If you take your laundry out of the machine dripping wet at the end of the program, this can have various causes. The help of a specialist is not always necessary. In many cases you can fix the defect yourself.

The washing machine does not spin properly: possible causes

The washing machine no longer spins - but it is not always the appliance that is to blame. Often the fault lies in incorrect handling or inadequate maintenance. In the following, we will look at some of the possible causes.

 

Transport lock was not removed

New washing machines are equipped with a transport lock to avoid transport damage. If your machine is new and shows no movement, in most cases it has not yet been removed. Instructions can be found in the operating instructions.

 

The right location for the washing machine

For the spin cycle to work properly, it is important that the machine is stable and secure. Use a spirit level to test whether the device is not perfectly straight. Special washing machine pads from the hardware store compensate for small bumps and ensure stability.

 

Incorrect loading of the washing machine

Each washing machine is marked with a load capacity. However, this refers to the weight of the laundry when dry. When the water comes in, clothes soak up full of water and can then, depending on the type, become very heavy. Overloading occurs.

 The fluff filter, pump, drain hose or siphon are blocked

The washing machine's lint filter collects lint and small objects that must not get inside the appliance. The cleaning of the lint filter is often forgotten in everyday life, however, is a common cause of disturbances in the wash program.

 

A blockage in the pump means that they are no longer working properly and the machine does not empty and more from. Then the machine spins, but the process remains ineffective and the laundry is wet.

 

The drain hose is another possible source of error. This is the hose that goes down the drain away from the machine. A blockage in this area means that the water can no longer drain properly and builds up in the machine.  

The cleaning of the lint filter, pump and drain hose

In many cases, the machine can be made functional again just by cleaning the components. How to proceed:

Clean the fluff filter: 

• Open the door at the bottom of the device
• Remove the coarse dirt by hand
• Then clean it under running water and rub it off with a lint-free microfiber cloth

The pump: 

The pump is protected by the lint filter and an impeller. This means that it is best to clean the lint filter and pump in one go. Larger foreign bodies often collect in the impeller and get stuck there.

• Shine a small flashlight into the opening made after removing the screen.
• Remove the larger rubbish with your fingers.
• Clean the impeller under running water and put it back in place.

 

The drain hose: 

First pull out the power plug and have an empty bucket ready to catch the remaining water.

• Remove the clamps on the hose and drain.
• Soak it in dish soap or protein remover for several hours to loosen the layer of dirt it contains.
• Then rinse the hose through with high water pressure. A bottle brush may help remove the slag.

Tips:

• Remember to put towels or cleaning rags underneath, as residual water can leak out.
• Do not use harsh detergents.
• Check the sieve, pump, and hose for contamination at least once a year.

If you have followed all of the measures and the washing machine still does not spin properly, it could be due to defective shock absorbers, exhausted motor brushes or a broken pump. In all of these cases, you should call the specialist for help. The technician can check the device for such damage and advise you whether it is worth repairing the washing machine or whether you are better off buying a new one.