Why are my towels soaking wet in the washing machine?

Author: Daija Spencer IV  |  Last update: Thursday, July 24, 2025

Overloading the washing machine can lead to soaking wet laundry. If you cram too many clothes into the drum, it may result in an unbalanced load, which can reduce the spin speed and result in excess water in the drum at the end. To avoid this, follow the recommended load capacity in your owner's manual.

Why are my towels soaking wet after washing?

Pump May be Blocked or Need to be Cleaned

If your filter or pump is partially or fully blocked, it can impact your appliance's ability to drain water from the drum, therefore causing your clean clothes to be soaking wet.

Why are my clothes coming out of the washing machine soaking wet?

Drainage Issues: Clogs or kinks in the drainage system can impede the flow of water, resulting in wet garments post-cycle. Regular inspections can help. Incorrect Cycle Setting: Choosing the wrong washing cycle, especially a delicate one, may not provide the necessary spin to remove water efficiently.

Why are my towels not draining in the washing machine?

A washing machine not draining can have multiple causes, including a clogged or jammed drain hose or a broken pump, lid switch, or belt.

What to do with a soaking wet towel?

After you've dried off with a bath towel, put it on a towel rack. Do not just hang on a hook, because that won't get good coverage exposed and it also puts some fabric stress on one area. If you don't have a free rack, remove a towel that may be already dry or nearly dry and put your damp towel on it.

Why are my clothes still wet?

Why is my towel still wet?

How fast your towels spin and how long they wash affects how wet they are. If they spin slowly or wash for a short time, they stay wet. This means they'll take longer to dry. Also, dirt and other particles left on the towels after washing can stop water from disappearing, which makes drying take longer.

What does "wet towel" mean?

That's an insult. They're saying you're not charismatic at all-you're boring and inspire no one. The more common form of the metaphor is to call a boring person a 'wet blanket', but 'wet blanket' and 'damp towel' are identical euphemisms. It's important to remember this is just their opinion.

Why is my washing machine ruining my towels?

Scratchy towels

Another reason could be that your front loader is in fact too water-efficient, using too little water for the rinse and leaving detergent residues in the wash. Our test results can help you choose a washing machine that's good at rinsing while still being water-efficient.

Why is my washing machine not draining my clothes properly?

Check the drain hose

A common reason for a washing machine not draining is a blockage in the drain hose. This could be due to lint, debris, or even small items of clothing becoming lodged within the hose.

How do you know if your washing machine filter is blocked?

If you do not already clean your washing machine filter then the following indications mean it is overdue:
  • Deposits or residue on your clothes.
  • The unusual smell from your clothes or machine.
  • Build up of leftover laundry detergent.
  • Mould or mildew around the lid or door.
  • The water doesn't drain fully from the machine.

Can you put sopping wet clothes in the dryer?

No Soaking Wet Clothes

Clothes that are soaking wet or dripping are heavy and this added weight in a standard dryer could damage it as it spins the load around. Always let your washer fully complete its spin cycle before removing the damp clothes and putting them in your dryer.

Why is my washing machine not spinning my clothes dry?

A displaced or faulty spin switch is the most likely cause. This small switch should be pressed down by the lid when it's closed. If it isn't pressed down, your machine may prevent the spin cycle as a safety measure. To troubleshoot this, hold the switch down with your finger (with the lid open) and start a spin cycle.

Why is my washing machine leaving my clothes soaked?

If your washer leaves clothes soaked, you may also need to check your cycle settings. Hand Wash or Delicate settings often use slower spin speeds to avoid harming fragile fabrics, leaving a standard wash load soaking wet. Make sure your washer's setting is the right one for your wash load before starting the machine.

How do you dry a soaking towel?

To air-dry towels, lay them flat on a drying rack inside or hang them outdoors on a clothesline. Air-drying towels may leave them feeling a little stiff but tossing them in the dryer for a quick 'no heat' fluff can soften them up a bit.

What are the symptoms of a bad drain pump?

Common drain pump failure symptoms include: Incomplete cycles: Have you recently checked a wash load only to discover a full reservoir or soaked clothes? These issues indicate incomplete cycles, a hallmark of a failing drain pump. Stinky smells: You might detect rotten or decay odors wafting from your washing machine.

How to unblock a washing machine drain?

Use a funnel to pour about a quarter of a cup of baking soda into the pipe. Next, empty a baster full of vinegar into the drain hose. Top tip: If the blockage is not completely gone, you can repeat the above process. Once you have cleared any debris from the hose, pour hot water in to flush everything out.

What to do when washing machine keeps draining?

Make sure the drain hose is not clogged, and is hung over the drain hose hook. Fill the spin basket halfway with water, and try spinning again. Lift the end of the drain hose to prevent water from draining. Fill the spin basket halfway with water, and then run spinning after releasing the drain hose.

Why are my towels still wet after washing?

Overloading the washing machine can lead to soaking wet laundry. If you cram too many clothes into the drum, it may result in an unbalanced load, which can reduce the spin speed and result in excess water in the drum at the end. To avoid this, follow the recommended load capacity in your owner's manual.

What is the best washer setting for towels?

The most suitable program depends on the fabric of your towels. Most towels are made of cotton, so use the cotton program* and set the wash temperature to at least 40 degrees: 60° is ideal for white towels. 40° is best for darker towels, to prevent them from fading.

How do I keep my towels soft in the washing machine?

6 tips to make your towels soft and fluffy
  1. Shake it out. ...
  2. Beware of hard water. ...
  3. Don't overdo detergent or conditioner. ...
  4. Don't overload the washing machine. ...
  5. Tumble-dry with care. ...
  6. Chuck in a tennis ball.

What is the wet towel trick?

According to the Internet, wrapping a wet towel around Supercharger cable handles when it's hot out will make the car charge faster.

What is the meaning of damp towel?

: slightly or moderately wet : moist. a damp towel. also : humid. damp weather.

What mode should I dry towels on?

Generally, they should be dried on low to medium heat. Use a dryer setting specifically for towels or a normal/regular cycle. High heat and overdrying can cause fabric damage, so be sure to remove the towels promptly once they're dry.

Previous article
Can you spray soapy water on plants to keep bugs away?
Next article
What is the spiritual meaning of lighting a candle?