Washing machine not spinning: causes and what to do
Short answer
Most washing machines that won't spin either have an unbalanced load or still have water inside. They won't spin until they have drained. If the load is balanced and the machine drains, a worn belt, motor capacitor, door lock or motor fault is likely.
Check these first
Rebalance the load
A single heavy item like a blanket or jeans can stop the spin. Spread the clothes out, or add or remove a few items.
Check it drained
If water is still in the drum, see our guide to a washing machine not draining first.
Check the spin setting
Make sure spin isn't turned off or set to the lowest speed.
Semi-automatic: close the spin lid
The spin tub has a safety switch and won't turn unless its inner and outer lids are both closed.
Call a technician if
- It won't spin even with a small, balanced load
- The drum turns freely by hand but the motor only hums
- You smell burning or hear grinding
- It shows a UE/UB (unbalanced) code every wash
Call for washing machine repair in Kathmandu
981-383-6219- Open 7 days, Saturday included, 9 AM – 6 PM
- Talk to us in Nepali or English
Common causes by machine type
Front-load: a door lock that doesn't confirm it is locked, a worn motor brush, or a motor or control board fault. Error codes help narrow it down.
Top-load automatic: a worn belt, a clutch or gearbox problem, or a lid switch fault.
Semi-automatic: the spin motor, its capacitor, the brake or the spin timer. These are usually quick, low-cost repairs.
Questions
Why does my washing machine shake and then stop spinning?
It senses an unbalanced load and stops to protect itself. If this happens with normal loads, the shock absorbers, springs or bearings may be worn.