A washer and dryer may stop spinning for various reasons, and the causes can differ for each appliance. Let's look at the potential reasons for both the washer and dryer:
Washer:
Load Imbalance: If the laundry inside the washer is not evenly distributed, it can cause an imbalance during the spin cycle. This often triggers safety mechanisms that stop the machine from spinning to prevent damage. Try rearranging the clothes and running the spin cycle again.
Broken Lid Switch or Door Lock: Modern washers have safety switches that prevent the machine from spinning if the lid or door is open. If this switch is faulty or broken, the washer may not spin. Check the switch and replace it if necessary.
Faulty Drive Belt: The washer's drive belt connects the motor to the drum. If it's worn out or broken, the drum won't spin. You may hear the motor running, but the drum won't move. Inspect the belt and replace it if required.
Motor or Motor Control Board Issues: Problems with the motor or its control board can prevent the washer from spinning. A malfunctioning motor may need to be repaired or replaced.
Drainage Problems: If the washer cannot drain the water properly, it may not enter the spin cycle. Check for clogs in the drain hose or pump, and ensure the water can flow freely out of the machine.
Dryer:
Broken Drive Belt: Like in the washer, dryers also have a drive belt that connects the motor to the drum. If this belt breaks or becomes loose, the drum won't spin.
Faulty Drum Rollers or Glides: The drum of the dryer rests on rollers or glides that allow it to spin smoothly. If these components wear out, the drum may not spin correctly.
Defective Idler Pulley: The idler pulley keeps tension on the dryer belt. If it's not functioning correctly, the belt may not maintain tension, leading to a lack of drum rotation.
Faulty Motor or Motor Control Board: Issues with the dryer's motor or its control board can prevent the drum from spinning even when the motor is running.
Overheating Safety Feature: Dryers have safety features that shut off the heating element if the appliance overheats. If this happens, the drum may not spin until the unit cools down and the safety feature resets.
Blocked Vent or Lint Filter: A blocked vent or clogged lint filter can restrict airflow, causing the dryer to overheat and activate the safety features that stop the drum from spinning.
In both cases, if you are unable to identify or resolve the issue on your own, it's best to contact a professional appliance repair technician to inspect and fix the problem. Additionally, always unplug the appliance before attempting any troubleshooting or repairs for safety reasons.