What to Do If Your Dryer Is Not Spinning

When your dryer won’t spin, Mr. Appliance recommends these troubleshooting steps. Check for a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. Inspect the door switch for proper function. Have a professional examine the drive belt for wear or breakage. Get an expert to test the motor and drum rollers. Schedule professional repair for persistent problems.

If your laundry keeps coming out damp, your dryer may not be spinning properly—or not spinning at all. 

This issue may be as simple as a tripped breaker (in which case the dryer won’t turn on) or as serious as a broken motor. Either way, if your dryer is not spinning, a few troubleshooting steps can help narrow down the issue and determine the correct repair.

Let’s look at the most common causes behind a dryer not spinning, what to do about them, and when it’s time to call a Mr. Appliance service professional for help.

Article contents

• 1. The Dryer Isn’t Getting Power
• 2. Debris Is Jamming the Drum
• 3. The Dryer Door Latch Is Broken
• 4. The Inside of the Dryer Is Dirty
• 5. The Drive Belt Is Broken or Misaligned
• 6. The Dryer Pulley Assembly Is Broken
• 7. The Drum Rollers or Drum Glides Are Worn Out
• 8. The Dryer Drive Motor Is Broken
• When to Call a Professional
• FAQs About Why Your Dryer Isn’t Spinning 

1. The Dryer Isn’t Getting Power

If your dryer isn’t turning on or the drum doesn’t move, the problem might be as simple as a power issue. Electric dryers need two 120-volt breakers or one 240V breaker to power the motor that spins the drum and to run the heating element. If you have two breakers, they should be tied together so that both trip together (an electrician can do this for you).

Start by confirming that your dryer is plugged in and that the outlet is working. Press the reset button on your GFCI breaker if applicable. Next, check your home’s electrical panel for tripped breakers. If you find one out of alignment, flip it fully off and back on again. If your dryer still doesn’t power on, contact a qualified service professional to inspect your electrical connections.

2. Debris Is Jamming the Drum

If your dryer suddenly stops spinning mid-cycle, there could be debris caught between the drum and the housing. Small items like coins can slip out of pockets and wedge inside the drum gap, creating friction that halts rotation.

To fix it, unplug the dryer. Then, use a flashlight to inspect the gap between the drum and its outer casing. Use needle-nose pliers or tongs to gently remove any lodged objects. Once cleared, turn on the dryer to see if it works.

Note: If you manually rotate the drum the wrong way, the belt will come off and require a service professional to put it back in place. If removing the blockage doesn’t resolve the problem, review the other troubleshooting steps and contact a qualified expert for repairs.

3. The Dryer Door Latch Is Broken

Dryers are designed not to spin unless the door is securely closed. If the latch is broken, the control board can’t register the door as locked, preventing operation.

If your dryer door pops open or refuses to latch, the latch assembly might need replacement. Contact a service professional to remove the door and replace the latch.

4. The Inside of the Dryer Is Dirty

A buildup of lint, dust, or other debris inside the dryer cabinet can interfere with drum movement and cause overheating. You might notice a musty or burning smell, or your dryer might stop mid-cycle.

Professional assistance is needed to clean the gunk. A service expert will remove buildup from the drum and housing. Once clean, they will plug the dryer back in and test it to ensure smooth drum movement.

5. The Drive Belt Is Broken or Misaligned

A broken or loose drive belt is one of the most common causes of a dryer not spinning. The drive belt wraps around the drum and causes it to rotate. If the belt has snapped or slipped, the motor can still run, but the drum won’t move.

Try turning the drum by hand. If it spins freely without resistance, the belt is likely broken or detached. Replacing the belt involves removing the front panel and accessing internal components, so it’s safest to call a service professional for help.

6. The Dryer Pulley Assembly Is Broken

The pulley assembly maintains proper tension on the drive belt. When this assembly fails, the belt loosens, and the drum won’t turn properly. Time for a replacement!

Since replacing a dryer pulley involves removing the front panel, lint screen housing, and belt system, professional service is the best solution. 

7. The Drum Rollers or Drum Glides Are Worn Out

Drum rollers and glides support the drum’s smooth rotation. Over time, they wear down, causing friction that can stop the drum or make loud thumping or squealing noises.

The rollers and glides should be replaced as a set if they’re visibly worn or cracked. If your dryer is older than 10 years, this repair may significantly improve its performance. Accessing the drum rollers requires disassembling several panels, a job best handled by a qualified dryer repair professional.

8. The Dryer Drive Motor Is Broken

If your dryer hums or growls but doesn’t spin, the drive motor may be broken. This can cause the dryer to stop mid-cycle or fail to start at all.

Replacing a dryer motor involves removing the drum, blower wheel, and multiple panels. This requires working with electrical and mechanical components and is not a DIY-friendly task. If you suspect motor failure, schedule a professional diagnosis and repair.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and your dryer still won’t spin, it’s time to bring in the experts. Some problems—like a faulty motor, pulley, or belt system—require specialized tools and electrical expertise. Attempting to fix these yourself can cause further damage to the dryer.

Talk with a Mr. Appliance service professional about your options. Our team offers transparent pricing, reliable dryer repairs, and the Neighborly Done Right Promise® to ensure your satisfaction. Request an appointment from your local Mr. Appliance team today.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Appliance is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Mr. Appliance location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.