Washing Machine Not Spinning? Here’s How to Fix It

Few things are as frustrating as unloading your washing machine only to find your clothes still sopping wet because the drum never spun. If your washing machine is not spinning, don't panic — it's a common issue that often has a simple explanation. In many cases, you can troubleshoot and even fix the problem yourself with a bit of guidance.

At Grange Electrical, our Wirral-based appliance repair experts hear this complaint often. Before you rush to call an engineer, it's worth checking a few basics. This article will walk you through the most common reasons a washing machine won't spin. We'll cover everything from unbalanced loads to blocked pumps, and we'll explain what you can safely do to fix each issue. We'll also make it clear when it's time to stop tinkering and call a professional.

Safety first: Always unplug your washing machine from the mains and ensure there's no standing water before attempting any inspection or repair. Now, let's look at why your washer might not be spinning and how to get it back in working order.

Unbalanced Loads

One of the most common reasons for a washing machine not spinning is an unbalanced load. Modern washers have sensors to detect when the drum is thumping around unevenly, and they'll refuse to spin at full speed if it could cause damage. This often happens if you've put a large, heavy item (like a duvet or blanket) by itself, or if the machine is simply overloaded with too many clothes. An imbalanced drum can make the washer shake, so the machine may stop the spin cycle to protect itself.

How to fix or check:

• Pause the cycle and open the door (once it’s safe and the drum has stopped).

• Redistribute the clothes evenly around the drum. Try to mix heavy and light items rather than letting one side get all the weight.

• If the drum is overloaded, remove a few items and then try the spin cycle again.

• For one bulky item on its own, add one or two towels to balance the load, or wash bulky items separately in smaller loads.

• Ensure the washing machine is sitting level on the floor. If it’s wobbling, adjust the feet at the bottom of the machine to stabilise it.

When to call an engineer: If you’ve balanced the load and your machine still refuses to spin or continues to stop due to imbalance, there could be a deeper issue (like worn suspension components). In this case, or if the machine shakes violently even with balanced loads, call a professional engineer to inspect and fix the problem.

Blocked Drain Pump or Hose

Another very common cause of a washer not spinning is a drainage problem. If the washing machine can't drain the water out, it typically won’t enter the high-speed spin cycle. This is a safety feature: the machine won't spin a drum full of water to avoid damage. A blocked drain pump or a clogged drain hose is often to blame. Lint, coins, small clothing items (like baby socks), or other debris can block the pump filter or get stuck in the hose. You might notice the laundry is still sopping wet and there’s water left in the drum, or the machine pauses before the spin cycle.

How to fix or check:

1. Turn off the power and water: Switch off your washing machine and unplug it from the mains. Also turn off the water supply to be safe.

2. Check the drain hose: Pull the machine out slightly and inspect the drain hose at the back. Make sure it's not kinked or bent. If you can, disconnect the hose and look for any clogs inside. Have a bucket handy to catch any water. Clear any blockage you find and reconnect the hose securely.

3. Clean the pump filter: Most washing machines have a drain pump filter (also called a coin trap) accessible behind a small flap at the bottom front of the machine. Place a shallow tray or old towel under this area to catch water. Unscrew the filter cap slowly – water will start to trickle out. Once the water is drained, remove the filter completely. Clean out any lint, coins, or gunk you find inside the filter and the pump opening.

4. Refit and test: After clearing blockages, screw the filter cap back on firmly. Ensure the drain hose is reattached properly if you removed it. Then plug the machine back in and try running a spin cycle. With the blockage gone, the washer should be able to drain and spin normally.

When to call an engineer: If you’ve removed any obvious blockages but the washing machine still isn’t draining or spinning, the drain pump itself might be faulty or there could be a deeper obstruction in the system. At this point, it's best to call a professional appliance repair engineer. They can safely disassemble the machine, check or replace the pump, and get your washer draining and spinning properly again.

Faulty Lid or Door Switch

Washing machines are designed not to spin if the door (on a front-loader) or lid (on a top-loader) is open. This is a crucial safety feature. If the door or lid switch that signals the machine it's safely closed is faulty, the washer may refuse to spin at all. The machine essentially "thinks" the door is still open even when it's shut. A worn out or broken door lock mechanism is a frequent culprit, especially in front-loading machines, while a misaligned or damaged lid switch can affect top loaders.

How to fix or check:

• Ensure the door is fully closed: Give the door a firm push until you hear it click. Many front-loaders have a little lock light on the panel that comes on when the door is properly locked – check for this if your model has one.

• Inspect the latch and seal: Look at the door latch (the metal hook or catch) and the door seal. Clear away any soap residue, lint, or fabric that might be caught and preventing the door from closing properly.

• Check the lid switch on top-loaders: If you have a top-loading machine, find the small switch or button that the lid presses down when closed (often located around the rim). Make sure it isn’t broken or clogged with dirt. Gently press it with the machine off to see if it moves freely.

• Never bypass the switch: It might be tempting to try to trick the machine into spinning with the door or lid open, but bypassing these safety switches is dangerous. Avoid taping down or tampering with the switch.

When to call an engineer: If your washing machine still won’t spin and you suspect the door switch or lid switch is faulty, it’s time to call an engineer. Replacing a door lock assembly or lid switch is a job for a trained professional, as it involves electrical components and dismantling parts of the machine. A qualified appliance repair engineer (like the team at Grange Electrical) can quickly replace the faulty switch and ensure your washer can spin safely again.

Drive Belt Issues

The drive belt is a rubber belt that connects the washing machine’s motor to the drum, enabling the drum to spin. If this belt is worn out, loose, or snapped, the motor may run but the drum won’t turn. Drive belts can break after years of use, or they might slip off if stretched or if the machine was heavily overloaded. You might notice the washer going through the motions (you can hear the motor hum during the spin cycle) but the drum stays still. In some cases, you might even detect a faint burning rubber smell if a belt is slipping.

How to fix or check:

• Unplug and inspect the belt: For those comfortable with DIY, disconnect the machine from the mains and carefully remove the back panel of the washer to access the drum and motor area. You should see the belt wrapped around a wheel on the drum and a smaller pulley on the motor.

• Look for damage or misalignment: Check if the belt is still on the pulleys. If it's lying loose inside the machine or visibly broken (snapped), that's your issue. If the belt is on but looks slack or frayed, it may be too worn to grip properly.

• Reattach a loose belt: If the belt has simply slipped off and isn’t damaged, you can try to fit it back around the drum and motor pulleys. Make sure it sits in the grooves correctly. You might need to turn the drum by hand slowly while guiding the belt onto the pulleys.

• Replace a broken or worn belt: If the belt is snapped or badly worn, it will need replacing with a correct new belt for your model. Fitting a fresh belt around the pulleys can be a bit tricky.

When to call an engineer: If you’re not confident handling the drive belt or if you’ve replaced the belt and the machine still won’t spin, call a repair engineer. Also, if the belt keeps slipping off repeatedly, there may be an underlying problem (like misaligned pulleys or a bearing issue) that needs professional attention. An experienced engineer can replace the belt safely and check for any other faults, ensuring your washer spins like new.

Motor or Control Board Faults

If you’ve tried all the above and your washing machine still won’t spin, the cause may be a more serious internal fault. Two prime suspects are the motor and the control board (the electronic brain of the washer). Over time, motors can wear out or develop electrical faults. Many washing machine motors have carbon brushes that gradually wear down after years of use. If the brushes become too worn, the motor can no longer spin the drum even though the machine still fills and drains normally. Alternatively, the control board that manages the spin cycle might have failed, meaning the motor isn't getting the signal or power to spin.

How to fix or check:

• Try a simple reset: Sometimes the electronics just need a reboot. Turn off the machine and unplug it for a few minutes, then plug it back in and try to run the spin cycle again. This can clear any temporary electronic glitches.

• Observe the machine’s behavior: When it’s supposed to be spinning, listen for any sound. If you hear the motor humming or a faint burning smell, that suggests the motor is trying (possibly with worn-out brushes) but failing. If you hear nothing at all during spin time – no click, no hum – the issue could be that the motor isn’t receiving power due to a faulty control board or a burned-out motor.

• Don’t meddle with internal electronics: Beyond a basic reset and observation, there’s not much a non-expert should do. Modern washing machines are complex, and trying to open up or repair the motor or circuit board yourself can be dangerous and may cause more damage.

When to call an engineer: If a motor or control board fault is suspected, you will need a qualified engineer to diagnose and fix it. This is definitely not a DIY scenario. Call an appliance repair professional to handle these complex repairs. The experienced technicians at Grange Electrical (servicing the Wirral area) can test the motor, replace worn carbon brushes or the motor itself if needed, or repair the control board. They'll have your washing machine spinning again safely in no time.

A washing machine that won’t spin can be a real hassle, but as we've seen, the solution is often within reach. From simple fixes like redistributing an unbalanced load or clearing a blocked pump, to knowing when it's best to call in an expert, you now have a clear plan of action. Always remember to put safety first and avoid any repair that you're not comfortable with.

If you’re ever unsure or the problem persists despite your efforts, professional help is just a phone call away. For homeowners in Wirral and the surrounding areas, Grange Electrical offers reliable appliance repair services you can trust. Our experienced engineers can swiftly diagnose and fix any washing machine spinning issue – or any other appliance fault – saving you time and trouble.

Don't let a stubborn washer disrupt your routine. Contact Grange Electrical today for friendly, expert assistance. We'll help get your washing machine back to spinning properly, so you can get on with your laundry and your life.