Why Washing Machine Not Spinning Fast?

Washing machines clean your laundry by turning the drum inside. Sometimes it turns to agitate the clothes and remove dirt, while other times, it spins fast to remove all moisture. When you find that your washing machine doesn’t spin fast, that’s a clear sign that there’s a problem.

A washing machine that doesn’t spin fast is likely experiencing a problematic drain system or objects stuck between its inner and outer tubs. When the drain system fails, excess water in the drum will prevent it from spinning fast. Likewise, stuck clothes and objects between the tubs will cause the same problem. A worn-out drive belt or a damaged coupler will also make your washer spin slowly.

A washer that spins slowly can’t give you the clean clothes that you expect it to. So, you’ll need to troubleshoot the issue so you can go back to using the machine like normal. 

This guide will show you how to do that.

How Do You Fix A Slow Spinning Washing Machine?

Not only must all washing machines be able to spin, but they must also be able to do so at high speeds. When the spin cycle fails to happen fast enough, your clothes will come out soaking wet once the wash program is over.

So, a slow-spinning washing machine is a clear-cut sign that there’s a problem. But, of course, the solution to that problem will depend on the root cause.

Here are the most likely reasons your washing machine is spinning slowly:

Problematic Drain System

What this part does: At the start of your chosen wash program, the washing machine will fill with water. Later, the washer will need to remove all that water so it can continue cleaning your clothes. That’s where the drain system comes in.

The drain system consists of the drain pump, the drain filter (or ‘coin trap’) and the drain hose. Together, the system drives used and dirty water out of the washing machine so the appliance can refill it with clean water instead.

What’s likely happening: When your washing machine spins slowly, it’s likely because there’s a problem in the drain system. You see, the spin cycle and drain system work closely together. The drain system drives the water out towards your household drain as the drum spins to remove moisture from your laundry.

A failing drain system will cause water to back up into the drum. As a result, that excess water will prevent the drum from spinning fast, no matter how hard your washer tries to turn it.

How to fix it: The solution here is to troubleshoot and clear your washer’s drain system.

Firstly, check for clogs in the drain filter and drain hose. Lint and other particles often clog these parts, preventing water from flowing out of your washer.

Once you’re sure everything is clear, check that the drain pump is functioning correctly without any foreign objects jammed inside. If the pump isn’t working, you’ll have to replace it with a new one.

Read: Why Washing Machine Makes Loud Noise When Draining?

Objects Stuck Between Tubs

What this part does: Your washing machine consists of two tubs: an inner tub and an outer tub. The inner tub holds your laundry, and it’s the part that turns and spins when necessary.

The inner tub is perforated (meaning it has lots of holes) that allow water to flow freely between the inner and outer tubs.

However, the outer tub doesn’t move. It’s there to contain all the water inside your washing machine.

What’s likely happening: Another likely reason for your slowly spinning washing machine is that there is something stuck between the inner and outer tubs.

It’s pretty common for clothing items to find their way from the inner tub to the outer one. Plus, there’s always a chance that foreign objects in clothes pockets could also fall through the same way.

When clothes or objects get stuck between the inner and outer tubs, they will generate friction preventing the inner tub from spinning.

So, despite how hard the washer motor might work, those clothes or items will significantly slow the inner tub down.

How to fix it: You can resolve this problem by removing the items stuck between the inner and outer tub. In some cases, you might be able to pull it out from between the gaps. That’s more likely if the stuck item is a piece of clothing, especially something with long sleeves.

If that doesn’t work, you’ll likely have to dismantle the washer and separate the two tubs. Then, you’ll be able to ensure that you remove all objects stuck between both tubs.

Read: Why Is Washing Machine Agitator Not Working?

Worn-Out Drive Belt

What this part does: Many washing machines on the market today still use belt-driven mechanisms. The rubber belt wraps tightly around the motor and tub, transferring energy between the two.

So, the washing machine motor will turn the belt, which then causes the tub to spin at high speeds.

What’s likely happening: Since washing machine drive belts are made from materials like rubber, they’ll gradually wear out over an extended period. As that happens, the belt will become loose and can’t keep a tight grip on the motor or the tub that it turns.

So, the belt might slip and fail to spin the tub fast enough even though the motor is turning. So, in the end, what you have is a spin cycle that’s far too slow.

How to fix it: It’s typical for washing machine belts to wear out and become loose. You can resolve the issue by replacing it with a new belt.

Replacing a drive belt requires you to remove the washer’s rear panel. That will give you access to the existing belt, which you’ll then remove. 

Then, wrap the new belt around the motor and the tub the same way, and your spin cycle should return to average speeds.

Read: Why Is Washing Machine Spin Cycle Is Very Loud?

Damaged Coupler

What this part does: While some washing machines use a belt-driven mechanism, others use a ‘direct drive’ one instead. In these washers, there are no belts required to spin the drum.

Instead, a direct drive washer has a motor that connects directly to the drum. The middle point where the motor meets the drum is a component known as the coupler.

What’s likely happening: The motor generates a lot of energy to spin your drum, and all of that passes through the coupler. So, the coupler is under a lot of stress and experiences wear every time you use it.

The coupler will start to wear out and break apart at some point. That will prevent the coupler from maintaining a solid grip on the tub, and the motor won’t be able to spin the drum as fast as it should.

How to fix it: Thankfully, the solution is very straightforward. First, you’ll have to remove the damaged coupler, including any broken pieces that might have fallen inside the washer.

Then, you’ll have to install a new coupler to complete the direct drive mechanism.

With a new coupler in place, you’ll restore the connection between the motor and the drum. From then, the drum will spin as fast as it should.

Read: Why Does My New Washing Machine Have Water In It?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Diagnosing your washing machine that spins too slowly can be challenging. But here are a few additional questions and answers you’ll find helpful:

Why Are My Clothes Too Wet After The Spin Cycle?

Your clothes are still wet after the spin cycle because the drum didn’t spin fast enough to remove all the water in your laundry. It’s likely that the washer’s drain system also failed to drain water out of the drum, causing your clothes to get wet again.

Why Is My Washing Machine Running Slowly?

Assuming you’ve not overloaded your washer, it’s likely spinning slowly because of a problem with its drive belt, coupler or drain system. Clothes and objects stuck between the inner and outer tubs can also cause friction that slows down your washing machine.

How Can I Speed Up My Washing Machine?

The best way to speed up your washing machine is to ensure that all of its components are in excellent working order. When that’s the case, the washing machine can speed up whenever it needs to without you having to do anything.

Where Is The Reset Button On A Washing Machine?

Washing machines typically do not have a reset button, but you can reset it through power cycling. Disconnect the washer from its power source and leave it for at least 5 minutes. Then, reconnect the washer to the wall socket. That process will reset your washing machine.

Read: Top Reasons Why Washing Machine Keeps Tripping Breaker

What Is A Normal Wash Cycle Time?

A typical wash cycle will take anywhere from 50 minutes to an hour. However, washing machines have different cycles, each with different durations. You can refer to the user manual or look at what it says on the display to know how long a particular wash program will last.