Washing Machine Not Spinning? How To Fix It

A number of issues can cause your washing machine not to spin. Our guide helps you identify what is causing your washing machine not to spin and advises you on how to fix it. 

Unbalanced load

One cause of a washing machine that fails to spin or stops in the middle of the spin cycle is if a load of laundry is unbalanced. 

Unevenly distributed laundry inside the drum could harm your washing machine. Many brands of washing machines automatically check the load and halt spinning if it is spread unevenly inside the drum to avoid damage.

Usually, absorbent things like rugs and blankets are to blame. Wash bulky things like blankets with at least one other heavy item, such as a large towel or another blanket, to prevent uneven loads. Try pausing the machine, draining the water, and rearranging the washing if the drum stops spinning mid-cycle.

Too much detergent

Some washing machines, particularly high-efficiency ones, require non-foaming detergent in order to work correctly. If your washing machine is not spinning and you notice that the drum is full of suds, the issue may be that your machine requires non-foaming detergent. In order to test if this is the issue, try running a load with non-foaming detergent. 

Washing machine not level

Another cause of a washing machine not spinning correctly is if the machine is not level. You can check if your machine is level by using a bubble level to see if it sits flat. Other signs your washing machine is not level is excessive noise when the machine attempts to run a spin cycle. 

If you determine your machine is not level:

• Adjust the legs of your washing machine in order to fix the problem. 
• The front legs of the majority of washing machines can be adjusted for leveling by screwing or unscrewing the feet.
• You can test with a bubble level to see when the legs have been correctly adjusted.
• Make sure you tighten the lock nuts after you are finished to ensure everything is secure. 

Improper lid closure

When you close the lid on a top-loading washer, a protrusion on the bottom of the lid hits a switch, acting as a safety measure to detect when the lid is closed. The switch might not operate as intended if the protrusion has become misaligned. This could mean that the washing machine stops spinning mid-cycle as it falsely detects that the lid is not closed. 

In order to test this:

• Open the lid.
• Choose the spin setting on your washer, and manually press the switch with your finger to test it. 
• If you find that the spin cycle operates correctly when you are pressing the switch, you have found the cause of the problem.
• You can gently bend the protrusion so that it properly engages the spin switch. If you are unable to do this, you can order a replacement part from your washing machine manufacturer. 

Power supply interrupted

If your power cord is in a spot where the vibrations of the machine can bump it during the cycle, it is possible that an interrupted power supply is the cause of your machine not spinning. This is particularly likely if your washing machine is plugged in with an extension cord. 

In order to eliminate this issue, ensure that your washing machine is positioned far enough from the power outlet that it is not possible for the plug to be knocked out of the socket by the machine. 

Drainage hose problem

A blocked drain hose is one of the most frequent causes of a washing machine’s failure to spin. 

A blockage in the outlet pipe that prevents a constant flow of water into and out of the machine can prevent drainage, which stops the spin cycle. The blockages can be caused by lint accumulation or by tiny objects like coins or hair ties. If your drain hose is obstructed, you will find that your machine drains more slowly or does not finish draining not entirely.

In order to eliminate this issue, remove the drainage hose and check it for blockages, removing any that you find. Once any blockages are cleared, put the machine back together and run the wash cycle again. You should find that the machine now spins properly. 

Broken drive belt

A broken drive belt or one that has slipped off the pulley wheel can cause the washer to agitate during the wash cycle while remaining still during the spin cycle, despite the sound of the motor running. 

In order to check this: 

• Remove the back of the washer and visually inspect to see if the belt is still attached to the pulley.
• If not, the drive belt may need to be replaced. 
• Make sure the replacement belt you order is made specifically for your brand and model of washer. 

Worn out motor brushes

The motor brushes in your washer connect the drum to the motor. Brushes can wear out over time, causing the drum to be unable to spin and your clothes to be ineffectively cleaned even though the machine fills and drains normally. 

This is a relatively easy fix if it turns out to be your issue. New carbon brushes are cheap and are connected to the motor with a connecting wire. You can purchase new brushes from your washing machine’s manufacturer.