6 tips for if your washing machine doesn't spin

Written by Elbrich

Edited on

25 August 2026

ยท

09:04

6 tips for if your washing machine doesn't spin

Do your clothes remain wet after washing them? Your washing machine isn't spinning properly or at all. As a result, it's not draining water. In this article, you can solve this problem quickly and easily. Redistribute your laundry or clean the drain filter, for example. Read everything about it here.

Washing machine with laundry

Solve problem with 6 tips

Isn't your washing machine spinning or does it stop mid-cycle? With these tips, you can easily solve the problem:

  • Tip 1: add more laundry
  • Tip 2: remove large pieces of laundry from the washing machine
  • Tip 3: redistribute your laundry
  • Tip 4: check if your washing machine is level
  • Tip 5: clean the drain filter
  • Tip 6: check if the water stopper is aftive
Laundry basket with laundry

Tip 1: add more laundry

Isn't your washing machine spinning or does it stop during spinning? Check if there's enough laundry in the drum. Did you only wash a couple of small clothing pieces like a sweater, underwear, or socks? The washing machine might stop spinning for safety reasons, because the drum is off balance. This way, the washing machine prevents damage. Add some extra laundry, such as 1 or 2 towels. The washing machine will detect that there's more in the drum en resume spinning.

Person putting pillow in washing machine

Tip 2: remove large pieces of laundry from the appliance

Isn't your washing machine spinning, even though the drum is completely full? Your laundry may be too heavy. Large pieces like bedding or pillows completely absorb water and form a heavy ball. This also causes the drum to become off-balance, so the washing machine again stops spinning to prevent damage. A useful rule of thumb: when filling the drum, always leave 1 fist of space between your laundry and the top of the drum.

Person puts laundry in the washing machine.

Tip 3: redistribute your laundry

In addition to too little or too much laundry in the drum, it's also possible that the laundry isn't distributed properly. If your laundry isn't distributed properly, your laundry will become stuck on 1 side of the drum and the washing machine will stop spinning. So be sure to check if your laundry is distributed properly. Is everything on 1 side? Redistribute it.

Person with spirit level on washing machine

Tip 4: check whether your washing machine is level

Another reason for your washing machine not spinning could be that it's not stable or level. Make sure that the washing machine is on a sturdy and flat surface, such as a stone floor. Then, check if the appliance is level with a spirit level. Isn't this the case? Level the washing machine by adjusting the little legs under the appliance.

Person opens hatch drain wilter on washing machine

Tip 5: clean the drain filter

Does water remain in the drum? The drain filter might be clogged. In that case, the washing machine won't drain the water and start the spin cycle. The filter is located behind the hatch at the bottom of the appliance. Clean it by turning off the appliance and opening the hatch. Place a container in front of the opening to collect any water coming out. Unscrew the filter, rinse it, and remove any dirt. After that, replace it and close the hatch.

Drum with laundry and water

Tip 6: check if the water stopper is active

Did you try the tips above, but is your washing machine still not spinning? The water stopper may be active. If that's the case, you'll see a light or symbol on the display of the appliance, indicating that the water stopper is active or that the appliance isn't spinning. With an active water stopper, the washing machine leaves the water inside the drum after the rinse cycle so your laundry doesn't come out wrinkled. Want to spin your laundry? Press the start/pause button.

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