Washing machine won't spin
When a washer won't spin, the first question is whether water is still sitting in the drum. If it is, the washer can't spin because it can't drain, and our washer won't drain guide is the place to start. If the water is gone but the clothes are soaking wet, the usual causes are an unbalanced load, a lid or door that isn't locking, or a too-small load. Most "broken" washers that won't spin are just lopsided loads or water that hasn't drained.
Why a washer won't spin
A washer won't go into high-speed spin until the water has drained and the lid or door is locked. Most also check the load's balance and slow down or stop if it's lopsided. So many spin problems are really drain, lid or balance problems.
Newer washers are more sensitive. A single heavy towel or a small load can be enough to stop the spin to protect the machine.
Common causes
A drain problem, not a spin problem.
The washer stops the spin to protect itself.
The spin can't start.
Hums or grinds with little movement.
| You notice | Likely cause | Start at |
|---|---|---|
| Water left in the drum | Drain problem | Washer won't drain guide |
| Drum empty, clothes soaked | Balance or load size | Step 2 |
| Stops at spin every time | Lid or door lock | Step 3 |
| Hums or grinds, barely turns | Belt, coupling or motor | Step 6 |
Let's fix it
- Check for water in the drumOpen the washer after the cycle ends. If water is still in the drum, it didn't drain, and it won't spin until it does. Go to the washer won't drain guide. If the drum is empty but the clothes are soaked, keep going here. If it drains slowly or leaves a little water in the bottom, the washer won't drain guide still applies.
- Rebalance the loadSpread the clothes evenly around the drum. Heavy items like towels, jeans or a single bath mat often cause it, and so do very small or overstuffed loads. Aim for the drum about half to three-quarters full with a mix of items; for one bulky item, add a couple of towels to even it out. Then run a rinse and spin cycle.
- Make sure the lid or door locksClose the lid or door firmly and listen for a click. Look for anything caught in the latch, like a sock. On a top-loader, a broken lid strike or switch stops the spin even though the rest of the cycle works. Many front-loaders show a lock light; if it never lights, the lock may be failing.
- Level the washerRock the washer from corner to corner. If it moves, adjust the feet until it sits firmly and level. A washer that rocks can sense imbalance and cut the spin short.
- Reset the washerUnplug it for a minute, plug it back in and run a rinse and spin cycle with a medium, even load. This clears many control glitches.
- Listen during the spinIf it hums, grinds or smells hot but the drum barely turns, stop the cycle. That can mean a worn belt, a failed motor coupling or another drive problem, and it's usually time for a repair tech.
Watch it done
- The drum spins fast at the end of the cycle
- Clothes come out damp, not dripping
- The washer runs without stopping at the spin
Still stops at spin with a balanced load? Check the lid lock or call a tech.
If it still won't spin
If the washer spins slowly and leaves clothes wetter than it used to, check that you're using a normal or heavy cycle. Delicate cycles spin much slower on purpose.
If it only has trouble with certain loads, like bedding, use the bulky cycle and wash large items with a few towels to balance them.
What a pro typically charges (a rough estimate; prices vary by area): A repair visit usually runs $100–$250. Replacing a lid switch or door lock typically costs $150–$300, and a drive belt or coupling $150–$350, including labor.
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Washer spin questions
Why is my washer not spinning?
Usually water that hasn't drained, an unbalanced load, or a lid or door that isn't locking.
Why does my washer leave clothes soaking wet?
The spin didn't finish. Balance the load, check for leftover water and make sure the lid or door locks.
Can a small load stop a washer from spinning?
Yes. Small or single-item loads often throw it off balance. Add a few towels.
How do I reset my washing machine?
Unplug it for about a minute, then plug it back in and run a rinse and spin cycle.