that shows how to replace the lid lock/switch assembly in a common top-load washing machine:

If you’re uncertain whether the lid or door lock/switch has failed or you’re not confident that you can replace the component yourself, schedule an appliance repair appointment to have a technician check the part and replace it if necessary.

Control Problems or Wiring Failures

A malfunctioning control board or faulty wiring can prevent the washing machine from spinning. The control board sends the signals that dictate when the washing machine should start and stop spinning. If there’s a wiring issue or a defective control board, the washer may fail to complete the spin cycle.

How to fix it:

Unplug the washer power cord.

• Check the control board: Remove the top washer panel or open the control console to access the circuit board. Look for any visible signs of damage or burning on the control board. Replace the board if it’s damaged.
• Inspect wiring connections: Tighten or reattach any loose wires. Repair any damaged wires.
• Schedule repair service: Have a professional technician examine and test the control board if you’re unable to resolve the problem on your own.

Broken Drive Belt

Many washers use a drive belt to spin the basket. The drive belt in your washing machine connects the motor to the transmission or spin basket drive shaft.

If the belt becomes worn out, broken, or loose, it can cause the washing machine to fail to spin. This issue is more common in older machines but can still occur in newer models if the belt gets loose or wears down prematurely.

How to fix it:

Unplug the washer and check the drive belt.

For a front-load washer, you’ll need to remove the back washer panel.

On a top-load washer, you can access the drive belt by draining the washer (manually if necessary using a wet/dry shop vacuum), disconnecting the fill hoses and tipping the washer over.

If the belt is worn or broken, replace it.

Motor Issues

Lastly, a damaged or malfunctioning motor may be the root cause of a washing machine that won’t spin. The motor drives the drum during the spin cycle, and if it stops working, the washer will not be able to complete the cycle.

How to fix it:

Unplug the washer and inspect the motor. If the motor has burn marks or the motor is locked up and won’t spin, replace it.

If you’re unsure whether the motor is bad, have a service technician check it and replace it if it’s bad.

Conclusion

A washing machine that won’t spin can be caused by a variety of issues, but with a little troubleshooting, you can often pinpoint the problem yourself.

Start by checking the load balance, drain system, and detergent use. If the problem persists, inspect the lid switch, door lock, and wiring. For more complicated issues, such as motor problems or broken drive belts, it’s best to consult a professional repair technician.

By addressing these common problems, you can keep your washing machine running smoothly and avoid the hassle of a malfunctioning spin cycle. Keep your laundry routine efficient by staying on top of potential issues before they escalate.