Repair guide · Washing machine repairs
Washing machine not spinning? Why, and what to try
Dripping clothes at the end of a wash usually mean the machine is protecting itself, not that it's broken. Start with the simple causes before you assume the worst.
A washing machine only spins when it's sure it's safe to. It checks that the water has drained, that the door is locked and that the load is balanced. If any of those checks fail, it skips the spin or tries again and again. So a machine that washes but won't spin often has a drainage or balance problem rather than a motor fault.
When those are ruled out, the usual mechanical causes are a broken or slipping drive belt, worn carbon brushes on the motor, a faulty motor or a control problem. The checks below help you tell which side of the line you're on.
Safety first. Switch off at the wall before you open the filter hatch, take off any panel or move the machine. Don't try to turn the drum by hand while the machine is running, and don't open the back of the machine.
Checks you can do at home
Look at the load
One heavy item, like a bath mat, a duvet or a pair of jeans on its own, can throw the drum off balance so badly that the machine won't spin. Spread the load out or add a few towels and run a spin-only cycle.
Make sure it has drained
If there's still water in the drum, the machine won't spin. Clean the pump filter and check the drain hose for kinks. Our not draining guide shows you how.
Check the programme and settings
Some programmes, such as wool, hand wash and delicates, spin slowly or not at all. Check that the spin speed hasn't been set to zero or a rinse-hold option switched on.
Make sure it's level
A machine that rocks on its feet senses imbalance more easily. Press down on each corner. If it wobbles, adjust the feet and tighten their lock nuts.
Watch the drum during the cycle
If the drum turns during the wash but not the spin, the motor and belt are working, which points back to drainage, balance or a control fault. If it doesn't turn at all and you hear the motor running, the belt has probably come off or snapped.
Note any error code
Many machines show a code for imbalance, drainage or a motor fault. Write it down or take a photo before you switch the machine off.
Wet clothes after the spin cycle
If the machine does spin but the clothes still come out dripping, check the spin speed setting first. A slow-draining filter can also leave water in the drum during the spin. If both are fine and the spin sounds weak, worn carbon brushes or a slipping belt can stop the drum reaching full speed.
Top loaders that won't spin
Top loaders also refuse to spin with an unbalanced load or water in the tub. They have a lid switch that tells the machine the lid is shut. If the switch fails, the machine fills and washes but won't spin. Older top loaders with a gearbox can also wear their clutch or drive coupling.
When to call a technician
If the load is balanced, the machine drains properly and it still won't spin, or you hear the motor running while the drum stays still, book a technician. A burning smell, sparks or a loud grinding noise mean you should stop using the machine straight away.
Belts, carbon brushes and door locks are common, affordable repairs. Motors and control boards cost more, and the technician will tell you the price before any work starts. See washing machine repairs for more.
No call-out fee when we repair it.If no repair is done, a R500 call-out applies. The technician finds the fault and explains the repair before any work starts, so you decide whether to go ahead.
Book a repairQuestions people ask
Why is my washing machine turning but not spinning?
It's probably detecting water in the drum or an unbalanced load, so it keeps the drum turning slowly instead of spinning. Clean the filter, spread the load out and try a spin-only cycle.
How do I force my washing machine to spin?
Select the spin-only programme with a balanced load and an empty, drained drum. A machine can't be made to spin while it detects water or a badly unbalanced load, because that would damage the drum.
Why are my clothes still wet after the spin cycle?
The spin speed may be set low, the filter may be draining slowly, or the load may be too unbalanced for a full spin. If none of those apply, a slipping belt or worn motor brushes are likely.
How do I reset a washer that won't spin?
Switch it off at the wall for a few minutes, then on again and choose spin only. If it still won't spin with a balanced load and a drained drum, the fault needs a technician.
Is a broken washing machine belt expensive to fix?
No. A drive belt is one of the more affordable washing machine repairs, as long as the pulley and the motor are fine. The technician also checks why the belt came off, so it doesn't happen again.