Tumble Dryer Not Spinning? Here's What's Wrong and How to Fix It

When your tumble dryer, a home appliance that uses heat and rotation to dry clothes. Also known as a clothes dryer, it stops spinning, you’re left with damp clothes and a frustrating mess. This isn’t a minor glitch—it’s a core function failing. The drum should turn smoothly, pulling air through the clothes and pushing out moisture. If it’s stuck, something’s broken. And more often than not, it’s not the whole machine. It’s one part.

The most common culprit? A dryer belt, a rubber loop that connects the motor to the drum. It wears out over time, especially if you run heavy loads often. A snapped belt means the drum won’t turn, even if the motor’s still humming. You can check it yourself—unplug the dryer, remove the front panel, and look for a broken or loose belt wrapped around the drum. If it’s intact, the issue could be the dryer motor, the electric component that drives the drum and fan. A burnt-out motor won’t make noise, or it might buzz without turning. Then there’s the idler pulley, a small wheel that keeps tension on the belt. If it’s worn or seized, the belt slips or breaks. And don’t forget the drum rollers—they support the weight of the drum. When they crack or stop turning, the drum drags and eventually stops.

It’s not always hardware, though. Sometimes it’s a simple safety lock. If the door switch is faulty, the dryer won’t spin to prevent accidents. Or if the thermal fuse blew from overheating, the control board might shut down the motor. These are easy to test with a multimeter if you’re comfortable with basic tools. But if you’re not, or if the problem is deeper—like a bad control board or wiring fault—it’s smarter to call in a pro. Replacing a belt costs under £30. A new motor? That’s closer to £150. If your dryer’s older than eight years, you might be better off replacing the whole unit.

What you’ll find below are real fixes from people who’ve been there. From step-by-step belt replacements to checking the thermal fuse without pulling the whole machine apart. We’ve got guides on diagnosing motor failures, spotting worn rollers, and even how to tell if your dryer’s worth fixing at all. No fluff. Just what actually works.