When it comes to washers, it doesn’t always have to be high-end to perform well. However, we all know how distressing it can be to discover that your Hotpoint washer is not drying clothes.
Very often, the issues with washing machines are easy to diagnose and prevent. You used the wrong detergent, too much detergent, or put too many clothes in the washer.
But that’s not the case with the Hotpoint washer not spinning issue, which is not that easy to figure out.
So if you find yourself in a situation where you open the lid of your washer and discover your clothes are still in a water pool, sit tight. We’ll point you in the right direction to find out what might be causing this problem and what to do to resolve or even prevent it.
Why is your Hotpoint Washer Not Spinning?
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A washing machine is an essential appliance. So, for this reason, we understand how frustrating it is when it malfunctions. The spinning feature in every washing machine, including Hotpoint, distributes water through the load, which is removed outside the washer.
Without the cycle, our clothes will always be soaked. Not the most preferred result, if you ask us. In most cases, load imbalance, inadequate power, slow-spin wash cycle, machine wobbliness, loose water value, or dysfunctional washer belts are why the Hotpoint washer is not spinning.
However, first of all, you must ensure the lock and door switches are engaged. They prevent the spin cycle from starting in terms of safety. Some machines also have an audible lock sound that notifies when these switchers are engaged.
If all seems in place, but the spinning doesn’t start, there could be other reasons for this.
Let’s go through each of them in more detail.
1. Wrong Detergent
You might be wondering what makes a detergent wrong. There are HE (high-efficiency) and non-HE detergents. The latter could form more suds than the former. Excess suds correspondingly add extra dampness to the wash load.
And as a result, your clothes are still at the end of a cycle.
2. Faulty Rear Drum with Bearing
The rear drum of a washer consists of a bearing or multiple bearings which keep the inner tune spinning smoothly. If the rear drum fails, your machine will be noisy or stop spinning altogether.
3. Slow-Spin Wash Cycle
Washing machine cycles are different: some spin faster than others, meaning some remove more water than others.
While fast-spin cycles are best for bulky loads, slow-spin cycles work for delicate clothes. If you’re using a slow-spin cycle on a weighty load, expect the clothes to drip wet at the end of the wash.
4. Uneven Load
Hotpoint says that most of their washers fail to spin due to uneven load. But that’s not the only issue. Some washers can spin with variable loads, but the clothes are still wet.
That said, Hotpoint suggests looking for different load-imbalance signs, like a final spin light indicating an overload or unbalanced load. Some Hotpoint models might even stop spinning if they detect the imbalance.
5. Machine Wobbliness
If the Hotpoint washer is stable, it will spin smoothly. However, even such an innocent thing as unleveled feet could interfere with the spinning.
The machine wobbliness, in this case, will throw the clothes out of balance, resulting in a heap that will hold more water. You don’t want that.
6. Defective Motor Control Board
The motor control board is what provides power to the motor of your Hotpoint washing machine. If it is defective, the washer will struggle even to work, let alone spin.
7. Inadequate Power
If the power a Hotpoint washer receives is sufficient, you won’t face any issues with it not spinning. However, your washer will abort the spin if the power supply is disrupted, leaving your clothes soaking wet.
In most cases, inconsistent extension cords and loosely plugged power cords are the main reasons the power supply is reduced.
8. Failing Motor Coupling
Motor coupling is a connection between the motor and the washer’s transmission. The motor coupling can fail when there is an uneven load. This failsafe mechanism protects the engine and the transmission from damage.
9. Bad Drainage
Good drainage is a must for spinning dry your clothes. If the drainage is terrible, some water will siphon back and stagnate in the tab.
There are a few factors good drainage depends on, and if something goes wrong with any of them, the clothes will be wet even at the final spin.
Here’s what you have to look for:
- Pipe pinching 一 pinches in the drain hose interfere with the drainage and cause back siphoning.
- Incorrect drain pie height 一 the drain pipe shouldn’t be too far from the wastewater standpipe. If it is, the wastewater won’t drain out.
- Drain filter and in-pipe clogging 一 clogged drain filter slows down wastewater drainage, and a dirt-clogged drain hose will prevent it from draining.
- Drain pump malfunctioning 一 the wastewater won’t be pumped out effectively if the drain pump is broken or dirt-clogged.
10. Damaged Rotor Assembly Magnet
The rotor creates a strong electromagnetic field that helps the tube to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. Sometimes something damages the rotor’s magnets or any of its inner parts, resulting in the Hotpoint washer not spinning.
11. Loose Water Valve
The water is more likely to drip into the drum if the water inlet valve is loose and the washer leaks internally. Little dripping is not disturbing, but too much dripping is an alarming situation.
12. Faulty Door/Lid Switchers
We’ve talked about why the Hotpoint washer is not spinning a little. It is an inbuilt feature that lets them stop spinning if there is something wrong with a door or lid, and they won’t lock.
13. Dysfunctional Washer Belt
Even when the washer belt can still turn, it most likely won’t complete the spin if it is loose, weak, or stretched. In plain words, this issue will leave your clothes wet at the end of the spin cycle. So it is essential to check.
How to fix Hotpoint Washer Not Spinning?
As you can see, there are multiple reasons why the Hotpoint washer is not spinning. Some are easier to diagnose and act on than others. However, each requires your attention since wet clothes might be just the tip of the iceberg.
To prevent serious issues, you should carefully examine the following solutions for the Hotpoint washer, not spinning, issue.
1. Use the right detergent.
You should always choose HE detergents over non-HE detergents to avoid excess suds formation, especially when washing with the HE Hotpoint washer.
2. Replace the rear drum bearing
The bearing is easily replaceable. However, fixing it is a challenging task. That’s why most manufacturers provide both the bearing and the outer drum to be replaced together.
3. Regulate the spin cycle
Pay attention to the loads and spic cycles you choose for them. A fast spin cycle is more suitable for bulky loads. Your machine could remove more water, and it will facilitate the spin-drying process.
The spinning speed under 500 RPM is more suitable for delicate clothes, while you need at least 600 RPM for bulky garments.
4. Balance the load
The key here is to redistribute the laundry evenly in your Hotpoint washer. Make sure you don’t overload the tub to maintain the load balance. Too much load won’t spin properly.
5. Check the motor control board.
When something is wrong with the motor control board, you must check for burnt components. If it appears that the board has power but doesn’t power the motor, you need to replace it.
6. Make sure your washer is steady.
Inspect the washer feet and adjust them, so your washer is not wobbling. A good practice is to use a spanner. However, if it is still wobbly, consider moving it to a different surface.
7. Check the power
Refrain from plugging into the extension cord since it reduces the power supply. Instead, it is recommended to plug directly into the electric outlet. While at it, make sure the power cord is tight enough. Talk to the electrician if you have any doubts.
8. Check the rotor
When the Hotpoint washer is not spinning, you should check the rotor for damage. Examine it for any defective parts or magnets and replace them. That’s when you need to call a service for a washing machine repair.
9. Inspect the water valve
When examining your Hotpoint washer, ensure the water inlet valve is not loose. If it is tight, but there is still an issue with the spinning, we recommend replacing the inlet valve.
10. Examine the door
Inspect if the washer’s door strikes for any signs of damage and ensure that it is closing well. If it is not, chances are the door lock or lid switch assembly is faulty. Use the multimeter to be more sure. If they show no continuity, you have it confirmed 一 they are defective.
Most likely, you’ll need to replace them in this case.
11. Replace the washer belt
Check the drive belt to determine whether it’s broken. You need to replace it if it is stretched or hands loosely on the pulleys.
12. Inspect the motor coupling
You have to check the motor coupling for wear and tear. If there are any signs of it being broken, replace it without a doubt if you want your Hotpoint watching machine to be up and running.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
