Is your Kenmore washer not spinning? Try these 7 fixes

If your Kenmore® washer won’t spin, you might as well wash your laundry by hand. Don’t love that idea? There are a few easy fixes you can try. 

Asurion Experts have helpful tips for getting your appliances working again when you’re having trouble. Here’s our guide on why your Kenmore washer isn’t spinning and how to fix it. 

Why your Kenmore washer might not be spinning

Stumped by a Kenmore washing machine that’s not spinning? There are several simple fixes that should get your appliance back up and running. Some may require expert help, but some you can do yourself. Here are the most common issues and simple solutions for a Kenmore washer that won’t spin. 

Unbalanced load

If the laundry load is unbalanced, your washer may not spin when washing heavy items like shoes or blankets. Try rearranging the items or adding more to the wash to balance it out.

Overloaded washer

If you've stuffed too many items into your Kenmore washer, it might struggle to spin. Simply take out some items, restart the wash cycle, and you should be good to go.

Unlevel machine

If your washer wobbles during a cycle, it might not spin properly. Use a level to check if the machine is positioned flat on the floor. If needed, adjust the legs of your appliance or move it to a steadier spot.

Clogged drainage hose

If your Kenmore washing machine isn’t spinning, it might be due to a clogged drain hose. You can clean the hose, or, if it’s damaged, you’ll need to replace it. To learn more, read our guide on what to do if your washing machine isn’t draining.  

Faulty lid switch 

Your washer has several safety features including a lid switch, which prevents your washer tub from spinning if the lid isn’t securely closed. If the switch is damaged or broken, your Kenmore washing machine won’t spin, although it may keep filling with water. If the lid switch is bent, you can try to bend it back into shape or, you’ll need to replace it. 

Burnt out motor

If your washer isn’t spinning, the machine drive motor may have burned out and could be preventing the spin cycle from doing its job. A broken drive motor will cause issues when the drum tries to spin, even if your machine fills and agitates. Replacing the drive motor is an advanced repair, so if you think this may be your issue, we recommend contacting a repair pro for help. 

Drive belt problem 

Your Kenmore washer won’t spin if your drive belt is damaged or if it slips off the wheel. To safely inspect your drive belt, start by unplugging your washer’s power cord. Next, remove the back of your machine to see if the belt is still on its pulley system. If it’s slipped off, you may be able to put it back into place. But if the belt looks broken or worn, you’ll need to replace it. A repair expert can help. 

Can’t get laundry day going? Check out our guide on what to do if your washer won’t start.