If your clothes are coming out mostly dry after a cycle in the washer and you have to manually add water to get them soaked, there may be a few possible reasons for this issue:
Improper water level setting: Make sure you are selecting the appropriate water level for your laundry load. If the water level is set too low, the clothes may not be able to move freely and get fully soaked.
Load size: If you're doing small loads of laundry in a large-capacity washer, the machine might not be using enough water to cover all the clothes adequately.
Clogged water inlet valve or filter: Check if the water inlet valve or filter is clogged, as this can restrict the water flow into the machine. Cleaning or replacing them as necessary can help improve water intake.
Washer sensor issue: Some modern washers have sensors that determine the water level needed based on the load size. If these sensors are malfunctioning, the washer may not be using enough water.
Faulty water pressure: If your home's water pressure is low, it can affect the washer's ability to fill up with an adequate amount of water.
Washer malfunction: There might be an issue with the washer itself, such as a faulty water pump or control board, preventing the proper water circulation.
Using the wrong wash cycle: Ensure that you are using the correct wash cycle for the type of clothes you are cleaning. Different fabrics and soil levels require different cycle settings.
Older washer design: Some older models of washing machines might not use as much water as newer models, which could result in clothes not getting fully soaked.
To address the issue, you can try the following steps:
- Check the water level setting and make sure it's appropriate for your laundry load.
- Verify that the water inlet valve and filter are clean and not obstructed.
- Double-check the washer's user manual to ensure you are using the correct wash cycle for your laundry.
- If the problem persists, you may want to call a professional appliance repair service to diagnose and fix any underlying issues with your washer.
Remember that modern washing machines are designed to be water-efficient, but they should still use enough water to thoroughly wet your clothes and allow the detergent to do its job effectively. If you're concerned about water usage, consider using a high-efficiency (HE) washer, as these models are designed to use less water while still providing excellent cleaning performance.