LG Washer Not Spinning Clothes Dry? 9 Practical Fixes You Can Try Today
Introduction: Why your LG washer leaves clothes wet and what this guide does
So your LG washer not spinning clothes dry, and you are stuck with sopping shirts after every cycle. That usually comes down to a few real problems: an unbalanced or overloaded drum that prevents proper spin, a clogged drain pump or filter full of lint and coins, a kinked or blocked drain hose, or an electrical fault such as a bad lid switch, worn drive belt on older models, or a faulty control board. Quick checks you can do today include redistributing the load and running a spin only cycle, clearing the pump filter and coin trap, inspecting the drain hose behind the unit, and testing the lid switch if your machine won’t engage the spin. This guide walks you step by step, with simple tools like pliers and a screwdriver, safety tips, diagnostic tests, and clear fixes you can try before calling a technician.
Quick 5 minute checks to try first
If your lg washer not spinning clothes dry, try these five minute checks before calling a tech. Most fixes are quick.
Redistribute the load. Stop the cycle, pull out a few items, especially one heavy towel or blanket that can clump. Aim for an even spread around the drum, not a single heavy side.
Pick the right cycle. Choose Spin Only or Rinse and Spin, and increase the spin speed to 800 RPM or higher if available. Some delicate cycles have little to no spin.
Check the door lock and lid. Make sure the door clicks fully closed. If the machine thinks the door is open it will skip spinning.
Disable child lock. Press and hold the Child Lock or Door Lock button for about 3 seconds until the indicator turns off.
Quick reset. Power off, unplug for 60 seconds, then plug back in and select a spin cycle. This clears minor electronic glitches.
How an LG washer actually spins clothes dry, in plain language
The washer gets clothes dry by three things working together: the spin cycle, the drain pump, and the motor, with sensors making sure each step is safe. During the spin cycle the tub rotates fast, centrifugal force pushes water out of the clothes, the water collects in the outer tub, and the drain pump moves it out through the drain hose.
If the drain pump is clogged with coins, lint, or a sock, water stays in the tub and the washer will not spin. The motor provides the torque to spin the drum, on many LG models a direct drive motor does this quietly, so a humming motor with no spin can point to a motor or control board issue.
Sensors like the door lock, water level switch, and RPM sensor stop the spin if they detect a problem. Knowing this makes diagnosing an lg washer not spinning clothes dry much faster.
Step by step diagnosis: test the load and settings properly
If you see "lg washer not spinning clothes dry," first prove it is not a loading or setting issue. Run a Spin Only cycle, set spin speed to high, then start. Watch and listen for smooth, steady spinning within the first 30 seconds. If the drum barely turns or the machine stops, note any error code or blinking light.
Test with a small, balanced load. Example: two bath towels placed opposite each other, or four T shirts distributed evenly around the drum. Avoid a single heavy item like a blanket or a single towel, those often cause an off balance condition. If the Spin Only cycle finishes and clothes are noticeably drier, you likely had a load or setting problem.
If the washer still fails to spin with a balanced small load, you have evidence of a mechanical fault. Common culprits include a clogged drain pump, faulty door lock, worn clutch, or damaged suspension. Use these results when deciding to call a technician, or when troubleshooting the pump and drain next.
Check the drain system: filter, pump and hoses
If your lg washer not spinning clothes dry, start at the drain. Unplug the machine, open the lower front access panel on a front load model, and place a shallow pan and towel under the pump filter. Twist the round filter counterclockwise, let the water drain slowly, then pull out trapped debris such as coins, lint and stray socks. Rinse the filter under running water, then reinsert it firmly.
Next, inspect the drain hose at the back. Disconnect it from the standpipe or sink, run water through the hose with a garden hose or flush with your hand, and look for kinks, crushes or a clog near the end. Replace any hose that is stiff or collapsed.
To test if the pump runs during a spin, run a spin cycle and listen near the base for a steady humming or chirping. For a clearer test, detach the drain hose and watch for water being expelled when the washer reaches drain mode. If the pump does not make noise or does not move water, the pump or its electrical connection may need repair.
Door latch, sensors and error codes to check next
A faulty door latch or sensor is a common reason an lg washer not spinning clothes dry. If the door lock assembly fails the machine will refuse to enter the spin cycle, because the washer thinks the door is open. Front load models show dE or DE for a door error, while UE means an unbalanced load stopped spinning. CL means child lock, that also prevents spin.
Quick checks and fixes you can do right now:
- Inspect the latch and rubber seal for trapped socks or debris, remove anything you find.
- Unplug the washer for 60 seconds, plug back in to clear transient error codes.
- Disconnect the door lock connector, clean contacts with isopropyl alcohol, dry and reconnect.
- If dE or repeated errors persist, replace the door lock assembly or consult LG support.
Simple mechanical and electrical checks you can do safely
If your lg washer not spinning clothes dry, start with basic checks you can do at home, safely and fast. First, unplug the machine, remove the back access panel, and inspect the drive belt. Look for cracks, glazing, or slack; spin the drum by hand, if it turns freely with no resistance the belt is likely stretched or broken.
Next, inspect the drive motor and coupling. Smell for burning, listen for grinding, and check the coupling for plastic debris. A multimeter helps here if you know how to test motor windings for continuity; an open winding means motor replacement.
If the washer hums but won’t start the spin cycle, test the start capacitor. Discharge it, remove the leads, then measure capacitance; a reading within about 10 percent of the rated value is acceptable.
Finally, inspect wiring and connectors for burn marks or loose pins. Use a multimeter to check voltage at the motor only if you are comfortable working with live circuits. Otherwise call a pro. Always unplug before poking around, wear gloves, and keep clothing and jewelry clear of moving parts.
When to call a professional and what repairs typically cost
If your lg washer not spinning clothes dry after you tried the basics, call a tech when you see these signs: loud grinding or humming during spin, water left in the tub after spin cycles, a burning smell, or persistent error codes that reset won’t clear. These usually point to pump or motor failure.
Expect pump replacement to run about $100 to $300 total, parts plus labor. Motor or drive assembly work is pricier, typically $300 to $700 depending on model and labor rates, sometimes more for direct drive systems. Ask for a written estimate and a parts breakdown.
Check your warranty first, some LG motors have extended coverage. When ordering parts, use your exact model number and prefer OEM or reputable suppliers to avoid repeat failures.
Maintenance tips to prevent future spin problems
If your lg washer not spinning clothes dry problem returns, follow this short maintenance checklist.
Clean the drain pump filter quarterly, pull the access cap and remove lint and coins.
Inspect the drain hose monthly, remove kinks and detach to clear clogs if needed.
Run a tub clean cycle monthly, or run an empty hot cycle with 2 cups white vinegar.
Wipe the door gasket and detergent drawer weekly to prevent soap buildup.
Level the washer and avoid overloading, keep loads balanced and separate heavy items.
Habits to keep spin performance strong: use the correct HE detergent, leave the door open after cycles to dry the drum, and empty pockets before washing.
Conclusion and next steps
Quick fixes first, redistribute a heavy load, select a higher spin speed, run a spin only cycle, and clean the drain pump filter. These often fix an lg washer not spinning clothes dry.
If that fails, use this diagnostic path: check the drain hose for kinks, inspect the pump filter, run a diagnostic cycle, and note any error codes.
Try those checks, and if your washer still leaves clothes wet, call LG or a qualified appliance technician for fast repair.
