What is actually happening
A spin needs three things to be true: the water is gone, the door is locked, and the load is balanced. If any one of them fails the machine skips the spin rather than risk it. Where the wash itself is fine and only the spin fails, the two usual culprits are worn motor carbon brushes on older belt-driven machines, or a load that the machine cannot balance.
The usual causes
- Worn carbon brushes on the motor — typical life is seven to ten years, and the machine will often wash but not spin
- Water left in the drum from a drain fault, so the spin is never attempted
- An unbalanced load — one heavy item such as a towel or duvet on its own
- A snapped or slipping drive belt: the motor runs, the drum does not
- A failed door interlock, so the machine will not commit to a high-speed spin
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.
- Redistribute the load by hand and run a spin-only cycle — a single heavy item is a common and harmless cause
- Check whether water is left in the drum; if it is, this is a drain fault first and a spin fault second
- Listen during the attempted spin: a motor that revs while the drum stays still points at the belt
Still not spinning?
Most of these need an engineer once the checks above are done. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Local engineers covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — same and next-day appointments, and the person who comes out is one of ours, not a subcontractor.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my washing machine not spinning?
The machine washes normally but the clothes come out soaked, because the drum never reaches spin speed. A spin needs three things to be true: the water is gone, the door is locked, and the load is balanced. If any one of them fails the machine skips the spin rather than risk it. Where the wash itself is fine and only the spin fails, the two usual culprits are worn motor carbon brushes on older belt-driven machines, or a load that the machine cannot balance.
Can I fix a washing machine not spinning myself?
Redistribute the load by hand and run a spin-only cycle — a single heavy item is a common and harmless cause. Check whether water is left in the drum; if it is, this is a drain fault first and a spin fault second. Listen during the attempted spin: a motor that revs while the drum stays still points at the belt. Beyond those checks this one normally needs an engineer.
How much does it cost to repair a washing machine not spinning?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other washing machine faults
- washing machine not draining
- washing machine leaking water
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine not heating the water
- washing machine door will not open
- washing machine will not turn on
- washing machine tripping the electrics
- washing machine not filling with water