Why Is My Washing Machine Not Spinning?
If your washing machine doesn’t spin, it can be a real hassle. Sopping wet clothes and a disrupted laundry routine don’t benefit anyone. Fortunately, you don’t need to spin yourself in circles to get to the root of the problem. From unbalanced loads to burnt-out drive motors, we’ll unmask the common culprits of a washing machine that won’t spin.
Washer Drains But Won’t Spin: 5 Potential Culprits
1. Faulty Drain Cycle
Believe it or not, the spin cycle might not be the cause of your stationary wash tub — it could be your drain cycle. Most washers won’t advance to the spin cycle unless they’re fully drained, so check for water left in the washing machine drum.
2. Overstuffed or Unbalanced Load
Extremely heavy or unbalanced loads can cause excessive shaking, which can strain your washing machine’s motor and other components. Because of this, many modern washers have built-in features to prevent damage. One such feature is preventing the motor from spinning if it senses an unideal load.
If the spin cycle does not work on your washing machine, try evenly distributing the clothes inside. Remove some items if necessary to ensure the load isn’t too heavy. While it might seem like you’re not putting too many items in the washer, laundry takes on more weight than you might expect once the load is wet!
3. Bad Lid Switch
A lid switch, sometimes called a spin cycle switch, is another washing machine safety feature. It senses when the lid (for top-loading machines) or door (for front-loading machines) is closed and permits the spin cycle to start. If this switch fails, your spin cycle may not start.
Theoretically, you can test your lid switch at home with a multimeter. But be warned — it requires some disassembly of your washer. Troubleshooting this issue on your own may void your warranty and can harm your machine if done improperly. For this reason, we recommend calling a qualified professional for this fix.
4. Faulty Drive Belt
The drive belt in your washing machine connects the drive motor to your washing machine tub so that it can spin. If this belt stretches out enough or breaks entirely, your washing machine tub may not spin properly, if at all.
Before troubleshooting this issue, unplug your washer. Then, find the drive belt inspection panel. On top-loading washers, drive belts are often found near the bottom of the machine. You may have to disconnect the water lines from the washer and tip the machine forward onto a soft surface, like a towel, to access the panel. On front-loading washers, they are commonly found behind an inspection plate at the back of the machine.
Once you have located your machine’s inspection plate, remove the clips or screws holding it in, and check for damage or slack in the belt. If it’s loose or broken, it will need to be replaced.
5. Burnt-Out Drive Motor
As you might expect, your washing machine’s drive motor provides the energy needed to spin the tub. If this motor burns out or its bearings seize, the washing machine drum likely won’t spin at all. If it does, it may spin sporadically or noisily.
To troubleshoot, turn on your washing machine and run a cycle. When it gets to the spin cycle, listen for unusual noises like grinding or humming. If the motor makes strange sounds or doesn’t run at all, it might be malfunctioning and require professional inspection or replacement. Beware, though, replacing the drive motor can be relatively expensive, so it might make more sense to replace your washing machine instead.
Need help finding a replacement? Read our guide to shopping for a washer and dryer.
Trust Rent-A-Center for Quality, Brand Name Washing Machines
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a washing machine might be beyond repair or not worth the cost of fixing. That’s when it’s time to consider upgrading to a new appliance. Fortunately, Rent-A-Center offers free delivery, flexible payment options, and convenient rent-to-own washer and dryer sets. We make replacing your old, unreliable washer with a newer, more efficient model easy. And you can do it all without straining your wallet!
Shop online or visit your local Rent-A-Center today for name-brand appliances you can trust.