8 reasons why your washing machine won't spin

Tuesday, 26 April 2022
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There are a lot of reasons for washing machine not spinning. The washer tub should be usually disassembled to solve the problem. But before doing that, it's better to examine some points. Perhaps the washer not spinning problem has simple reasons like your mistakes in using the appliance. Here we are going to talk about 8 simple reasons of this problem and the solutions.

Too much load can cause your washer not to spin

Loading too much laundry into the drum unbalance the appliance. So motor can't spin it properly. The solution is so easy. Remove some of the clothing and turn on the washer again.

Note: read the washer manual to know how much laundry it can take. It is usually mentioned in kilogram for dry clothes. It says there should be a 10-cm clearance on top of the load inside the drum to ensure its efficiency and let it spin easily.

Faulty door switch doesn't let the drum spin

Faulty door switch doesn't let the drum spin

The washing machine starts working when the door is completely closed. Faulty door switch sends a wrong message to the board and washer drum doesn't start spinning. So, there is no washing.

Tip: door latch is different from door switch. Latch is a mechanical component which can also cause washer not to spin, if it is faulty.

Clogged drain system is a reason for drum not spinning

Clogged drain system is a reason for drum not spinning

If the drain pump, drain filter or the drain line are clogged, the water is not drained out of the appliance and the washer drum doesn't spin. Going to the next level needs the previous level to complete. So, when the water is not drained, next level which is drum spinning doesn't start. First, clean the filter and hose, then check the pump. Replace it if necessary.

Warning: Unplug the washing machine before any troubleshooting or repair operation to avoid any electric shock.

Faulty motor can't spin the washer drum

The washing machine motor is the main driver to spin the washer drum. If it is faulty, there will be no spinning and so, no washing. If the motor works but it has unusual noise, check it to prevent any serious damage.

Note: if you noticed the motor is faulty, check its components like the clutch, bearings and coupler too.

Worn out carbon brushes prevent the washer from spinning

Worn out carbon brushes prevent the washer from spinning

The washer carbon brushes transfer electricity to the motor armature. So, when they are worn out, motor can't receive any power and it can't spin the washer drum. Sometimes the washer is spinning but the motor can't reach its maximum speed during the spin cycle and the laundry will stay wet.

Tip: the length of the washer carbon brushes should be longer than 1cm. If not, they should be replaced.

Loose or broken belt, a reason for washer not spinning

Loose or broken belt, a reason for washer not spinning

Belt acts as a connection between motor and pulley and let the washer spin. If the belt is broken or has got loose, the washer drum can no longer spin. Just put it back in its place or replace it if necessary.

Uneven load doesn't let the washer spin

It usually happens when you put one or two heavy clothing in the drum. So one side is heavier and doesn't let the washer drum spin. Turn off the washer. Distribute the load evenly and turn it on again.

Tip: in some washers, the appliance itself tries to solve the problem. It stops the drum and changes the rotation direction to balance the laundry but if it gets uneven again, the washer will cancel the spin and finish the cycle.

Note: sometimes, an uneven laundry has an adverse result. The washing cycle doesn't end and the washer will spin over and over.

Faulty control board is a reason for washer not spinning

The control board is the brain of the washer and controls its operation. If all the other components of the washer are checked and there's no problem, the board may be faulty to prevent the washer from spinning.

These are the main reasons for a washer not spinning problem. If you need more information about washing machine and its problems, don't miss washing machine course in HelloTechnic website. Our instructors will teach you everything about washing machine installation, service, troubleshooting and repair through films and animations.