I’ll never forget the day my washing machine refused to spin. I was pulling out a load of jeans and towels, expecting them to be ready for the dryer, but instead—they were soaking wet. I ran the spin cycle again. Nothing. Just a sad, motionless drum staring back at me.
My first thought? “Well, that’s it. Time to buy a new washer.”
My second thought? “Wait… maybe I can fix this myself.”
And guess what? I did. And you can too.
If your washer isn’t spinning, don’t panic. Most of the time, it’s an easy fix. Let’s go step by step, figure out what’s wrong, and get that machine spinning again!
Step 1: Check the Load (Is It Overloaded or Unbalanced?)
Before we assume the worst, let’s start with the simplest fix.
Signs Your Load Might Be the Problem:
🔹 The washer tries to spin but stops.
🔹 It makes a weird thumping sound.
🔹 It completes the cycle, but the clothes are soaking wet.
How to Fix It:
1️⃣ Open the lid (or pause the cycle) and check the load.
2️⃣ If everything is bunched up on one side, the machine might have shut itself down to prevent damage.
3️⃣ Evenly distribute the clothes inside the drum.
4️⃣ Try removing a few heavy items (like towels or blankets) and restart the spin cycle.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid washing just one heavy item (like a single bath mat). It can throw the drum off balance. Always try to wash pairs of similar-weight items instead.
✅ If the machine starts spinning normally, congrats! You fixed it.
❌ Still not spinning? Let’s move on.
Step 2: Check the Lid Switch (For Top-Loading Machines)
If you have a top-loading washer, the lid switch must be engaged for the machine to spin. If the switch is broken, the washer thinks the lid is open—so it won’t spin.
How to Test It:
1️⃣ Open the lid and find the lid switch—it’s usually a small button near the hinge.
2️⃣ Press it down manually with your finger.
3️⃣ If you don’t hear a click, the switch might be faulty.
🛠 The Fix:
✅ If dirt or lint is blocking the switch, clean it and try again.
✅ If the switch is loose, tighten the screws.
✅ If it’s broken, you’ll need to replace it (they cost around $10-$20 and are easy to swap out).
💡 Temporary Fix: If you need to do laundry ASAP, you can use a small piece of tape to hold the switch down. But don’t rely on this long-term—it’s just a quick workaround!
✅ If the lid switch was the problem, your washer should start spinning again!
❌ Still no luck? Keep going.
Step 3: Check the Drainage System (Because a Washer Won’t Spin if It Can’t Drain!)
Here’s something I didn’t know at first—a washing machine won’t spin if it can’t drain properly. If there’s water stuck inside, the machine won’t enter the spin cycle.
How to Check for Drainage Issues:
🔹 Is there water pooling at the bottom of the washer?
🔹 Did the cycle finish, but the clothes are still soaking wet?
🔹 When you set it to “Drain,” does nothing happen?
How to Fix It:
1️⃣ Check the drain hose (behind the washer).
2️⃣ If it’s kinked, twisted, or blocked, straighten it out.
3️⃣ Remove the hose and check for clogs—I once found a sock stuck in mine!
4️⃣ Check the drain pump filter (usually behind a small panel at the front bottom of the washer). If it’s full of lint, hair, or even coins, clean it out!
💡 Pro Tip: If your washer makes a humming sound but doesn’t drain, the pump might be clogged with debris. Clearing the filter usually solves the issue.
✅ If unclogging the drain fixes the problem, your washer should start spinning normally again!
❌ Still no spin? Let’s move to the next step.
Step 4: Check the Drive Belt (For a Slipping or Loose Belt)
If your washer makes a spinning sound but the drum isn’t moving, the belt might be loose or broken.
How to Check the Belt:
1️⃣ Unplug the washer for safety.
2️⃣ Remove the back panel or bottom panel (depending on your model).
3️⃣ Look for the rubber drive belt that connects the motor to the drum.
4️⃣ If it’s loose, cracked, or broken, you’ll need a new one.
🛠 The Fix:
✅ If the belt is just loose, tighten it by adjusting the tensioner.
✅ If it’s damaged, replace it (they usually cost around $15-$30).
💡 Pro Tip: If your washer is over 5-10 years old, it’s normal for belts to wear out. Replacing them can add years to your machine’s life.
✅ If the belt was the issue, your washer should spin like new again!
❌ Still no luck? There’s one last thing to check.
Step 5: Check the Motor Coupling (For Machines That Just Won’t Spin at All)
If your washer won’t spin or agitate at all, the motor coupling might be broken. This part connects the motor to the drum and can wear out over time—especially if you overload the washer.
How to Check It:
1️⃣ Unplug the washer (always do this before working on the motor!).
2️⃣ Remove the back or bottom panel to access the motor.
3️⃣ Look for a small plastic and rubber piece between the motor and drum.
4️⃣ If it’s cracked, broken, or missing pieces, it needs replacing.
🛠 The Fix:
✅ Buy a replacement coupling ($15-$40).
✅ Swap out the old one with the new one—it’s a simple repair with basic tools.
💡 Pro Tip: If your washer is shaking violently before stopping, a failing motor coupling is often the culprit.
Test It Out!
Once you’ve tried these fixes, it’s time to see if your washer is back in action.
🔹 Set it to a spin cycle (with no clothes inside).
🔹 Listen for strange noises.
🔹 If the drum spins smoothly—congratulations, you fixed it! 🎉
I know how frustrating it is when your washing machine won’t spin. But in most cases, you can fix it yourself—without spending money on a repairman.
✔️ Check if the load is unbalanced.
✔️ Test the lid switch (for top loaders).
✔️ Make sure the washer can drain properly.
✔️ Inspect the drive belt for damage.
✔️ Check the motor coupling if the drum won’t spin at all.
By following these steps, you’ll save money, time, and the hassle of dealing with soaking wet laundry. Now go fix that washer and get back to clean, fresh-smelling clothes! 💪🚀
