Samsung is a leading brand in washing machines, but even the best models can run into problems. One common issue that Samsung washer owners face is the machine not fully drying clothes after the spin cycle completes. While frustrating, there are ways to troubleshoot and resolve this.
Causes of Samsung Washer not Spinning Clothes Completely Dry
1. Wrong cycle selection
2. Using an extension cord
3. An unstable or overloaded wash load
4. Uneven floor surface
5. Faulty door or lid
6. Clogged drainage system
7. Damaged drive belt
8. Malfunctioning motor
9. Crashed control board software
By methodically going through each potential cause, you can isolate the reason and take steps to fix your Samsung washer.
Choosing the Wrong Wash Cycle
Samsung washers offer various cycles for different fabric types and soil levels. Selecting the wrong cycle is a common reason the washer won’t fully dry clothes. Delicate and handwash cycles spin at lower speeds to avoid damage. While cycles for heavy fabrics like jeans spin faster to extract more water.
If you use a delicate cycle for heavy fabrics, the final spin speed may not be fast enough to remove excess moisture. Similarly, a high-speed spin can damage delicates if the wrong cycle is chosen. Always match the cycle to the clothes type for optimal performance.
Using an Extension Cord
While convenient, running the washer via an extension cord can prevent it from spinning at full speed. The cord may not deliver adequate voltage to power the high-speed motor required for spinning. Only plug directly into a wall outlet rated for the washer.
Unbalanced or Overloaded Wash Load
The wash load must be evenly distributed for the basket to spin properly and not exceed machine capacity. An unbalanced load prevents smooth spinning and slower speeds. Only fill the basket 3/4 full and evenly arrange items for optimal drying. Remove bulky items like comforters that throw off balance. Redistribute clothes if needed.
Uneven Floor Surface
The washer must sit sturdy on all 4 feet to allow proper spinning. An uneven floor can rock the unit and keep the tub from reaching higher RPMs. Adjust the leveling feet under the washer to stabilize on uneven floors. Or move it to an even floor area if possible.
Faulty Door/Lid
A damaged door latch assembly on front-load washers prevents the door from sealing properly during spinning. For top-load models, a faulty lid switch disables spin when the lid is up. Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the electrical switches. Replace defective door lock assemblies and lid switches.
Clogged Drainage System
Water must drain quickly via the drainage system for the washtub to spin freely. Slow drainage from clogs or kinks in the drain hose reintroduces water and stops spinning. Ensure the drain hose is free of kinks or clogs. Remove built-up debris from the drainage pump filter as well.
Damaged Drive Belt
The drive belt transfers power from the motor to turn the wash basket. A loose, damaged or broken belt slips during high-speeds. Inspect for stretching, cracks, or other damage. Replace the belt if faulty.
Malfunctioning Motor
Problems with the electric drive motor prevent reaching max spin RPMs. The washer displays an error code if the motor is defective. Replace the motor and reset the washer. This requires basic electrical skills.
Crashed Control Board Software
The control board software may freeze if the washer stops mid-cycle due to a power blip or other error. Resetting the washer can clear crashed programming. Unplug the washer and leave it disconnected for 5 minutes before plugging back in.
Steps to Fix a Samsung Washer That Won’t Spin Dry
With many potential culprits, approach fixing a Samsung washer systematically:
- Check if choosing the wrong cycle for the clothes could be the issue
- Inspect if using an extension cord affects spin performance
- Examine the wash load size and distribution in the basket
- Assess if the washer wobbles or rocks on an uneven floor
- Test the electrical door latch or lid switch for continuity
- Inspect the drain hose and pump filter for clogs
- Evaluate if the drive belt seems loose, damaged, or worn
- Review any error codes related to the motor
- Reset the washer after any repairs to clear control board issues
By methodically evaluating each area, you can isolate the cause of the washer not fully drying clothes. The fixes often involve adjusting settings, clearing clogs, replacing cheap parts, and maintenance. But for complex repairs, hiring a professional may be needed.
Use Diagnostic Mode to Identify Faults
Newer Samsung washers display fault codes and test components in a diagnostic mode. By entering this mode, error codes pointing to the failure can guide repairs.
Top-load Samsung washer:
- With the washer unplugged, press and hold the Temp button
- Plug the washer back in and hold Temp until the LEDs light up
- Error letters and numbers are displayed, indicating the failure
For front-load models:
- Press the Power button to turn on the LED display
- Press Delay and Soil Level together until 0000 appears
- Hit Spin to enter diagnostic ‘D’ mode
- Error codes now display for the problem
Check the owner’s manual for how to interpret error codes. The code points to faulty components like the door, pump, or sensors.
Resetting Samsung Washer Software
If repairs or changes are made or error codes can’t be cleared, resetting the washer can refresh the control software.
To reset a Samsung washer:
- Unplug the power cord and wait 5 minutes
- Plug the washer back in and turn on
- The washer resets and re-calibrates components
For frozen operation errors unfixed by resetting, contact Samsung support for additional help troubleshooting and resolving software issues.
In summary, a Samsung washer not fully drying clothes after washing usually stems from a handful of common problems. Methodically checking each cause and using diagnostic modes simplifies isolating the fault. In many instances, users can resolve the issues themselves by adjusting settings, clearing clogs, replacing inexpensive components, and resetting the washer. With patience and systematic troubleshooting, you can get your Samsung washer spinning clothes dry again.
Some FAQs
Why is my Samsung washer not spinning fast enough to dry clothes?
A Samsung washer won’t spin fast enough to dry clothes mainly because of an unbalanced load, overloaded tub, uneven floor, faulty drive belt, bad motor, or incorrect spin cycle selected. Redistribute clothes evenly, reduce load size, level the machine, inspect the drive belt, check error codes, and match the cycle to the fabric type.
Why does my Samsung washer spin but leave clothes soaking wet?
If the washer spins but doesn’t fully extract water, it’s likely due to clogged drainage, kinked drain hose, full filter, defective drain pump, excessive suds, or failure to reach high RPM spin speeds. Check all drainage components and fix clogs. Reduce the detergent amount. Test the motor and replace it if faulty.
Why is my Samsung front-load washer not spinning or draining?
Common reasons a Samsung front load washer won’t spin or drain include an unbalanced load, clogged drain hose or pump filter, defective door lock, bad motor, stuck drainage pump, or problem with the control board. Redistribute clothes evenly, clear all clogs, test the door lock electrical switch, and inspect error codes related to the motor or control board.
What should I do if my Samsung top load washer stops mid-cycle and won’t spin?
If a Samsung top loader stops mid-cycle and won’t proceed to the spin, it’s typically due to an overloaded or unbalanced tub, stuck lid switch, electrical error, or crashed control board. Reduce and redistribute the load, test the lid switch with a multimeter, check error codes, and reset the washer.
Why is my Samsung washer making a loud noise when spinning?
Loud spinning noises can stem from an unbalanced load, bad bearings, worn drive pulleys or belts; objects stuck in the tub, or issues with the shock absorbers. Redistribute laundry evenly, inspect the bearings and drive belt, remove foreign objects, and check the shocks.
I hope these additional troubleshooting tips help explain why a Samsung washer fails to dry clothes fully after washing. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
Credit: Bens Appliances and Junk