Quick answer
A washer that leaves clothes soaking after the final spin usually is not draining fully, so the spin starts in water, or is cutting the spin short because the load is unbalanced, or is set to a low spin speed. Check the spin setting, clean the drain pump filter, make sure the drain hose is not kinked or jammed deep in the standpipe, and run a balanced load. If it still leaves clothes wet, a worn belt, clutch or motor is the likely cause. HomeAdvisor puts typical washer repairs at $125–$450. Call (888) 217-0236 to reach an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP; the line is answered 24/7.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
Clothes should come out of a washer damp, not dripping. When they come out soaking, the final spin either did not reach speed or did not run as long as it should.
Check These First
- 1The spin setting. Delicate, hand wash and some quick cycles spin slowly. Try a normal cycle with high spin.
- 2The drain. If water is still in the drum when the spin starts, it cannot spin properly. Clean the drain pump filter behind the lower front panel on front-loaders, and check the drain hose for kinks and that it is not pushed deep into the standpipe. See washer won't drain.
- 3The load. A single heavy item, a comforter or a tangled sheet makes the drum unbalanced. Many washers respond by slowing or shortening the spin, sometimes without a code. Mix large and small items.
- 4Run Spin only and watch. Does it speed up, then slow down and try again? That is the washer trying to balance.
What Usually Fails
| What you notice | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Water left in the drum before spin | Drain pump, filter or hose |
| Spin starts, slows, restarts, then gives up | Unbalance, or worn suspension or shocks |
| Spins slowly with a light load | Worn belt, clutch, motor coupling or motor |
| Top-loader agitates but barely spins | Clutch, shifter or lid lock |
| Code on the display | See the brand code pages: Samsung, LG, Whirlpool |
Talk to an appliance repair technician
One call reaches an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP, answered 24/7.
What a Repair Costs
HomeAdvisor puts typical washer repairs at $125–$450. A drain pump or belt is mid-range; a motor or transmission is the costly end. See washer won't spin and washer repair.
The Call
Call when the drain is clear, loads are balanced, and clothes still come out soaking. (888) 217-0236 is answered 24/7 and connects you to an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP for washers, dryers, ovens, stoves, cooktops and freezers. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more.
Reading to confirm what you already suspect?
Confirm it in two minutes instead — the pro on this line answers questions about YOUR situation all day: what it is, what it should cost, whether you even need service. If you want, they'll set the appointment on the same call.
No obligation to book
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my clothes still wet after the washer spins?
A low spin setting, a slow or partial drain, a load the washer could not balance so it shortened the spin, or worn drive parts such as a belt or clutch.
Does a slow drain make clothes wet?
YesIf water is still in the drum when the spin starts, the washer spins slowly or not at all.
Why are clothes wet only with big loads?
Bulky items like comforters unbalance the drum, and many washers lower the spin speed to protect themselves.
Sources
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.
Equipment
Reviewed gear for this job
Those pages carry affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, HearthDry earns from qualifying purchases; it costs you nothing extra.
Our Amazon storefront →