My Washing Machine Won't Spin? Quick DIY Fixes & Tips
It’s a frustrating moment: you open your washing machine expecting clean, damp clothes, only to find a drum full of soaking wet laundry. When your washer refuses to spin, it leaves you in a real bind.
But don't panic. More often than not, the culprit is something straightforward. Modern machines have safety sensors that will stop the high-speed spin cycle if something isn’t right. This is usually down to a few common offenders: an unbalanced load, a clogged drain filter, or a faulty door latch.
Diagnosing a Non-Spinning Washer
Before calling an engineer, it’s worth running through a few basic checks. The cause is frequently something you can sort out yourself in minutes.
Let's start with the simple stuff first.
An Unbalanced Load
This is the most common reason for a machine to stop spinning. If you’ve washed a single heavy item, like a big bath towel or a duvet cover, it can clump to one side of the drum. When the machine tries to spin, this creates a violent wobble, and a sensor immediately shuts it down to prevent damage.
The fix? Open the door, redistribute the laundry evenly, and try running a spin-only cycle. If you're washing one bulky item, add a couple of smaller towels to help balance things out.
A Blocked Drain Pump
Your washer is clever. It knows it can't spin properly if the drum is still full of water. If it fails to drain, the spin cycle won't begin. The most likely cause is a blocked drain pump filter, which catches lint, coins, and other debris.
You can usually find the filter behind a small flap at the bottom front of your machine. We have a full guide if you suspect your washing machine is not draining, but be prepared with a shallow tray and old towels to catch the excess water.
Door Latch Issues
For a spin cycle to start, the machine needs to know the door is securely locked. If the door latch is faulty or the sensor isn’t registering it as closed, it will refuse to spin as a safety measure.
Give the door a firm push to make sure it's properly closed. If it clicks shut but still won't spin, inspect the latch mechanism for any signs of damage or debris.
Quick Diagnostic Checklist For A Non-Spinning Washer
| Potential Cause | Symptoms | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Unbalanced Load | The machine may attempt to spin, then stop, sometimes with thumping noises. | Open the door and redistribute the clothes evenly. Add a couple of extra items to balance a single heavy load. |
| Drainage Problem | The cycle finishes with the drum still full of water. You might hear a humming noise from the pump. | Check the drain pump filter for blockages. Ensure the drain hose isn't kinked or clogged. |
| Door Not Locked | The machine won't start the spin at all. An error code or flashing light may appear. | Close the door firmly. Check the latch for any obstructions or damage. |
| Wrong Cycle Selected | The cycle finishes, but clothes are wetter than usual. | Check if you've accidentally selected a "no spin" or "gentle spin" setting. |
Running through these simple checks will solve the problem for most people, saving you time and the cost of an unnecessary call-out.
Safety First Before You Start Any Checks
Before investigating why your washing machine won't spin, safety is a non-negotiable step. When dealing with an appliance that mixes electricity and water, you must be cautious.
The first and most important thing to do is unplug the appliance from the wall. Don't just flick the switch off; pull the plug out completely. It only takes a second but is the most critical safety step.
With the power off, shut off the water supply by turning the hot and cold taps connected to the machine's inlet hoses fully clockwise.
Pro Tip: It's also a good idea to wear protective gloves and ensure your work area is dry and well-lit. Getting these basics right is the foundation of any safe DIY appliance check.
Your Practical DIY Troubleshooting Guide
With the safety checks done, it’s time to figure out what’s going on. Many spin cycle problems come down to simple issues you can sort out yourself.
Check The Pump Filter
A clogged filter is a top culprit when a washing machine won't spin. Its job is to catch lint and rogue coins, but when it gets blocked, the machine can't drain properly. No drain means no spin.
The filter is usually behind a small flap at the bottom front of your machine. Before you open it, grab a shallow tray and old towels to catch the water that will spill out. For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide on how to clean your washing machine filter.
Redistribute Uneven Laundry
If bulky items like towels clump together, the drum becomes unbalanced. Your machine's sensors detect this and halt the spin cycle to prevent violent shaking.
This is the most frequent cause of a spin failure we see. The fix is simple: open the door, move the laundry around to spread the weight out, and then run a "spin only" cycle.
Inspect The Door Lock
As a safety feature, your washer won't spin if it doesn't get a clear signal that the door is securely locked. Give the door a firm push and listen for a solid click. If the latch feels wobbly or you see grime blocking the mechanism, that could be the problem.
When to Call a Professional
If you've tried the simple fixes and your machine is still refusing to spin, the problem could be a mechanical part that’s worn out, such as the drive belt or motor brushes.
A snapped or slipped drive belt is a classic issue. You can often diagnose this by turning the drum by hand (with the machine off). If it spins freely with no resistance while the motor just whirs, the belt is the likely cause. The motor's carbon brushes also wear down over time and may need replacing.
While a DIY repair is satisfying, tackling complex parts like motors or control boards can cause more harm than good without the right experience. According to UK washing machine repair costs on Checkatrade.com, a professional repair can range from £70 to over £400.
If you've tried the basic checks and are still staring at a drum full of soggy clothes, it’s time to bring in an expert. You can read our guide on the signs your washing machine needs a professional repair to be sure. When you're ready, book a Go Assist engineer for a reliable, no-fuss solution.
Still Got Questions About a Washer That Won't Spin?
Here are some common questions we get from homeowners dealing with a washer that's stopped spinning.
Is It Cheaper to Repair or Replace My Washing Machine?
As a rule of thumb, if your machine is over five years old and a repair will cost more than half the price of a new one, a replacement probably makes more sense. However, for newer machines, a repair is almost always more cost-effective. As UK appliance repair statistics show, many appliances are replaced when they could have been easily fixed, saving money and hassle.
Can I Still Use My Washing Machine If It Won’t Spin?
Technically, yes, but your clothes will come out sopping wet and incredibly heavy. This means a much longer drying time and a lot of dripping water to manage. It's better to get the spin issue sorted first.
How Can I Stop Spin Problems Happening Again?
A little prevention goes a long way. To avoid future spin cycle failures, build these habits into your laundry routine:
- Clean the pump filter regularly: This is a top cause of spin problems and only takes a few minutes.
- Don't overload the machine: Cramming too much in throws the drum off balance.
- Load it evenly: Distribute heavy items like towels and jeans around the drum.
Following these simple tips will head off most common issues before they start.
