Why Your Washing Machine Won’t Spin
Clothes coming out soaking wet? A washing machine that won’t spin has several common causes — here’s how to narrow it down.
Pulling out a load of dripping clothes is a familiar frustration. A washing machine that fills and washes but will not spin usually has one of a few well-known faults.
The usual causes
- An unbalanced or overloaded drum — the machine refuses to spin for safety.
- A blocked pump or drain, so water cannot clear before the spin.
- A worn or broken drive belt.
- A failed door interlock — the machine will not spin if it thinks the door is open.
- Worn motor carbon brushes or a control-board fault.
What you can check yourself
- Redistribute the load evenly and try a spin-only cycle.
- Check the drain filter and hose for coins, lint or debris.
- Make sure the door clicks fully shut.
When it needs a technician
If the drum still will not spin after clearing blockages and balancing the load, the fault is likely the belt, motor brushes, door lock or control board. These need a technician to test and replace — usually a same-day job with the right parts on hand.
Preventing it happening again
Avoid overloading, clean the filter regularly, and deal with drainage niggles early before they strain the pump and motor.
Frequently asked
The two go together — the machine will not spin until it drains. The cause is usually a blocked filter, clogged hose or failed drain pump.
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