Why is my whirlpool washer not draining my clothes properly?

Author: Neal Hermiston  |  Last update: Thursday, June 4, 2026

Your washing machine's drain hose might be clogged. This is a common problem and can happen due to the accumulation of lint, socks, coins, or any other small objects. If your washer is leaking your hose might also be at fault.

Why is my Whirlpool washer not draining fully?

Either your drain pump itself has failed, or something is clogging the pump. You're going to need to tip the washer on its front/back/side in order to access the drain pump below the tub. Remove the pump, and check for blockages in the pump itself. if you find nothing, then replace the drain pump.

Why is my whirlpool washer leaving my clothes wet?

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 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.

Why is there standing water in my Whirlpool washer?

If the Water is Staying in the Washing Machine

The issue probably lies with the washer. This problem could be traced to the drain tube (which comes out of the machine), the lid switch or the drain pump (an internal issue).

Whirlpool Washer Won't Drain - How to Drain the Washer, Diagnose and Fix

What is the most common problem with Whirlpool washers?

A start button on your washer's control panel not working despite the rest of the lights coming on is the most common Whirlpool washer issue you will encounter. Taking off the control panel to try and find the cause will let you see if the solution can be DIYed, or a professional needs to be called.

How do I get rid of standing water in my washing machine?

How to drain a washer filled with water
  1. Try the spin cycle. ...
  2. Turn off the power and water supply. ...
  3. Remove and check the drain hose. ...
  4. Check to see if it will drain with the help of gravity. ...
  5. Check your machine's inner workings. ...
  6. Check the drain pipe. ...
  7. Drain manually if needed. ...
  8. Call a service professional.

Why are my clothes too wet after the spin cycle?

A slow spin speed may have been selected. A slow spin speed will eliminate less water than a fast spin speed. Cold water can make clothes feel more wet. If the ground water temperature is very low where you live or during a certain season of the year, this could make the clothes seem to be more wet.

How to fix a washing machine that isn't draining?

  1. Perform a Master Reset. Unplug your washer for about one minute. ...
  2. Check the Lid Switch Assembly. Top-loading washers will only drain and spin if the lid is securely closed. . ...
  3. See if the Drain Hose Is Kinked. ...
  4. Check the Drain Hose or Pumps for Clogs. ...
  5. Clean Out the Filter.

Why does my washer not spin all the water out of the clothes?

If the washer is spinning but the clothes are still wet at the end of the cycle the draining issue could be caused by a faulty drain pump or a drain pump blockage. Most washers need to be disassembled to check the drain pump for the issues.

What is the drain and spin cycle of a Whirlpool?

The Drain and Spin cycle does not use any water. Instead, it uses a rapid spin speed to help quickly dry hand-washed clothes, soaking wet items and heavier fabrics. This cycle is also designed to drain your washer after a canceled load or interrupted cycle.

How do I check the drain on my Whirlpool washer?

Kinked or Clogged Drain Hose
  1. Check the hose for visible kinks. If you find any, gently straighten them. ...
  2. To look for blockages, detach the hose from the washer and/or standpipe and remove any clogs. ...
  3. Ensure that the hose is correctly positioned in the drainpipe, usually between 39 to 96 inches above the floor.

How to reset a washing machine?

Washer Control Reset

To reset the electronic controls on your washer, shut off the circuit breaker or fuse to the washer or unplug the washer for 2 minutes. For models that have a timer control knob, turn the knob around and back to any position other than final spin for the interrupted cycle. Then, restore power.

Why is my whirlpool washer not draining?

A Clogged Drain Filter

Your Whirlpool washing machine has a drain filter that catches lint, loose threads, and small items that could potentially block the drainage hose. However, if this filter itself gets clogged, it can prevent your machine from draining correctly and result in your washer leaving clothes wet.

How to check if a washer drain is clogged?

Once the water has fully drained out of the tub, check the drain hose for any debris, clothing, or soap blockages, all of which can make the washing machine drain clogged. To check for clogs, loosen the clamp connecting the hose to the bottom of the tub, then inspect the inside.

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.

Why is my washing machine not draining?

If your washer won't drain, the main thing to check is your drain hose. It needs to be in good condition and properly installed in order to work properly. If you have a front load washer, you should also clean the pump filter. It also helps to make sure your washer is level.

Why is my Whirlpool washer not spinning clothes dry?

To troubleshoot a Whirlpool top load washer not spinning clothes dry, start by checking the lid switch to ensure it's engaging correctly, as a faulty switch can prevent the spin cycle from starting. Next, inspect the drive belt for any signs of wear or damage, as this can affect the drum's ability to spin.

Why does my washer have water in the bottom after spin cycle?

There are a few reasons why water may be collecting under the wash drum, like a kinked or clogged drain hose or regularly overpacking your machine with laundry. These can cause obstructions and water will not be able to properly drain from the washer drum.

How to tell if a washing machine drain pump is bad?

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.

Why is my washer not spinning all the water out of my clothes?

A worn belt or bad shifter on a belt-drive washer will result in the washer not being able spin the water out of the clothes properly during the spin cycle. Some direct drive washers use a transmission to spin the basket, while other direct-drive models use a rotor attached directly to the basket to spin the clothes.

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