If your clothes come out dripping wet, the washer either could not drain the water or could not reach spin speed. These are the most common reasons, from the easy fixes to the ones that need a technician.
Washers slow down or stop the spin when the load is lopsided. One heavy item, like a bath mat, a comforter or a pair of jeans washed alone, is a common cause. Spread the load out evenly and run a drain and spin cycle again.
A washer will not spin while water is still in the tub. A clogged pump filter, a kinked drain hose or a failed drain pump will all stop the spin. See our guide: Whirlpool washer won’t drain.
Using regular detergent in a high-efficiency (HE) washer, or too much HE detergent, makes extra suds. The washer slows the spin to protect itself. Use only HE detergent and the amount on the label.
The washer will not spin unless it knows the lid or door is shut and locked. A worn lid switch or door lock is a very common repair.
On models with a belt, a stretched or broken belt lets the motor run without turning the drum. Some older direct-drive top-load washers use a motor coupler that can wear out and break.
On many top-load washers, the parts that switch the washer from agitate to spin can wear out. You may hear the motor run but the basket barely turns.
Less often, the control board or the drive motor itself has failed. These should be tested before replacing, because they are some of the more expensive parts.
If a balanced load and a clear drain do not fix it, or you hear grinding, banging or a burning smell, stop using the washer and call for service.
San Antonio Appliance Repair, LLC has been repairing appliances in San Antonio and the surrounding areas since 2006. Every part we install comes with a 1-year parts warranty. Call (210) 374-5977 or book a repair online. Learn more about our washer repair service.