Why Are My Clothes Still Wet After the Spin?
A washing machine that leaves clothes very wet after a spin cycle is either not reaching full spin speed, aborting the spin early, or not completing the spin at all. The distinction matters for diagnosis.
The Load Is Unbalanced
Modern machines will reduce spin speed or abort the spin entirely if an imbalanced load is detected — this protects the machine from excessive vibration. A single heavy item, or washing mixed with a lot of small items, can cause this. The machine may complete a slow rinse spin but not the high-speed spin. Redistribute the load and run a spin-only cycle.
Drain Problem Preventing Full Spin
If the machine has not fully drained before attempting the spin, it will either abort the spin or run it at reduced speed. This leaves clothes wet and may leave water in the drum. Check the drain filter and hose as described in our not-draining guide.
Worn Carbon Brushes
Carbon brushes wearing out is one of the most common reasons a machine cannot reach full spin speed. The motor cannot generate enough current to accelerate to 1200–1400rpm, so it attempts spin but achieves perhaps 400–600rpm — enough to feel like the machine has spun but leaving clothes significantly wetter than normal. Brush replacement costs £70–£110.
Faulty Shock Absorbers
If the shock absorbers (which dampen drum movement during spin) have worn, the machine detects excessive vibration and limits spin speed as a protective measure. You may notice the machine vibrating more than usual or moving across the floor. Shock absorber replacement costs £80–£120.
Wrong Programme Setting
Check you are not inadvertently using a programme with a low spin setting. Delicates, wool, and hand-wash programmes typically spin at 600–800rpm rather than 1200–1600rpm. If in doubt, run a separate spin-only cycle at maximum speed and see if that extracts significantly more water — if it does, check your cycle settings.