What is actually happening
Rinsing needs plenty of clean water in and dirty water out, several times over. Detergent left on clothes usually means one of those is restricted — a weak fill, a partial drain, or simply far too much detergent going in to begin with. It is worth ruling out the last one first, because it costs nothing.
The usual causes
- Too much detergent, especially with liquids and soft water
- A partial drain fault, so rinse water is not fully removed between fills
- A weak fill from a restricted inlet valve or blocked inlet filter
- An overloaded drum with no room for water to move through the load
- A blocked detergent drawer holding powder that releases at the wrong time
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.
- Halve the detergent for a few washes and see whether it clears
- Run an extra rinse and check whether the problem goes away — if it does, this is about water volume
- Clean the drawer and its housing, and check the inlet filter at the tap end for grit
Still not rinsing properly?
If the checks above have not sorted it, it needs looking at properly. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Local engineers covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — same and next-day appointments, and the person who comes out is one of ours, not a subcontractor.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my washing machine not rinsing properly?
Clothes come out with powder marks or feeling soapy and stiff. Rinsing needs plenty of clean water in and dirty water out, several times over. Detergent left on clothes usually means one of those is restricted — a weak fill, a partial drain, or simply far too much detergent going in to begin with. It is worth ruling out the last one first, because it costs nothing.
Can I fix a washing machine not rinsing properly myself?
Halve the detergent for a few washes and see whether it clears. Run an extra rinse and check whether the problem goes away — if it does, this is about water volume. Clean the drawer and its housing, and check the inlet filter at the tap end for grit. Those checks fix it more often than not. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair a washing machine not rinsing properly?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other washing machine faults
- washing machine not draining
- washing machine not spinning
- washing machine leaking water
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine not heating the water
- washing machine door will not open
- washing machine will not turn on
- washing machine tripping the electrics