Washing machines are designed to spin to extract as much water as possible from your clothes before they head to the dryer. This high-speed spinning action uses centrifugal force to wring out excess moisture, significantly reducing drying time and saving energy.
If your washer isn’t performing this important function, you’ve likely noticed that your clothes come out sopping wet, you have to constantly deal with “unbalanced load” alerts, and larger, heavier loads just aren’t getting cleaned evenly.
To restore your washer’s performance and get back to fresh, clean clothes, you first need to diagnose the exact reason your unit’s spin cycle has stopped working. The good news is that you don’t have to do this alone. Our washer repair experts at FixEm Appliance Repair can guide you through every step of troubleshooting a washing machine that won’t spin.
The Load Is Unbalanced or Too Heavy
Today’s washing machines have sensors that detect when the clothes inside the drum are not distributed evenly. If the load is lopsided (i.e. heavier on one side), the machine will automatically stop the spin cycle to prevent violent shaking and potential damage to its internal components. This problem is especially common when bulky items (such as towels, comforters, or rugs) are in the mix.
How to Fix It
If your washing machine won’t spin because the load is unbalanced, open the lid and redistribute the clothes evenly around the drum. If you’re washing a large, absorbent item like a heavy towel, a pillow, or a bulky comforter, try adding a few smaller items, like t-shirts, to help balance the weight. Once you’ve rearranged the load, close the lid and restart the spin cycle.
If you suspect the machine was overloaded to begin with, try removing a few items and rerunning the spin cycle.
To avoid getting the “unbalanced load” alert in the future, make a habit of mixing large and small items in each load and avoid washing single, heavy pieces on their own. Additionally, for top-loading machines, make sure the clothes are evenly arranged around the agitator. For front-loaders, avoid packing the drum too tightly.
A Faulty Lid Switch (for Top-Loading Machines)
For top-loading washing machines, the lid switch is a small plastic or metal piece located under the lid that signals to the machine that the door is securely closed. If the lid switch is broken or malfunctioning, the washer’s control board will assume the lid is open and will not initiate the spin cycle to prevent any risk of injury.
How to Fix It
Close and reopen the lid firmly. If the washer still won’t spin, listen for a “click” as the lid closes — no sound might mean a faulty lid switch.
Replacing a lid switch is a relatively inexpensive repair, but it involves working with appliance wiring, so it’s best to have a technician handle this project. We will order a new part based on your washer’s model number, disconnect the old switch, and plug in the new one.
A Broken Door Lock Assembly (for Front-Loading Washers)
Just as a top-loader has a lid switch, a front-loading washer has a door lock assembly. This mechanism serves two purposes: it prevents the door from being opened mid-cycle for safety, and it ensures a watertight seal to prevent leaks during operation. Because of the high speeds of the spin cycle, the machine will not start spinning (or won’t even start the cycle at all) if it doesn’t receive a signal that the door is securely locked.
How to Fix It
First, make sure there aren’t any pieces of clothing caught in the door, preventing it from closing completely. Then, inspect the strike (the plastic piece on the door that engages with the lock) for damage. If the path is clear and the door closes properly, the issue is likely within the lock assembly itself.
Troubleshooting and replacing the assembly involves a series of complicated steps, like unplugging the machine, removing the spring-loaded clamp that holds the rubber door boot in place, and disconnecting the lock’s wiring harness. Because the repair is so tricky, it’s a good idea to have a washing machine professional handle this job.
A Worn or Broken Drive Belt
The drive belt connects the washing machine’s motor to the drum, enabling it to spin. Over time, this rubber belt can become worn, stretched, frayed, or even break entirely. If the drive belt is compromised, the motor might be running, but it can’t transfer its power to turn the drum. In this case, you will hear the motor humming, but you won’t see (or feel) any spinning action.
How to Fix It
Unplug the machine and remove the back panel to inspect the belt. If it’s loose or frayed, it needs to be tightened or replaced. Replacing the belt typically requires removing the motor or pulley, so you will want to contact an appliance repair professional to perform this step for you.
A Clogged Drain Hose or Pump
Your washing machine is designed not to spin until most of the water has been drained from the drum. If the drain pump is clogged with debris like lint, coins, socks, or other small items, the water can’t exit the machine properly. The water level sensor will then detect that the tub is still full and prevent the spin cycle from starting to avoid a watery mess on your floor.
How to Fix It
If your washer is full of water and not spinning, you will need to manually drain the water. You can do this by using a wet/dry shop vac to vacuum up the water (if you have a top-load washer and the lid is not locked), or you can simply bail out the water with a large cup or bowl.
Another option includes disconnecting the drain hose from the wall and lowering it into a bucket (or several) to remove the excess water. (Note: Do NOT disconnect the drain hose from the washer side.) However, this method is not highly recommended, as it can result in a large amount of water pouring out uncontrollably onto the floor and damaging your house or personal items. Once the machine is empty, use a wire hanger to remove any clogs from the hose, and then reattach it to the wall and test another cycle.
If the problem persists, the drain pump may be faulty. This component should only be repaired or replaced by a professional technician.
A Burnt-Out Motor
The motor is the powerhouse of the washing machine, driving both the agitation and the spin cycle. While washer motors are built to be durable, they can eventually wear out or fail due to electrical issues or excessive strain from consistently overloaded machines. You just may have a failed motor on your hands if you notice any of the following:
- A loud humming or buzzing sound starts when the spin cycle is supposed to begin, which may be followed by a distinct burning smell.
- The washer is completely silent and unresponsive during the spin cycle, even though it has power.
- The circuit breaker for the washer trips when it attempts to start the spin cycle.
How to Fix It
Diagnosing and replacing a faulty washing machine motor is a complex and potentially dangerous task that should be left to a qualified professional. They can confirm if the motor is truly dead or if the issue lies with a related component like the motor start capacitor or the electronic control board.
Trust FixEm to Put the Spin Back in Your Washer’s Step
If your washing machine will not spin, our team at FixEm Appliance Repair is here to provide the perfect solution. Our licensed and insured technicians have the experience to quickly and accurately diagnose the root cause of the problem, whether it’s a clogged drain hose or a burnt-out electrical component. We arrive with fully stocked service vehicles, carrying the most common parts needed for a majority of appliance brands (such as Samsung, GE, Maytag, Whirlpool, and LG) so that we can tackle most repairs in a single visit. And we always provide transparent, upfront pricing and information on your specific washer, which means you know exactly what to expect before we start working and how you can keep your appliance running long after we’re gone.
Ready to get your washer back in top shape? Schedule a washing machine repair with FixEm Appliance Repair in Contra Costa County or Alameda County, and let our experts handle the rest!
