Washing Machine Not Spinning
If your washing machine is not spinning, the drum is failing to reach the required speed at the end of the cycle, leaving your laundry soaking wet. This is a common fault and there are several checks you can carry out at home before calling an engineer.
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Select your washing machine brand below for a specific guide including the relevant error codes for your appliance.
Why Is My Washing Machine Not Spinning?
When a washing machine fails to spin, the laundry is left saturated with water at the end of the cycle. The machine may complete the wash programme but skip or cut short the spin, or it may stop mid-cycle altogether. Most modern machines will display an error code when a spin fault is detected — check the brand-specific guide above for the relevant codes for your appliance.
Common Causes
Unbalanced load
The most common cause of a washing machine not spinning is an unbalanced load. If laundry is bunched together on one side of the drum, the machine will detect excessive vibration and reduce or cancel the spin to protect itself. This is particularly common with small loads or single heavy items such as duvets or towels.
Drainage fault
A washing machine will not spin if it cannot drain the water first. If the pump filter is blocked or the drain hose is kinked, the machine may stop before reaching the spin cycle. Always check the pump filter if the machine is not spinning and there is water still in the drum.
Overloaded drum
An overloaded drum prevents the laundry from moving freely, which can cause the machine to struggle to reach spin speed or stop the spin entirely.
Door not fully closed
The machine will not spin if the door is not securely latched. A faulty door lock or interlock can also cause the spin to be cancelled even if the door appears to be closed.
Worn or broken carbon brushes
On older machines with brush motors, worn carbon brushes are a common cause of spin failure. The motor loses power as the brushes wear down and eventually cannot generate enough force to spin the drum.
Faulty motor or control board
A fault with the motor or the main control board can prevent the drum from spinning. These faults will usually trigger an error code on the display.
Checks To Try Before Calling An Engineer
Redistribute the load
Open the door and rearrange the laundry so it is spread evenly around the drum. Select a spin-only programme and try again. If the machine completes the spin, an unbalanced load was the cause.
Reduce the load size
If the drum is overloaded, remove some items and try again. The drum should be no more than three quarters full.
Clean the pump filter
The pump filter is located behind a small cover panel at the bottom front of the machine. Place a shallow dish or towels beneath it before opening. Twist the filter cap anticlockwise, clear any debris and refit securely.
Check the door
Ensure the door is firmly closed and the seal is not obstructed by clothing. Try opening and closing the door again before restarting the cycle.
Reset the machine
Switch the machine off at the mains and leave it unplugged for a few minutes. Plug back in and try running a spin-only programme.
When To Contact A Professional
If the machine still fails to spin after the above checks, the fault is likely mechanical or electrical — a worn motor, faulty carbon brushes, a defective door lock or a control board issue. These will need to be diagnosed and repaired by a qualified engineer. Internal components should only be inspected or repaired by trained professionals.
Related Washing Machine Fault Guides
Washing Machine Not Filling With Water
Washing Machine Door Won’t Open
Washing Machine Making Loud Noise
Related Guides
Washing machine error codes — all brands
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