AI answer

Washing Machines that spin regardless of Unbalanced Loads

ANandyr12345
Asked over 4 years ago 1,401 views
1

hi all this is a question for other members (oh and of course for you Andy as well if you want to comment or have a view on it) - we have 2 washing machines at the moment a brand new Samsung series 5+ and an older Hotpoint bought in 2012 - both have inverter motors and I would say not the top flagship models but one under the top models.

Spin:

Hotpoint washer will faff around when it comes to it . If it detects an unbalanced load there will be no way the machine will go into a spin at all , it will just go backwards and forwards for about 15 minutes or whatever the spin time is tumbling the clothes trying to get the clothes balanced in the drum - if it cannot then it wont go into a spin and at end of cycle clothes will come out sopping wet . Its not a fault whatsoever. You just have to take some items out and then put it on for another spin - if Hotty is pleased it will go into a spin , a nice quietish one , nicely balanced.

Now Sammy on the other hand is less finnicky, yes she dont like unbalanced drum and again throughout the spin will try distributing the clothes in the drum back and forth ... except for the difference here is that if you leave Sammy for long enough she actually WILL go into a spin , nine times out of 10 ... and if that means tub inside jumps around crazily (even if it is at start of spin till it gets a bit more water out of the clothes and then calm down) she will do it believe me!

I can see drum bouncing around (a couple of times I have had it bang edges of inside of washing machine cabinet violently if pretty badly unbalanced) and can also see how much stress it puts on the light grey rubber door gasket in the way of vibrations as the drum shakes.

Now what effect this has on other components on the washing machine that I cannot see when the drum bangs around (shock absorbers, internal rubber piping , spider thing at the back of the drum etc) leads me to think is this machine and its components gonna last for as many years as the Hotpoint has since 2012 - and although I aint mystic meg I will throw the gauntlet down and say no... maybe the only way Hotty has lasted for so many years is in fact because it hardly ever goes into a spin unless it knows (by means of sensors measuring drum shake maybe?) if it knows its not going to into a nice balanced spin its not even going to do it - so consequently this much be much nicer on the components in the long term - even if it might be frustrating that you go to take your washing out of the Hotty's drum and its still sopping wet with no indication on the LED panel that it couldnt go into spin mode.

so , both Washing machines have no fault, I want to confirm that, they are just 2 different washing machines made by 2 different manufacturers , Hotpoint and Samsung, with I just different software loaded onto them as to when they will go into a spin mode or not (and I dare say even Beko , Miele or other makes again will be different as to if they spin or not on an unbalanced drum or not?)

So, what do others prefer? a finnicky washing machine that will not go into a spin if the laundry is not balanced properly - or a machine that goes into spin regardless?

I suppose the manufacturers have got a bit of a headache in this respect because in design do they design a washing machine to not go into spin on unbalanced laundry and then get numerous calls to their service department from customers saying their machine is faulty - or do they make their machine spin regardless and wear out the door gasket, bearings, shock absorbers, and other components prematurely because of the violent (well more violent vibration) than it should do if the drum is balanced properly before going into spin?

Solution Summary

AI-generated from this discussion

This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.

Different spin behaviour on unbalanced loads considered normal between brands

The problem
The poster compared a Samsung Series 5+ washing machine and a 2012 Hotpoint. The Hotpoint usually refuses to enter spin if it detects an unbalanced load and leaves laundry very wet, while the Samsung will often eventually spin even when the drum appears badly unbalanced and can bang the cabinet.
Likely cause
The accepted reply says this is broadly normal behaviour and is mainly due to different manufacturer control software and out-of-balance protection strategies, rather than a fault. A more cautious machine is likely to put less stress on components. If the Samsung is violently banging the cabinet often, installation or suspension issues are possible and should be checked.
What fixed it
No repair was confirmed because the thread was a discussion rather than a fault report. Recommended actions were to confirm the transit bolts were removed, ensure the machine is level and stable, avoid single heavy or awkward loads, and check for worn shocks or suspension if violent banging is frequent. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
Checks to try
  • Transit bolts definitely removed
  • Machine level and solid on the floor
  • No worn shocks or suspension
  • Load is not a single heavy item such as a bath mat or duvet cover

Safety: Isolate the appliance from the mains before any internal inspection. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.

Cause identifiedGenerated 9 Aug 2026 · AI summaries can make mistakes — read the full thread below.
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1 Answer

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WhitegoodsHelp AIAI Assistant
Answered 3 months ago

What you’re describing is broadly normal behaviour, and yes, a lot of it comes down to the manufacturer’s control software and how cautious the out-of-balance protection is.

1. **Different brands handle imbalance differently** One machine may be very conservative and refuse full spin if it can’t distribute the load properly. Another may allow a reduced spin, or eventually push on into spin if the control board thinks it is “acceptable enough”. Hotpoint, Samsung, Beko, Bosch, Miele etc all have their own logic for this.

2. **The Hotpoint approach is usually kinder mechanically** A machine that aborts spin rather than thrashing about is generally putting less stress on: - shock absorbers - springs - drum bearings - door seal - outer tub mountings - drum spider/support

It is frustrating for the user, but from an engineering point of view it can help longevity.

3. **The Samsung behaviour is not necessarily a fault** If it redistributes, then ramps up and settles, that can still be within design limits. But if it is **violently** banging the cabinet often, that’s not ideal and is worth checking: - transit bolts were definitely removed - machine is perfectly level and solid on the floor - no worn shocks/suspension - load type isn’t a single heavy item such as a bath mat or duvet cover

4. **What matters most is frequency** Occasional imbalance events are normal. Repeated violent spinning on awkward loads will usually shorten component life compared with a machine that refuses to spin.

5. **My view** Personally, I’d prefer a machine that errs on the side of caution, even if it sometimes leaves washing wetter, rather than one that batters itself regularly.

If you inspect anything internal, isolate the appliance from the mains first. For internal electrical checks or repairs, use a qualified appliance engineer.

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This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.

SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE

  • Never work on a live appliance

    Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.

  • Never attempt gas work

    By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.

  • Watch for sharp edges

    Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.

  • Water appliances can leak

    Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.

  • Know your limits

    If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.

  • AI guidance, not guaranteed

    This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.

This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.

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