Before a washer spins fast, it checks whether the wet load is spread evenly around the drum, and if it isn't, it stops, tries to even things out and tries again. Those retries are why a spin can start and stop several times, and why a single heavy item can end with an error message instead of a fast spin.
How it works, step by step
- The water drains. The spin can't start until most of the water is out.
- The drum turns slowly at first. A slow start gives the clothes a chance to spread around the drum wall.
- The control watches for wobble. On most washers, the control reads the motor itself: an off-center load makes the drum speed up and slow down unevenly as the heavy side goes around. Some models also use a separate motion sensor.
- A balanced load gets a full spin. If the readings stay within limits, the drum ramps up to its top speed.
- An unbalanced load gets a correction. Whirlpool's guide to unbalanced HE top loaders says the washer tries to self-correct by refilling and gently rotating the basket back and forth. Front loaders usually tumble the load and try again.
- Repeated failure ends in a slower spin or an error. Whirlpool says the washer displays an error message if it can't even out the load, and may stop spinning so you can rearrange it by hand.
What you'll notice because of it
- Several short spin attempts before the real spin begins.
- Extra minutes on the clock while the washer redistributes.
- Water coming back in during the spin stage on some top loaders, part of the self-correction.
- Clothes that come out wetter than usual after a heavy or bulky load, because the spin was held to a lower speed.
- An unbalanced-load light or code, usually during the spin portion after the wash is done.
Where it can go wrong
The load really is unbalanced
Symptom: a single rug, a pair of jeans with a few socks, or a waterlogged comforter triggers the error. Whirlpool advises against washing a single absorbent article on its own and recommends the Bulky cycle for large items.
An overloaded drum
Symptom: reduced spin speed, noise and vibration. On a top loader, Whirlpool says clothes should come no higher than the top row of holes in the basket.
A washer that isn't level
Symptom: banging, rocking or walking during spin, even with normal loads. Whirlpool says the washer needs to be level side to side and front to back, and shouldn't rock when pushed diagonally.
Worn suspension parts
Symptom: frequent imbalance errors on ordinary loads, with the tub sagging or swinging. Worn suspension rods, springs or shock absorbers let the drum move too far.
A sensing fault
Symptom: imbalance errors with light, well-spread loads or an empty drum. A motor, speed sensor or control problem can report wobble that isn't there.
Getting the most out of it
- Mix large and small items, and wash two or three heavy items together instead of one, as Whirlpool suggests.
- Spread clothes loosely and evenly around the drum.
- Choose Bulky or Bedding for large items.
- If an imbalance message appears and your washer allows a pause, Whirlpool says to press Start to pause, rearrange or remove some of the load, and press Start again.
- Check the washer's level after it has been moved or bumped.
Imbalance errors on loads you know are balanced suggest the problem is in the machine rather than the laundry, and that is the time to book a washer repair visit. On a front loader, the wash motion also helps spread the load before spin, as how a front-load washer cleans by tumbling explains.
Sources
Worth knowing: A few spin retries are normal; constant imbalance errors with ordinary loads are not.
If a level washer keeps flagging ordinary, well-spread loads, call ProFix Miami at (786) 723-6874 to have the suspension and speed sensing checked.