Washing machine won't spin: causes and fixes
A washing machine that won't spin leaves the laundry soaking at the end of the cycle. Before assuming a mechanical fault, know that a machine refuses to spin if it hasn't managed to drain, or if the load is unevenly distributed: those two harmless causes account for most cases.
The causes, from most to least common
Check them in this order: the first ones are free and solve the majority of cases.
- 1
The water hasn't drained
very commonHow to check: Look for water still in the drum. If there is any, this is a draining problem, not a spin problem.
Fix: Clean the drain filter and check the hose. The spin will resume once the water is gone.
EasyEstimated cost: 0 € - 2
Unbalanced or too small a load
very commonHow to check: A single bulky item (a duvet, a bath mat) prevents balancing: the machine cancels the spin as a safety measure.
Fix: Redistribute the laundry by hand in the drum and run a spin-only cycle. Add a towel or two to balance it.
EasyEstimated cost: 0 € - 3
Slack or broken drive belt
commonHow to check: The drum turns freely by hand with no resistance; you hear the motor but the drum doesn't follow.
Fix: Replace the belt, reachable through the back panel on most models.
ModerateEstimated cost: 10 to 25 € for the part, 80 to 150 € including labour - 4
Worn motor brushes
commonHow to check: The machine washes normally but never reaches spin speed. Typical after 8 to 10 years of use.
Fix: Replace the motor brushes.
ModerateEstimated cost: 15 to 40 € for the part, 100 to 180 € including labour - 5
Worn drum bearings
less commonHow to check: Very loud rumbling during the spin, and noticeable play when you move the drum by hand.
Fix: Replace the bearings - a heavy job, best left to a professional.
ProfessionalEstimated cost: 150 to 300 € fitted
If you take this out-of-warranty washing machine to a QualiRépar-certified repairer, 50€ comes off the invoice.
| Repair by a professional | 150 to 300 € |
| Repair bonus deducted | - 50 € |
| What you pay | 100 to 250 € |
Indicative estimate: the real price depends on the part, the model and the call-out. The bonus can never exceed the invoice total.
How to claim the repair bonus →When to call a professional
If the water drains properly, the load is well distributed and the spin still won't start, a mechanical or electronic part is at fault. On a machine over 10 years old needing new bearings, compare seriously against the price of a new one.
Find a repairer near you →Frequently asked questions
Why does my washing machine run but not spin?
Most often the water hasn't fully drained (blocked drain filter) or the load is unbalanced, so the machine cancels the spin for safety. If neither applies, suspect the drive belt or the motor brushes.
How do you run a spin-only cycle?
Select the 'spin' or 'drain + spin' programme on the dial, after redistributing the laundry by hand in the drum. If the spin then works normally, the problem was load balance.
Your washing machine may be nearing the end of its life: a washing machine lasts 8 to 11 years. Beyond that, an expensive repair is harder to justify.