Kenmore Washer Leaving Clothes Soaking Wet? Try these FIXES!

Is your Kenmore washer leaving clothes soaking wet?
I often find that a slow drain or an uneven load can stop the washer from reaching full spin speed. I would check the spin setting, load balance, and drain before you book a repair.
A full size portable washer that gets your laundry moving again while the main machine is out of action. Plugs into any tap, no plumbing needed.
Pros:
- Handles a real 17.8 lb load, not just socks.
- Hooks to a kitchen tap in minutes.
- Keeps laundry going during a repair.
Cons:
- Needs floor space near a sink.
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How to Find Why Kenmore Clothes Stay Wet
Begin with the safe checks. When a Kenmore washer leaves clothes soaking wet, check spin speed, balance the load, reduce suds, clear the drain, and test spin strength.
Before moving on, use this guide when clothes are still wet after spin cycle, the Kenmore washer is not spinning clothes dry, or clothes are too wet after wash.
Check for Slow Draining
For this check, a slow drain leaves water in the Kenmore tub when spin begins. Straighten the hose and remove only a blockage you can reach safely.

Before moving on, if the manual shows a user accessible filter, unplug the washer, prepare for water, and clean it as directed. More drain checks are in our guide to a Kenmore washer that is not draining.

This part around the drain path often get forgotten on a Kenmore washer while you look over the machine.
Rearrange the Wet Load
Besides this, separate tangled items in the Kenmore drum and spread heavy pieces around it. Remove some laundry if the tub is packed.
Next, a single wet blanket can throw the load off balance and shorten the spin. Stop the machine if it bangs, then rearrange the clothes.

A small wet load problem on the Kenmore often cause a much bigger symptom as you inspect it.
Use the Right Spin for the Load
Remember, check the cycle selected on the Kenmore washer. A delicate, hand wash, or low spin choice leaves more water in fabric than a normal or faster spin.
Besides this, choose the highest speed that is safe for the clothes, then run a drain and spin cycle. Protect delicate fabric by following its care label.
The spin setting on your Kenmore sometimes need only a simple correction during your first check.
Run an Extra Rinse Without Soap
Next, too much detergent makes foam that cushions the Kenmore laundry and keeps the machine from pulling water out well. Use the detergent type and amount in the manual.
For this check, run an extra rinse without more soap if foam remains. It may take another rinse before a heavily soaped load spins normally.
This soap level problem sometimes come and go on a Kenmore while you look for the cause.
Stop if the Washer Grinds or Smells Hot
As you work, if the Kenmore washer is not spinning clothes dry, listen from a safe distance during an empty spin. A drum that never reaches speed may have a drive, motor, suspension, or control problem.
Before touching anything, do not use the machine if it grinds, leaks, or smells hot. Ask a technician to test it instead of ordering a part from the symptom alone.
In many cases, this guide covers clothes too wet after wash even though spin runs. If the drum never moves, see why the Kenmore washer drum is not turning.
Conclusion
These Kenmore checks move from simple causes of the problem to repairs that need professional help for drier laundry.
- Check for Slow Draining
- Rearrange the Wet Load
- Use the Right Spin for the Load
- Run an Extra Rinse Without Soap
- Stop if the Washer Grinds or Smells Hot
Clears the detergent sludge and limescale that clogs drain pumps and makes a washer smell. Run one before you start pulling the machine apart.
Pros:
- Targets the buildup behind drain faults.
- One tablet a month keeps it clear.
- Works in front and top loaders.
Cons:
- Heavy buildup may need two runs.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| ROVSUN 17.8LBS Portable Washing Machine | Check Price |
| Zyro Washing Machine Cleaner Tablet | Check Price |
| Portable Washing Machine, Mini Washer | Check Price |
Kenmore Washing Machine Still Not Working?
Start with what your washing machine is doing. Use our diagnostic tool, answer a few easy questions, and get the solution.
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Written by
Muhammad Ali is an Electrical Engineer and Appliance Repair Specialist from Canada, who has been helping people fix their appliances since 2020.