You’ve been there. The cycle finishes, you open the lid expecting fluffy-ish damp clothes, but instead, you find a literal puddle. It’s frustrating. Your LG Inverter Direct Drive washer is a beast of a machine, usually quiet and efficient, but sometimes the logic board just doesn't get the memo that the clothes are still soaking wet. Maybe you hand-washed a delicate sweater and just need to wring it out without a full rinse. Or maybe the load was unbalanced and the machine gave up halfway through.
Getting an LG Inverter Direct Drive washer spin only mode to trigger isn't exactly intuitive if you're looking at a dial full of "Cotton," "Perm Press," and "Delicates." Most people stare at the console for five minutes trying to find a dedicated button that doesn't exist. It’s hidden in plain sight.
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How to Actually Trigger the Spin Cycle
Seriously, stop looking for a "Spin Only" notch on the dial. You won't find one on most modern LG front-loaders or top-loaders.
First, make sure the power is on but don't touch the cycle selector dial. If you turn that dial, the machine thinks you want a full wash. To get a dedicated spin, you basically have to bypass the programming. With the power on, simply press and hold the Spin button. On most models, you’ll see the display change from a blank dash or a default wash time to a specific spin duration—usually somewhere between 8 to 14 minutes depending on your model's max RPM.
Once that timer pops up, you can toggle the button to choose your speed. High, Medium, Low, or No Spin. Hit the Start/Pause button. That's it. The drain pump will kick in first—you'll hear that familiar rhythmic humming—and then the drum starts its slow dance before ramping up to those high speeds the Inverter Direct Drive motor is famous for.
Why the Direct Drive Motor Changes Things
Traditional washers used belts. Belts slip. Belts squeak. LG’s Inverter Direct Drive system mounts the motor directly to the center of the drum.
This matters for the spin cycle specifically because it allows for much more precise weight sensing. When you select a spin-only mode, the machine spends the first sixty seconds or so gently rocking back and forth. It’s not broken; it’s "feeling" the load. Because the motor is part of the drum, it can detect if the laundry is clumped on one side. If it is, it won't ramp up to 1200 RPM. It’ll just keep tumbling slowly.
If your machine stays at a low speed forever during a spin-only attempt, it’s usually because you’re trying to spin a single heavy item, like a bath mat or a denim jacket. The sensor sees a "lopsided" weight distribution and refuses to high-speed spin to protect the bearings. Throwing in a couple of dry towels to balance the weight often fixes this instantly.
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When the Spin Cycle Refuses to Cooperate
Sometimes you press the buttons, the timer starts, but the clothes stay wet. This is where the LG Inverter Direct Drive washer spin only troubleshooting gets a bit gritty.
Check the drain filter. It’s that little door on the bottom left of your front loader. If that thing is clogged with coins, hair ties, or lint, the water can't leave. The machine is smart. It won't spin at high speeds if it detects a tub full of water because the resistance would burn out the motor or snap the shocks.
- Grab a shallow bowl and a towel.
- Open the small access door.
- Unclip the tiny hose to drain the standing water first.
- Unscrew the large filter cap.
- Brace yourself for the smell if it hasn't been cleaned in a year.
I’ve seen everything from LEGOs to bra wires stuck in there. Once cleared, the spin cycle usually returns to its former glory.
The "SUD" Error and Spin Failure
Over-sudsing is a silent killer of the spin cycle. If you used too much detergent—especially if it’s not HE (High Efficiency)—the sensor detects foam. Foam mimics the resistance of water. The Inverter motor senses this resistance and slows down. You might think you're doing a "Spin Only" to dry things out, but the machine thinks it’s still drowning in bubbles. If you see "SUD" on the screen, you actually need to run a "Rinse & Spin" instead of just a spin, just to clear the soap.
Customizing the Spin for Specific Fabrics
Not every spin is created equal. If you’re using the spin-only feature for hand-washed wool, you have to be careful. The Inverter Direct Drive can hit 1400 RPM on some models. That’s enough force to basically felt your favorite sweater or crack the buttons on a delicate blouse.
- Extra High: Reserved for towels and heavy cottons. It saves a massive amount of dryer time.
- Medium: Great for t-shirts and synthetics.
- Low/Slightly Dry: Use this for anything you plan to hang dry immediately. It prevents those deep-set wrinkles that happen when clothes are plastered against the drum wall.
Dealing with the "UE" Error
The "UE" (Unbalanced Error) is the arch-nemesis of the spin-only seeker. If your LG washer is vibrating like it’s trying to achieve lift-off, it will stop and throw this code.
The Direct Drive system is sensitive. If the machine isn't perfectly level, the spin cycle will fail. Use a bubble level on the top of the machine. Adjust the feet. If the machine wobbles when you push on a corner, it’s not level. A spin-only cycle is the best way to test your leveling work because it bypasses the long wait of a wash cycle to get to the high-speed vibration phase.
Honestly, a lot of people think their motor is dying when they hear a loud "thump-thump-thump." It’s almost never the motor. These Inverter motors are rated for 10 years for a reason; they are incredibly simple mechanically. The noise is usually the tub hitting the cabinet because the load is unbalanced or the shipping bolts were never removed (if the machine is new).
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Actionable Steps for a Perfect Spin
If you want to get the most out of your LG's drying capabilities without running a full wash, follow this sequence.
Clear the drain pump filter every three months. It’s gross but necessary. Ensure the machine doesn't rock when you lean on it. When doing a spin-only load, ensure the drum is at least 1/3 full but not packed tight. If you have one heavy item, add two small ones.
Power on. Don't touch the dial. Press "Spin." Select "High." Hit "Start."
By mastering this specific sequence, you extend the life of your dryer and prevent that "stale water" smell that happens when clothes sit damp for too long. If the machine still won't spin after clearing the filter and leveling the feet, it’s time to run the LG ThinQ app’s "Smart Diagnosis." It’ll listen to the motor’s hum and tell you if a sensor has actually gone south.