Washing machine not spinning: causes and safe checks

Usually simple

Quick answer

If your washing machine won’t spin, the load is often unbalanced or too big, or the machine can’t drain because the pump filter or drain hose is blocked. Rebalance the load, clean the filter and check the hose. If the drum doesn’t turn at all in an empty test, the motor or drive likely needs an engineer.

Also covers: clothes soaking wet after wash · washing machine not spinning properly · spin cycle not working.

This can be normal

Each programme has its own maximum spin speed, and many only allow slower speeds. Machines also cut or skip the spin when the load is unbalanced, to protect themselves. Samsung says this often happens without any code.

Likely causes

What you can safely check yourself

Stop and call a qualified engineer if:
  • The drum doesn’t turn at all, or a dryer drum spins very freely by hand. That usually points to a motor or belt fault for an engineer.
  • The code or problem comes back after you’ve done the safe checks on this page.
  • The next step would mean removing a cover or panel, or working on the pump, valves, heater, motor, door lock or wiring. That is a job for a qualified engineer.
  • You smell burning, see smoke or scorch marks, or the appliance trips your electrics. Stop using it, and switch it off at the wall only if it is safe to reach. Otherwise switch off at the consumer unit.

Work through these in order. Stop as soon as one of the signs above applies.

Rebalance the load

  1. When the machine lets you open the door, untangle the laundry and spread it evenly around the drum.
  2. If you are washing one heavy item, such as a bath mat or a large towel, add two or three similar towels so the weight balances.
  3. Check the load suits the programme. Very small loads and overstuffed drums can both cause balance problems. Your manual gives the maximum load for each programme.
  4. Restart the spin.

Clean the drain pump filter Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  • Water inside can be hot after a hot wash. Wait for it to cool before opening a filter.
  • Expect water to come out. Put towels and a shallow tray or baking dish down first.
  • Never force a locked door, a stuck filter cap or a seized part. Forcing it usually causes more damage.
Where the drain pump filter usually is Filter flap bottom front, one side Shallow tray + towels drain slowly, a bit at a time Filter cap turn anticlockwise slowly Some models have a small emergency drain hose here too
Where the drain pump filter usually is. Positions vary by model — check your manual.
  1. Find the small flap at the bottom front of the machine. Your manual shows the exact location and whether there is a small emergency drain hose.
  2. With towels and a tray in place, release the water slowly, using the emergency hose if there is one, or by turning the filter cap a little at a time. Expect more water than you think, and empty the tray as often as you need to.
  3. When the water has stopped, unscrew the filter fully and remove fluff, coins, hair grips and other debris. Rinse it under the tap.
  4. Look into the opening to check the pump blade can turn freely. If you can see it, manufacturers suggest turning it gently with a pencil, never with your fingers.
  5. Refit the filter firmly in its locked position and close the flap. Check for drips the next time the machine runs.

Don’t reach in with fingers past the filter opening.

Don’t open the filter while the machine is running or the water is hot.

Check the drain hose position and for kinks Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  • The appliance is heavy. Pull it out slowly, ideally with help, and don’t strain the hoses or the cable.
Drain hose height and standpipe Outlet height min–max: see your manual Don’t push the hose in too far it can siphon or block No kinks or loops
Drain hose height and standpipe. Positions vary by model — check your manual.
  1. Check the drain hose behind the machine is not kinked, twisted or squashed against the wall.
  2. Check how far the hose goes into the standpipe or sink trap. Pushed in too far, it can siphon or block.
  3. Check the height of the hose outlet against your manual. Manufacturers give a minimum and maximum height above the floor or the machine base.
  4. If the hose has been extended, check the joint. Extensions narrow the flow and make blockages more likely.

Switch off at the wall and let it rest

  1. If the display shows a code, write it down first.
  2. Switch the appliance off and turn it off at the wall socket.
  3. Leave it off for the time your manual or the manufacturer suggests (see the note below if there is one), then switch on and try again.

Don’t repeat this over and over if the code keeps returning. That means there is a fault to diagnose.

Showing an error code?

These codes are related to this problem. Codes differ by brand, so pick yours:

Step-by-step guides

Related problems

Questions people ask

How can I tell if the motor has failed?

Samsung suggests running a short empty programme and watching the drum after it fills. Stopping and starting is normal. If the drum never turns, it probably needs an engineer.

Brand guides: AEG, Hotpoint, LG, Samsung. More washing machine problems and codes, or use the fault finder.

Sources

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We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.