What is an unbalanced load?

A washer will not spin fast with a load bunched on one side, the vibration would be destructive. Instead it slows, redistributes, adds water and tries again, which is why an unbalanced load presents as a cycle that runs far longer than expected and finishes with soaking clothes. Bulky single items like a comforter are the usual cause. Persistent unbalance on ordinary loads points at worn suspension rods or shock absorbers rather than the laundry.