Why Is My Washing Machine Not Spinning? [Repair Guide]
How to fix a washing machine that won’t spin
A question we typically get asked on a regular basis as appliance repair specialists is “Why is my washing machine not spinning properly?”. Most of us depend on our washing machine every day to wash our laundry and keep our clothes smelling and feeling fresh.
That being said when your washing machine starts to cause you issues and breaks down it can put a real spanner in the works when it comes to your daily routine. Unless you want to spend hours hand washing all your dirty laundry, it’s worthwhile getting your washing machine repaired as soon as possible otherwise that pile of dirty laundry will start turning into a mountain in no time!
As the leading appliance repair specialists in Southend-on-Sea and Chelmsford, it is fair to say that we have repaired our fair share of washing machines over the years and there is one congruent theme that always appears – a washing machine that has stopped spinning.
There are many reasons why your washing machine may stop spinning with some issues being easier to fix than others. From a heavy load to the motor burning out, we will cover each and every different factor so you can identify the issue at hand.
If you are unsure about how to fix your washing machine that has stopped spinning or don’t know what the issue could be, we recommend getting in contact with a local repair expert who will be able to diagnose and identify your appliance problem.
Reasons why your washing machine won’t spin properly
As appliance repair specialists for over 35 years, we have come across our fair share of problems with washing machines to lead to the drum not spinning properly. Some of the most common reasons we see that lead to your washing machine not spinning include:
- The motor is burnt out
- The drum is too full
- The load isn’t evenly distributed
- You are using too much detergent
- The lid switch isn’t working properly
- There are issues with the drive belt
- Blocked drain pump or drain hose
1. The motor is burnt out
If you notice that your washing machine won’t spin at all when attempting to run a cycle, it is more than likely going to be a burnt-out motor. This is one of the main reasons why your washing machine is not spinning properly.
If the drive motor is not working, your washing machine may have problems mid-cycle when attempting to spin. Although the machine may begin to fill up and start a cycle, if the motor is burnt out the drum will simply not spin. This is a complex repair which requires you to get in contact with a local appliance repair specialist who will be able to replace the motor and repair it.
2. The drum is too full
One of the most common mistakes that people make when loading their washing machine with dirty laundry is overstuffing it. It is also one of the most common causes why your washing machine may have suddenly stopped spinning.
Although many washing machines in the modern day will have sensors and warning lights to let you know if you have overfilled the drum, many older washing machines will not have this feature. Instead, the washing machine will continue filling up with water as expected at the beginning of a new spin cycle. However, when it comes to the washing machine to start spinning the washing machine will not have enough power to spin it because the drum is too heavy. To fix this issue, you will have to end the cycle, let the water drain out and then remove some wet clothes ready for another cycle which isn’t as full.
3. The load isn’t evenly distributed
If you are attempting to wash a few heavier items such as bedding, sheets and towels in one wash cycle, if the load isn’t distributed evenly, it will cause your washing machine to not be able to spin or not spin as effectively as usual.
If you notice this during a spin cycle, pause the cycle and wait for the water to drain out. Next, open the machine and shift the unbalanced load around in the drum. This should balance the machine load and your washing machine should begin to spin normally again.
4. You are using too much detergent
Sometimes people make the mistake of using too much detergent during each spin cycle or simply using the wrong type of detergent altogether. If you are using too much or the wrong detergent it will cause your washing machine to produce excess foam during the spin cycle. This will result in the washing machine automatically stopping the spin cycle.
To avoid this issue occurring, make sure you are purchasing the correct laundry detergent and only filling up the washing machine with the correct level of detergent as per the user manual.
5. The lid switch isn’t working properly
The lid switch on your washing machine is very important in ensuring that your washing machine door is closed properly and is a safety precaution that ensures you have closed the door properly before the spin cycle begins.
If the lid switch notices that the door is not closed properly it will not begin the spin cycle until the door has been closed. This may be a simple fix of the door not being closed properly or could be a case of a faulty sensor which would mean a repair from an appliance expert.
6. There are issues with the drive belt
The drive belt helps the drum spin effectively and if it is broken, the washing machine will not spin. If the drive belt has broken or fallen off its wheels, you may hear the washing machine trying to spin however the drum will not.
This issue is a fairly complex fix and would require an appliance repair expert to investigate the issue at hand and replace the broken drive belt if necessary.
7. Blocked drain pump or drain hose
Typically your washing machine won’t go into a spin cycle until it has been drained. However, sometimes your drain pump or drain hose could be blocked or bent. If the hose is bent or clogged with debris, your washing machine won’t drain and subsequently, your washing machine will not spin.
To repair this issue, you will need to get in contact with a washing machine repair expert who will be able to fix the issue and replace the blocked or damaged drain pump or drain hose.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you should now have a fully comprehensive idea on all the different reasons why your washing machine has stopped spinning. Not only are some issues fairly simple to fix but don’t actually require you to spend any money at all!
That being said, some washing machine issues will require you to get in contact with a local appliance repair expert to help amend the issue at hand. Furthermore, if you are unsure about what the problem could be with your washing machine and don’t know why it isn’t spinning, it is best to ask an expert to come and take a look to give you their diagnosis on the problem.
If you live in the Southend-on-Sea or Chelmsford area and are looking for an affordable and efficient washing machine repair service, speak with a member of the team today on 01702 300010. We offer same-day and next-day repairs depending on availability across the Southend-on-Sea and Chelmsford areas. Get your washing machine repaired today and get back to washing your dirty clothes in no time!
