Washing Machine Carbon Brushes

If your washing machine won't spin, has lost power, or won't turn the drum at all, worn motor carbon brushes are one of the most common causes. Carbon brushes carry electricity to the spinning armature inside the motor and gradually wear down through normal use. As they reach the end of their life they may no longer make reliable contact, causing the motor to lose power or stop working altogether.

Common symptoms of worn carbon brushes

• The washing machine fills and drains normally but will not spin.
• The drum turns slowly or struggles to start spinning.
• An electrical burning smell, often compared to a Scalextric motor.
• A crackling or arcing sound coming from the motor.
• Blue sparks or a bluish glow visible underneath the machine in a dark room.

Before replacing the carbon brushes, make sure the washing machine has fully drained its water. Modern washing machines will not enter the spin cycle if water is still inside the drum. Check the drain filter and drain hose for blockages first, as a blocked filter or faulty drain pump can produce very similar symptoms. If your washing machine won't drain as well as won't spin, the fault may be elsewhere. Browse our Washing Machine Pumps & Filters collection for compatible replacement parts.

We supply replacement washing machine carbon brushes (usually sold in matched pairs, with holders where required) to fit a growing range of machines from brands including Hotpoint, Indesit, Bosch, Hoover, Candy, Beko and many more. Each product listing includes compatible motors and machine models to help you identify the correct replacement.

Can't find the brushes for your model? Our range is growing all the time, and we can often source parts that aren't yet listed. Simply send us your washing machine make and model and we'll help you identify the correct carbon brushes. With decades of experience supplying appliance spare parts, helping customers repair rather than replace their appliances is what we do. Order before 4pm (Monday to Friday) for same-day dispatch, with free UK delivery on every order.