Tumble Dryer Not Spinning? Common Causes and How to Fix It

When your tumble dryer, a household appliance that dries clothes using heat and rotation. Also known as a clothes dryer, it relies on a spinning drum to circulate hot air and remove moisture stops spinning, it’s not the end of the world—most of the time, it’s a cheap, easy fix. You don’t need to buy a new one just because the drum won’t turn. The issue is usually one of a few simple parts wearing out or getting stuck, not the whole machine failing.

The dryer belt, a rubber loop that connects the motor to the drum and makes it spin is the #1 culprit. Over time, it stretches, cracks, or snaps. If you hear the motor running but the drum stays still, that’s your sign. A broken dryer motor, the electric component that powers the drum rotation and air circulation is less common but possible—especially if the dryer hums but doesn’t spin at all. Then there’s the drum roller, small wheels that support the drum and let it turn smoothly. If they wear out, the drum can get stuck or wobble badly. And don’t forget the idler pulley, a small wheel that keeps tension on the belt. If it’s worn, the belt slips and the drum won’t turn.

Before you call a technician, unplug the dryer and check the drum by hand. Can you turn it easily? If it’s stiff or won’t budge, something’s jammed—maybe lint, socks, or a broken part. If it spins freely, the problem is likely the belt, motor, or pulley. Most of these parts cost under £30 and can be replaced in under an hour with basic tools. You don’t need to be an electrician. Just follow a video guide, match the part number, and swap it out.

What you’ll find below are real fixes from actual repairs—no fluff, no theory. We’ve got guides on how to test a dryer motor, replace a broken belt, check drum rollers, and spot when it’s cheaper to fix than replace. These aren’t generic tips—they’re what our technicians actually do in Birmingham kitchens and laundries every week. If your dryer’s not spinning, you’re not alone. And more often than not, you can fix it yourself before it costs you hundreds.