PROBLEM

POSSIBLE CAUSE

 

 

GREASY OR OILY

These are sometimes called “invisible stains” because you may not notice them before

STAINS ON

washing clothes. However, if oily soils are not completely removed in the wash cycle,

LAUNDERED

the oily spots may pick up dirt from the wash water. The spots will then be very visible.

GARMENTS

They are not caused by the washer. Wash synthetic garments as soon as possible after

 

wearing. Use more detergent than normal and the hottest water the fabric can stand.

 

If spots appear, rub in undiluted liquid detergent, let stand 30 minutes and rewash using

 

hottest water fabric can stand.

YELLOWED

• Incomplete removal of body soil due to constant use of insufficient detergent. Check

CLOTHES

hem of T-shirt or pillow case. If they are white and center is yellow, it contains body

 

oil. Restore whiteness following procedures on “Grayed Clothes” in this section.

 

• Chlorine bleach may yellow some fabrics with resin finishes. Use oxygen bleach

 

(such as Clorox 2™ brand). Refer to garment manufacturers’ care instructions. Restore

 

color using color remover (such as Rit™ or Tintex™ brands); follow package directions.

 

• Iron or manganese in water may cause overall yellowing or yellow spots.

 

1. Use extra detergent plus a nonprecipitating water softener dissolved in water

 

before adding clothes. Use nonchlorine bleach.

 

2. Have a special filter or chemical feeder installed in your home to remove iron and

 

manganese from water.

 

3. Run hot water for a few minutes to clean iron residue buildup in lines; drain water

 

heater occasionally.

 

4. To remove spots: spread stained portion over pan of boiling water and squeeze

 

lemon juice through stain. To remove overall yellow, use a commercially available

 

rust scale remover, following package instructions.

BLUE OR GRAY

• Improper use of fabric softener. Never pour fabric softener directly on clothes;

COLOR STAINS

always dilute before adding to rinse water. To remove stains: dampen stained area and

 

rub with undiluted liquid detergent. Rewash, using chlorine bleach if safe for fabric.

GRAYED

• Water is not hot enough for type of load. Make sure water heater is set to deliver hot

CLOTHES

water at the washer 140°–150°F (60°–66°C). Do not wash when other hot water

 

needs—such as dishwashing or family baths—are heavy.

 

• Poor or inferior detergent (or use of soap in hard water). Change to phosphate

 

detergent if possible.

 

Follow these steps:

 

• Use water conditioner (such as Calgon™ brand).

 

• Use hottest water possible.

 

• Pretreat stains.

 

• Use presoak aids.

 

• Install water softener.

 

• Washer overloaded. Clothes cannot move freely to loosen and remove soil, causing

 

gray appearance. Follow correct loading procedures for size of loads.

 

• Improper soaking, with insufficient detergent. Usually a 30-minute soak is sufficient.

 

However, when using extended soaks for heavily soiled garments, you may need to

 

use twice the recommended amount of detergent.

 

• Washing too long may result in increased soil redeposition. Use shorter wash time

 

for smaller loads.

 

(continued next page)

 

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Solver Problem The