Clothes coming out soaking wet is one of the most common washing machine problems, and in a wet Cape Town winter, when line-drying is already slow, it is especially frustrating. Here are the usual causes, which ones you can sort out yourself and when to call a technician.
A washing machine usually will not spin because the load is unbalanced (often a single heavy blanket or jersey load), water has not drained due to a blocked pump filter or hose, the door lock is not confirming, a slow-spin or no-spin setting is selected, or there is a fault with the belt, motor, motor brushes or control board. Check the load, the settings and the pump filter first.
Why spinning matters
The spin cycle removes most of the water from your clothes. Without a proper spin, laundry stays heavy and wet, takes far longer to dry and may smell musty, a real problem in Cape Town's damp winter months.
Cause 1: An unbalanced load
Modern washing machines check that the load is balanced before spinning fast. If the weight is all on one side, the machine tries to redistribute it by tumbling. If it cannot, it spins slowly or not at all to protect itself.
This happens most with:
- A single heavy item, such as a bath mat, blanket, duvet or jersey
- A very small load with one heavy item
- Items that tangle together into a ball
Fix: Open the door, separate and spread the items, add a couple of towels to balance a single heavy item and run a spin cycle.
Cause 2: Water not draining
A machine will not spin if it cannot drain the water first. If you see water in the drum at the end of the cycle, the problem is drainage, not spinning.
Fix: Clean the pump filter, usually behind a small panel at the bottom front. Place towels and a shallow tray underneath, unscrew it slowly and let the water drain. Remove any coins, hair clips, socks or fluff. Check that the drain hose behind the machine is not kinked.
Cause 3: Settings
Some programmes, such as wool, delicates or hand wash, spin slowly. Some machines also have a no-spin or rinse-hold option that may have been selected by mistake.
Fix: Check the spin speed setting on the display and select a normal programme.
Cause 4: Too much detergent
Excess detergent creates foam. Many machines detect foam and reduce or skip the spin to let it settle.
Fix: Use the recommended amount of detergent, especially with soft Cape Town water, where less detergent is needed.
Cause 5: Door lock
The machine will not spin unless the door lock confirms the door is closed and locked. A worn lock or damaged catch can let the wash run but stop the spin.
Cause 6: Belt
On belt-driven machines, a worn, loose or broken belt means the motor runs but the drum does not turn properly. You may hear the motor without the drum moving.
Cause 7: Motor and brushes
Many motors have carbon brushes that wear down over years. Worn brushes cause weak or no spinning, sometimes with a burning smell. Direct-drive and inverter motors have different faults, often involving sensors or the motor control on the board.
Cause 8: Control board
The board controls the motor speed. Faults, sometimes caused by power surges, can stop the spin.
Cause 9: Worn shock absorbers or bearings
Badly worn suspension can make the machine detect excessive movement and refuse to spin fast. Worn bearings make a loud rumble during the spin.
What to try, in order
1. Rebalance the load and run a spin-only cycle. 2. Check the spin setting. 3. Clean the pump filter and check the drain hose. 4. Reduce detergent. 5. If none of this helps, book a technician.
Winter laundry tips
- Do not overload with heavy winter washing.
- Wash duvets and blankets on their own, with a couple of towels for balance.
- Use the highest spin speed the fabric allows to reduce drying time.
- Leave the door open after washing to prevent mould.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my washing machine spin some loads but not others?
Usually load balance. Single heavy items or small loads are hardest for the machine to balance.
Can a blocked filter stop the spin?
Yes. If the machine cannot drain, it will not spin.
Is it worth repairing a machine that will not spin?
Often, yes. Belts, door locks, pumps and brushes are affordable repairs, and every repair we do carries a 6-month warranty.
A1 Refrigeration is an independent company and is not affiliated with or authorised by any appliance manufacturer. This guide is general advice. For anything involving electricity or refrigerant gas, use a qualified technician.
Need a hand? See our washing machine repair service in Cape Town.