It’s happened to all of us at one time or another- you finish washing your clothes and they come out soaking wet. This can be really frustrating, especially if you have a big load of laundry to do. So what’s the deal? What’s the cause when a washing machine leaves clothes wet? In this blog post, we will explore six common causes of this problem and provide solutions for each!
Here’s Why Why Your Washing Machine Leaves Clothes Wet
If your washing machine is leaving your clothes soaking wet, it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible. Soaking wet clothes can damage your dryer and cost you money in higher energy bills. In some cases, wet clothes can also lead to mold or mildew growth. Yuck! Nobody wants that, so watch out for these common culprits.
Insufficient Power Supply
One of the most common reasons why your clothes are soaking wet after washing is an insufficient power supply. If your washing machine isn’t getting enough power, it won’t be able to spin the clothes dry. Check your home’s electrical panel to make sure that your washing machine is on a circuit that can handle its power needs.
You should also make sure the washer is not plugged into an extension cord, power strip, or surge protector. These devices can sometimes cause problems with washing machines.
Incorrect Washer Settings
If your washing machine is leaving clothes too wet, it might be due to using the wrong washer settings. Certain fabrics (like delicate or heavy-duty items) require different washing cycles. Make sure you are using the correct cycle for your load of laundry.
Some washers also have adjustable spin speed settings. If your washing machine has this feature, try increasing the spin speed. This will help remove more water from your clothes.

Overloading the Washer
Another common cause of soaking wet clothes after washing is overloading the machine. When you overload the washer, the spin speed is reduced and clothes don’t get as dry. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for how much laundry you can wash at one time. Check your model’s use and care manual for your machine’s capacity limit.
If you’re not sure how much laundry your washing machine can handle, it’s always better to err on the side of washing smaller loads.
Washer Is Not Spinning Correctly
If your washing machine is leaving clothes too wet, it could be because the washer isn’t spinning correctly. Several failed components can cause this problem:
- Washer Door Latch: The washing machine door must be shut properly in order for the washer to start. If the door latch is broken or damaged, the washer won’t spin.
- Drive Belt: The drive belt connects the motor to the washing machine’s transmission. If this belt is loose, damaged, or broken, the washer will not spin.
- Lid Switch Assembly: The lid switch assembly is located under the washing machine lid on top-loading models. This switch prevents the washer from spinning when the lid is open. If this switch is defective, the washer will not agitate.

Washing Machine Not Draining Properly
Another common reason for soaking wet clothes after washing is a washer that isn’t draining properly. If the washer doesn’t fully drain, the clothes will stay wet. This can be caused by a few different things:
- Clogged Drain Pump: The drain pump helps remove water from the washing machine. If this pump becomes obstructed or fails completely, it will prevent the washing machine from draining properly.
- Blocked Drain Hose: The drain hose carries water from the washing machine to the home’s drainage system. If this hose is kinked, damaged, or obstructed, it can cause problems with draining.
If one or more parts in your washer have failed, we recommend washer repair service from the experts at Apex Appliance Service. And visit our blog for more helpful tips on how to clean a washing machine or what items should not go in the dryer!