Common Washing Problems
Manywashing problems involve poor soiland stain removal, residues of lint and scum, and fabric damage. Forsatisfactorywashing results, follow these suggestions provided by The Soap and Detergent Association.
PROBLEM | POSSIBLE CAUSES |
SOLUTIONS | PREVENTIVE MEASURES |
Blue stains | ,Detergent or liquid fabric softener |
| did not dissolve or disperse |
Discoloration, | ,Not enough | detergent |
graying | .Wash water | temperature too low |
| • Incorrect sorting | |
Greasy, oily stains .Not enough detergent
•Undiluted liquid fabric softener poured directly on fabric
Holes, tears, or | .Incorrect | use of chlorine bleach | |
snags | .Unfastened | zippers, hooks, buckles | |
| • Rips, tears and broken threads | ||
| • Overloading | the washer | |
| • Degradation | of fabric | |
Lint | .Incorrect | sorting | |
| • Tissues left in pocket | ||
| • Overloading | the washer | |
| • Not enough | detergent | |
• Undissolved detergent has left residue
• Static cling is attracting lint
• Load washed too long
,If caused by detergent, mix 1 cup (240 ml) white vinegar with 1 quart (95 L) water in a plastic container Soak item 1 hour Rinse
•If caused by fabdc softener, rub stains with bar soap Wash
,Rewasb with correct amount of detergent and hottest water safe for fabric Add bleach safe for fabric
.Treat with prewasb stain remover or liquid detergent
.Increase detergent and water temperature Rewash
• Rub fabric softener stains with bar soap
.May be irreversible if rips, tears and seams cannot be mended
.Reduce load size Rewash using correct water temperature, water level, and amount of detergent
.Add nonpredpitating water conditioner to wash water,
•Add liquid fabric softener to final rinse
.Dry load in dryer
.Remove lint with lint brush or roller
,Add detergent before wash load Then start washer
,Dilute fabric softener with water
,Sort items by soil level and color
.Use correct amount of detergent, hottest water and bleach safe for fabric
.Use correct amount of detergent and hottest water safe for fabric
.Do not pour liquid fabric softener directly on fabric. See package directions or Washing Procedures for proper diluting
•Never pour chlorine bleach directly on fabric
.Check condition of items before washing See Washing Procedures for prepanng and loading the wash load
.See Washing Procedures for sorting and preparing the wash load
.Do not overload washer
.Use correct amount of detergent, water temperature and water level
Pilling
(Fibers break off, ball up and cling to fabric)
• Pilling is normal with synthetic and |
permanent press fabrics This is due |
to abrasion from normal wear |
• Use a lint brush or shaver to remove pills | • Use fabric softener in the washer to lubdcat, |
| |
| fibers |
| • When ironing, use spray starch or fabric |
| finish on collars and cuffs |
| • Turn items inside out to reduce abrasion |
Residue or powder on dark items; Stiff, harsh fabrics.
Wrinkling
Yellow buildup of body soil on synthetic fabrics
Yellow or brown rust stains
• Undissolved | detergent |
• Some nonphospbate granular | |
detergents can combine with hard | |
water minerals to form a residue | |
• Overloading | the washer |
• Agitation time too short. | |
• Wash water temperature too low | |
• Not enough | detergent |
• Iron or manganese in water supply, | |
water pipes, or water heater | |
•Reduce load size.
•Add dissolved detergent to tub Rewash load
•Mix 1 cup (240 ml) white vinegar to 1
gallon (38 L) warm water in plastic container Soak item Rinse and rewash
•Reduce load size.
•Rinse in cold water with liquid fabric softener
•Soak in detergent booster or product containing enzymes
•Wash in hot water (120°F/49°C) using full permanent press cycle Increase detergent Add bleach safe for fabric
•Or, treat with color remover
•To restore discolored load of whites, use rust remover safe for fabric
Do not use chlorine bleach to remove
rust stains. It may intensify discoloration.
•Increase water temperature using hottest water safe for fabric
•Do not overload washer
•Use liquid detergent or use nonprecipitating water conditioner with nonphosphate granular detergent
•Do not overload washer
•Remove items from washer as soon as cycle is completed
•Use liquid fabric softener
•Wash synthetics frequently using water at least 100% (37°C) and correct water level
•Use nonprecipitating water softener
•Before washing, run hot water for a few minutes to clear lines
•Drain water heater occasionally
•For an ongoing problem, install an iron filter in your water supply system