WASHER TROUBLESHOOTING

Washing machine not spinning? Check these things first.

A washer may skip the spin cycle to protect itself from an unbalanced load, an open lid, or a drainage problem. Start with the simple checks before assuming a major repair.

1. Redistribute the load

Bulky items such as towels, comforters, or a single heavy garment can collect on one side of the drum. Pause the cycle, spread the load evenly, and remove one item if the drum is tightly packed.

2. Make sure it has drained

Most washers will not spin while water remains inside. If the drum is full of water, use the washer's drain or drain-and-spin option. Then follow our no-drain guide if the water does not leave.

3. Check the lid or door

Close the lid or door firmly and look for items caught in the seal. A machine with a damaged latch or a door-lock warning needs professional service rather than a workaround.

4. Know the warning signs

Grinding, a burning smell, repeated error codes, or a drum that turns by hand unusually loosely can point to a drive, motor, or bearing problem. Stop using the machine and book a qualified technician.