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Washer won’t spin

A washer refuses to spin when it can’t do so safely: the load is lopsided, the door isn’t locked, the water hasn’t drained, or there’s too much foam. These are all things you can check yourself.

7 checks, quickest firstAbout 37 minutes if you do them allLast checked against its sources on

Fix Finder

Fix Finder: washer won’t spin

Work through the checks below, in order.

Turn on JavaScript to use the interactive step-by-step version.

Before you start

  • Anything beyond the quick checks: unplug the washer first.
  • Touching hoses: turn off both water valves behind the washer.
  • After a hot cycle, give the water time to cool. Samsung suggests about an hour.
  • Have towels and a shallow tray ready whenever a step may release water.

More in appliance repair safety basics.

All the checks, in order

  1. Check the door or lid is shut

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    The washer won’t spin unless the door or lid is fully closed and locked.

    1. Open and close the door or lid firmly.
    2. Remove anything caught in the latch or the seal.

  2. Rebalance the load

    Safe to tryAbout 3 min

    When laundry bunches to one side, the washer stops spinning to protect itself.

    1. Spread the laundry evenly around the drum.
    2. Take some items out if it’s packed tight. Clothes should move freely.
    3. Don’t spin a single heavy item, like a rug or a jacket, on its own. Add a few towels to balance it.
    4. Close the door and run a spin cycle.

  3. Choose a faster spin

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    Gentle and delicate cycles spin slowly on purpose, leaving more water in the clothes.

    1. If the care labels allow it, pick a normal or heavy-duty cycle with a higher spin speed.

  4. Check for too many suds

    Safe to tryAbout 2 min

    Thick foam can stop the washer from pumping and spinning.

    1. Use measured HE detergent.
    2. Run a rinse and spin with no detergent to clear any foam.

  5. Make sure it drains

    Take careAbout 10 min

    A washer won’t spin while there’s still water in the drum.

    1. If water is sitting in the drum, the real problem is draining.
    2. Follow the drain checks: hose, suds and, on front-loaders, the pump filter.

    Open the guide: Washer won’t drain

  6. Remove shipping bolts (new or moved washers)

    Take careAbout 10 min

    Bolts that hold the drum still in transit stop it spinning properly and cause loud banging.

    1. Look at the back of the washer for shipping bolts or plastic spacers.
    2. Remove all of them, following the installation guide.

  7. Level the washer

    Take careAbout 10 min

    A washer that rocks can’t balance a load.

    1. Push on each corner. If it rocks, adjust the feet until all four sit firmly on the floor.
    2. Tighten the lock nuts on the feet against the cabinet so they stay put.

When to call a technician

  • You smell burning or hear grinding.
  • A motor code appears, such as Samsung 3E or LG CE.
  • It still won’t spin with an even load, a closed door and no water left in the drum.

Error codes that point here

If your washer shows one of these, open it for the brand’s exact meaning.

Samsung UELoad out of balanceLG UELoad out of balanceLG LEDrum won’t turnWhirlpool OfbLoad out of balance or too large (top-load HE)Whirlpool F7 E1Motor speed problem (front-load)

Questions

What does Ur mean on a Samsung washer?

It isn’t a fault. Samsung says the washer is adding water to rebalance the load, which makes the cycle longer.

Why won’t my washer spin a single blanket?

One heavy item bunches to one side. LG suggests washing bulky items such as blankets one at a time, and Whirlpool suggests adding a few other items to balance a single heavy piece.

Sources

  1. Washer Not Draining or Spinning? Troubleshooting Guide, Whirlpool Product Help
  2. Vibration, Walking or Off Balance: Front Load Washer, Whirlpool Product Help
  3. Samsung washing machine information and error codes, Samsung US Support
  4. LG Front Load Washer: Error Code List, LG USA Support
  5. LG Top Load Washer: Error Code List, LG USA Support
Last checked against its sources on