WHY ARE MY CLOTHES SOAKING WET AFTER WASHING?

HOW WET SHOULD CLOTHES BE AFTER WASHING?

Clothes fresh out of the washer should feel wet but not drenched, and you shouldn’t be able to wring out any water. This is because most wash cycles end with a spin to remove excess water from the laundry before it finishes. Front load washers typically spin faster than top load models so they’re especially effective at wicking away extra moisture, leaving your clothes lighter and easier to dry.

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF SOAKED CLOTHES AFTER A WASH CYCLE

If your clothes come out of the wash cycle soaking wet, don’t worry. Most problems are simple to troubleshoot and your owner’s manual may offer guidance on the process. From selecting the wrong wash cycle to dealing with a clogged or misaligned drain hose, read on for nine common reasons your clothes might be drenched after the final spin.

1. WRONG CYCLE SELECTION

Using the wrong cycle settings for your loads can make it harder for water to work its way out of clothes during the final spin. For instance, bulky items like bedding or heavy coats need a cycle specifically designed for the job, such as a Bulky Items or Bedding cycles. Normal or Quick Wash cycles often can’t fully remove water from these heavier loads during the spin, leaving them too wet at the end and needing extra drying time.

2. PAUSING THE WASH CYCLE

Adding items too late in the cycle can prevent the washer from reaching top spin speeds that help remove excess water. Some washers feature an "add a garment" indicator light, so if you’ve forgotten a sock or T-shirt, you know when you can toss it in without affecting the process. 

Select Maytag^® washers include the Late Add feature that lets you simply press the start button to pause the washer and add in last-minute items.

3. UNBALANCED OR OVERLOADED WASHER

An unbalanced or overloaded washer drum can slow down the spin cycle, leaving you with clothes that are soaking wet when the cycle is done. Make sure to balance the wash load and disperse clothes evenly and loosely around the tub.

4. IMPROPER DRAIN HOSE INSTALLATION

The drain hose on your washer removes water after each wash, rinse and final spin, but improper installation can interfere with the draining process. You’ll find the drain hose on the back of your washer, connected to the exterior drain pipe. Make sure it’s installed correctly in an upside-down “U” shape and firmly connected to the drain pipe.

Double-check your owner’s manual for guidance on how deep the hose should reach into the drain pipe and how tall the drain pipe should be. If the drain pipe is too tall, water could end up flowing back into the washer. Contact a professional for help if you’re uncomfortable with checking the installation on your own.

5. CLOGGED WASHER FILTER

The washer filter—also known as the drain pump filter—is your washer's first line of defense against clogs. It keeps build-up and other debris out of the drain pump to help the washer drain smoothly. But when the filter clogs, water can’t reach the drain hose below, which can lead to draining issues.

6. KINKED OR CLOGGED DRAIN HOSE

If you suspect a clog, check the drain hose for kinks or clogs. Straighten out the hose and smooth out any kinks to keep water flowing freely. Also double check that the drain of your utility sink is clear.

7. UNLEVEL WASHER

An uneven washer can lead to noisy, shaky spins and clothes that come out wetter than they should. Keep the washer level to avoid unbalanced loads that disrupt the spin cycle.

8. LOW OR NO SPIN SELECTED

Lower spin speeds won’t remove as much water, so if you select a cycle with low or no spin, your clothes may not come out ready for the dryer. For the next wash, try adjusting to a higher spin speed for better results.

9. POWER OUTAGE

If the power goes out during the spin cycle, your washer may not reach full spin speed to finish the job, leaving you with damp clothes when you open the lid.

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOUR CLOTHES ARE SOAKING WET AFTER WASHING?

Try using your washer’s Drain and Spin Cycle—it's typically designed to quickly remove extra water from hand-washed clothes, soaked items or heavier fabrics. This cycle also helps if you've canceled or interrupted a load and need to drain the washer.

After troubleshooting with the possible solutions above, give this cycle a go. Or, if clothes sit too long in the washer and start to smell, rewash them following the instructions on your care tag.