Quick answer
A washer that will not spin is usually stopped by an unbalanced load, water left in the tub from a slow drain, or a lid or door lock that is not engaging. Spread the load evenly, make sure the tub drained, listen for the lock click and unplug the washer for a minute to reset it. If it still will not spin, the drain pump, lid switch, belt, motor coupling or lock assembly has failed; HomeAdvisor puts typical washer repairs at $125–$450. Call (888) 217-0236 to reach an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP; the line is answered 24/7.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed October 27, 2026· Next review Apr 2027
A washer that fills, washes and drains but leaves the clothes soaking has stopped short of the spin, and the reason is usually one of three things: the load is out of balance, the lid or door lock is not confirming it is shut, or water is still in the tub because the drain is slow. All three can be checked in a few minutes before anyone opens the cabinet.
Check These First
- 1Rebalance the load. One heavy item (a bath mat, a pair of jeans, a comforter) can make the washer refuse to spin. Spread the load evenly, or add a couple of towels to balance a single heavy item, and run a drain-and-spin cycle.
- 2Make sure the tub drained. If water is still sitting in the drum, the washer will not spin. A slow or blocked drain is a separate fault; see washer won't drain.
- 3Listen for the lid or door lock. Most washers click when the lock engages. No click, or a lock light that flashes, means the washer does not know the lid is shut and will not spin for safety.
- 4Check the cycle. Delicate and hand-wash cycles spin slowly by design, and some machines let you set the spin to "no spin" by mistake.
- 5Power the washer off for one minute. Unplug it, or switch off its breaker, to reset the control after an interrupted cycle.
What Usually Fails
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Drains, then stops with water still in the drum | Clogged drain pump filter or a failing drain pump |
| Hums or clicks, drum will not turn | Lid lock or door lock assembly, motor coupling |
| Spins slowly, clothes still wet | Worn drive belt, failing motor control |
| Top-loader agitates but will not spin | Lid switch, motor coupling, clutch or shift actuator |
| Loud banging, then stops | Unbalanced load or worn suspension rods or springs |
Talk to an appliance repair technician
One call reaches an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP, answered 24/7.
What a Repair Costs
HomeAdvisor puts typical washer repairs at $125–$450. A lid switch, a belt or a pump filter clean-out sits at the low end. A drive motor, a control board or a transmission sits at the high end, and on an older washer that is where replacement starts to make more sense. The washer repair page has the full cost table and sources.
When to Call
Call once the load is balanced, the tub has drained and the lid locks, and the washer still will not spin. Have the brand, the model number from the sticker inside the lid or door, and any error code ready. (888) 217-0236 is answered 24/7 and connects you to an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP for washers, dryers, ovens, stoves, cooktops and freezers. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more.
Reading to confirm what you already suspect?
Confirm it in two minutes instead — the pro on this line answers questions about YOUR situation all day: what it is, what it should cost, whether you even need service. If you want, they'll set the appointment on the same call.
No obligation to book
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my washer fill and wash but not spin?
Most often the load is out of balance, the tub has not drained, or the lid or door lock is not engaging. If all three are fine, the drain pump, belt, motor coupling or lid switch is the usual failed part.
Can an unbalanced load stop a washer from spinning?
YesMany washers sense an uneven load and refuse to spin, or spin slowly, to protect the drum and suspension. Redistribute it and run drain and spin again.
How much does it cost to fix a washer that won't spin?
HomeAdvisor puts typical washer repairs at $125–$450. A lid switch or belt is at the low end; a motor, control board or transmission is at the high end.
Sources
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.
Equipment
What each machine actually does
Removes the moisture the structure is still giving off — the machine that decides how long drying takes
See the picks →Moves air across wet surfaces so the dehumidifier has something to take out of the air
See the picks →Finds water behind walls and under floors, and tells you when a material is actually dry
See the picks →Alerts you the moment a leak starts; a small cost, and the one preventive item here
See the picks →Those pages carry affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, HearthDry earns from qualifying purchases; it costs you nothing extra.
Our Amazon storefront →