If you get to the end of a washing machine cycle but your clothes are still sodden wet, or if they haven’t even been properly cleaned at all, it’s a pretty safe bet that your washing machine isn’t spinning as it should! So, to work out why your washing machine won’t spin, you first need to know exactly how it’s not spinning.
What do we mean by that? Well, different problems with your spin cycle will have different warning signs, so you will need to pay attention to the way your washing machine spins… or take note if it isn’t even spinning at all! You might find that solving the issue is as simple as putting different combinations of clothes in the drum, or giving certain areas of your machine a good clean. However, if you do need to delve into the inner workings of your appliance and potentially replace any one of the washing machine parts inside, we can help you get to the bottom of the problem whilst directing you towards which washing machine spares you need to fix the issue.
Help, my washing machine will only spin slowly!
If your washing machine drum is rotating but won’t go into a fast spin cycle, the problem could be as simple as an unbalanced load. Spinning a load at a fast speed when it only contains one heavy piece of laundry could damage the machine, as this puts too much pressure on various parts connected to the drum, like the washing machine bearings and the springs. To prevent damage, some modern machines will spin more slowly if the load is unbalanced, stopping and starting the spin cycle to try and redistribute the clothes.
Avoiding this issue in future is actually pretty simple. Wash multiple heavy items like towels, jeans, or thick jumpers in the same wash wherever possible. Washing just one towel with a lot of lightweight items like underwear or t-shirts will make it hard for the machine to spread the weight of the load evenly around the drum. And, when you put your clothes in the machine, make sure they’re not all tangled and bunched up!
Unbalanced loads can also cause excessive noise during a spin cycle. Head to our advice article on how to prevent a washing machine from spinning noisily to learn the surprising difference an unbalanced load can make to your machine! You can also watch our video version of this article below…
Help, my washing machine won’t spin or drain!
Most washing machines won’t start a spin cycle until they’ve fully drained the water from the wash. So, if your machine is draining very slowly or if it isn’t draining at all, the most likely cause is a pesky blockage somewhere in the drainage system.
The washing machine filter is designed to catch any loose items you’ve accidentally left in your pockets (coins, hair grips, elastic bands, etc.) which have fallen down the side of the drum. So, when checking for a blockage, the filter is the place to start! You’ll usually find it behind a flap at the bottom of most front loading machines. Be aware that when you pull the filter out, any water in the drum will follow, so make sure the machine is empty and put down an old towel first!
Once you’ve cleaned out any small items blocking the washing machine filter, rinse the filter thoroughly in warm water and your problem may be solved. But, if the filter was relatively clean already, there could be a blockage in the washing machine sump hose (which is the hose leading to the drainage pump) or in the washing machine pump itself.
Fortunately, we have a guide explaining how to diagnose washing machine drain and pump problems which shows you how to remove these trickier blockages and drain your machine! You can also watch our video covering everything included in that article below. And remember that, in future, the best way to prevent blockages is to turn out all your pockets before putting your clothes in the wash.
Help, my washing machine will fill and empty but it won’t spin!
If your machine is filling and emptying as usual but it’s not actually turning at all, the washing machine motor that turns the drum could be faulty.
Most commonly, carbon brushes will be the cause of your appliance’s motor problems. The brushes come into contact with moving parts in the motor, so they will become worn over time. If your carbon brushes are worn like this, you may hear a spluttering noise coming from the washing machine… or you might even see sparks coming from the bottom of it!
Identifying problems with your motor involves removing it from your appliance. Obviously this isn’t something we all need to do regularly, so if you don’t feel confident taking your washing machine apart, don’t worry. Our article on how to diagnose washing machine motor problems will help you check and diagnose your motor issues asap! And, once again, we also have a video version of that article available for you to follow below.
Now that you’ve hopefully found the cause of your washing machine woes, you’ll be able to get that drum spinning again and get back on top of your mounting pile of laundry… and ideally before you’ve run out of clean underwear!
But, as a final tip to help you prevent any future washing machine issues, it’s a good idea to keep your appliance as clean as possible. Simply running the occasional cycle with a washing machine cleaner and descaler will prevent problems such as limescale build-up on the internal washing machine parts, and it will help you keep your appliance in working order for longer. Happy washing!
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