Washing machine not spinning: causes and what to do
When a washing machine does not spin, the laundry stays wet and the programme either hangs at the spin or ends without it. Sometimes the display shows a code: UE on Samsung and LG, dC on some Samsung models, E18 on Arçelik.
Most often the machine will not spin because the load is unbalanced or because it cannot drain: the tub must be empty before the spin. You can usually fix both yourself.
Likely causes
- an unbalanced load: the laundry has bunched up or there is one heavy item — the machine lowers the speed or skips the spin to protect itself;
- the water does not leave the tub: a blocked pump filter or drain hose (on Samsung often with code 5C);
- an overloaded drum, so the laundry cannot move freely;
- a delicate programme or a low spin speed — many programmes do not allow full speed to protect the fabric;
- a faulty motor, motor speed sensor, drive belt (on belt-driven machines) or control board.
Safe steps you can try
- Open the door and look at the laundry. If it has bunched up or there is one large item, spread the load evenly. Bosch advises washing large and small items together and closing zips and buttons on duvet covers; Samsung advises against washing trainers or one large item on their own.
- If the drum is packed tight, take some items out.
- Check for water in the tub. If there is water, the machine cannot spin: clean the pump filter and check the drain hose.
- Check the settings: is a spin speed selected, and is a No Spin option on? Full speed is usually available on the Cotton programme or a separate Spin programme.
- If the display shows a motor code (such as 3E or 3C on Samsung), unplug the machine for 30 seconds, plug it back in and start the programme again.
- Run a separate Spin and watch through the door whether the drum turns.
When to call a technician
Call a technician if the drum does not turn at all — neither when washing nor when spinning, there is no spin with a normal load and a clear drain, the machine hums but the drum stays still, or a motor code returns after a restart.
These are signs of a faulty motor, speed sensor, belt, carbon brushes (on brushed motors) or board. A MasService technician will test them on site and name the price before the repair.
Error codes for this fault
Frequently asked questions
Why will the machine not spin a small load?
The machine cannot spread one or two items evenly around the drum, so the imbalance protection stops it from speeding up. Add a few items of similar weight.
The laundry is very wet after the spin — is it a fault?
Not always. Check the spin speed: it is low on delicate programmes. If the laundry is wet even on Cotton with full spin, the machine needs a check.
Can I spin the laundry separately?
Yes, most machines have a Spin or Drain + Spin programme. Spread the laundry evenly before you start it.
Other faults
Washing machine repair — Brands
Could not fix it yourself? A technician comes to your home in Baku, finds the cause on site and names the price before the repair: Washing machine repair