LG Washer Won’t Spin: Causes, Safe Checks, and When to Call a Pro

‍Quick Answer
If your LG washer won’t spin, start with the three spin “permission” checks: the load must be balanced, the washer must be level, and the lid or door must fully lock. Next, run a Spin Only or Rinse+Spin test to isolate the issue. Excess suds or a drain restriction can also prevent a proper spin.

At-a-Glance Checklist
Do these in order:

• Look for an error code and follow the code-specific steps.
• Rebalance the load and avoid a single bulky item by itself.
• Confirm the washer is level and not rocking.
• Confirm the lid or door fully closes and locks.
• Run Spin Only (empty drum if possible) to isolate load vs machine.
• If it still will not spin empty, stop and call a technician.

Quick Fix (10–20 minutes)

1. Remove all laundry, power the washer OFF, wait 30 seconds, power ON.
2. Run Spin Only at a high spin speed (no cycle selection if your model requires that).
3. If Spin Only works empty, reload with a smaller, mixed load and retry.
4. If it stops with an unbalanced warning, redistribute and re-level the unit.

Before You Start

• Keep hands out of the drum once the cycle starts.
• If you open any drain filter access, power OFF and unplug first, and expect water.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting (Most Likely Causes First)

Step 1: Check for an error code
Why it matters: LG uses error codes to tell you what safety condition is blocking spin.
Checks:

• Look at the display during the attempted spin.
• Write down the exact code (example UE, Ub, dE, dL, OE).

What the result means: The code usually points to load balance, locking, or draining related conditions that block spin.
Next action: Follow the code steps first, then re-run Spin Only.
Stop and call a technician:

• The same code returns immediately after you complete the listed steps.

Step 2: Rebalance the load (the most common no-spin trigger)
Why it matters: If the load can’t balance, the washer may reduce or stop spin to prevent excessive vibration.
Checks:

• Pause the cycle and redistribute items evenly around the drum.
• If you have one bulky item (blanket, rug, pillow), add a few smaller items or remove the bulky item and wash it differently.
• Avoid tiny loads or a single item when testing spin.

What the result means: If spin returns after redistributing, the machine is protecting itself, not “broken.”
Next action: Re-run Spin Only, then try a normal cycle with a balanced load.
Stop and call a technician:

• The washer repeatedly fails to balance even with a normal mixed load and the unit is level.

Step 3: Confirm the washer is level (rock test)
Why it matters: A washer that rocks can trigger imbalance behavior and stop or limit spin.
Checks:

• Put hands on opposite corners and try to rock the washer front-to-back and side-to-side.
• If it moves, adjust leveling feet until it sits firm.

What the result means: If leveling improves stability, spin performance usually improves immediately.
Next action: After leveling, run Spin Only empty, then with a normal load.
Stop and call a technician:

• The unit cannot be stabilized because the floor is soft, damaged, or the feet cannot be adjusted properly.

Step 4: Confirm the lid or door fully locks
Why it matters: LG washers will not spin unless the lid or door is fully locked.
Checks:

• Remove any clothing caught in the gasket or between lid/door and frame.
• Close firmly until you feel it seat.
• If your display shows a door or lid related code, power OFF, unplug briefly, then retry.

What the result means: If lock is not achieved, spin is blocked by design.
Next action: Re-run Spin Only and watch whether the lock indicator engages.
Stop and call a technician:

• The lid or door will not lock, or lock-related errors persist after basic reset and obstruction checks.

Step 5: Run Spin Only or Rinse+Spin to isolate the problem
Why it matters: A dedicated spin test separates “load problem” from “machine problem.”
Checks:

• Run Spin Only with an empty drum if possible.
• If your model has Rinse+Spin, run it once and observe whether it reaches spin.
• Follow your model’s control panel steps and refer to the owner’s manual if the buttons differ.

What the result means:

• Spins empty: the issue is usually load type, load size, or balancing.
• Will not spin empty: the issue is usually locking, draining restriction, or an internal fault.

Next action: If it spins empty, fix load and leveling. If it won’t spin empty, continue to Steps 6 and 7.
Stop and call a technician:

• It will not spin empty and the lid or door is locking normally.

Step 6: Eliminate excess suds (it can block a proper spin)
Why it matters: Excess suds can interfere with rinsing and prevent a proper spin, leaving laundry wetter than normal.
Checks:

• Look for persistent foam through the glass or in the tub when stopped.
• Confirm you are using HE detergent.
• If you have soft water, reduce detergent amount.

What the result means: If suds are heavy, the washer may struggle to complete a clean spin.
Next action: Run an extra Rinse+Spin, then wash again with less HE detergent.
Stop and call a technician:

• Suds are not present and Spin Only still fails empty.

Step 7: Clear a drain restriction that blocks spin (filter and hose basics)
Why it matters: Many washers will not spin properly if they cannot drain as expected.
Checks:

• Inspect the drain hose for kinks or crushing behind the unit.
• On many front-load LG models, open the lower front access and clean the drain pump filter following LG’s procedure (power OFF, unplug, shallow pan, drain residual water, remove and clean filter, reinstall securely).

What the result means: A clogged filter or restricted hose can prevent the washer from reaching a proper spin.
Next action: After clearing, run Rinse+Spin or Spin Only again.
Stop and call a technician:

• The filter area is jammed, leaking after reassembly, or the washer still won’t spin empty after clearing restrictions.

Fast Diagnosis: What Your No-Spin Pattern Usually Means

• Starts to spin, shakes hard, then stops or shows UE or Ub: load balance or leveling.
• No spin and a lid or door code: lid or door not locking.
• Spins empty but not with laundry: load size, load type, or a single bulky item.
• During Spin Only it adds water intermittently: the washer is detecting imbalance and trying to correct it.
• Heavy suds present and clothes stay wet: detergent overuse or non-HE detergent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (No-Spin Edition)

• Testing with one bulky item by itself.
• Overloading the drum so items cannot redistribute.
• Assuming “wet clothes” always means failure, when some cycles use lower spin speeds.
• Ignoring leveling because the washer “looks fine.”
• Using too much detergent, especially with soft water.

When to Call a Technician

• The washer will not spin empty after you confirm locking, leveling, and basic drain filter checks.
• Lock-related errors persist and the lid or door will not reliably lock.
• You repeatedly get imbalance behavior with a normal mixed load and the unit is level.
• You see leaks after a drain filter clean-out or cannot re-seat the filter correctly.

FAQ

Why does my LG washer add water during Spin Only?
Some LG models add water intermittently during spin if the washer detects the load is unbalanced.

How do I run Spin Only on an LG washer?
Many LG models let you power ON, choose a spin speed, and start without selecting a full cycle. Steps can vary by model, so use the owner’s manual if your panel differs.

My washer “spun,” but clothes are still wet. Is that still a no-spin problem?
Not always. Unbalanced loads can cause reduced spin speed, and some cycles use lower RPM by design. Re-test with Spin Only and a balanced load.

Will an LG washer spin with the lid or door open?
No. Spin is blocked unless the lid or door is closed and locked.

Can too many suds cause a no-spin outcome?
Yes. Excess suds can prevent a proper spin and leave laundry wetter than normal. Use HE detergent and reduce dosage if water is soft.