Troubleshooting
Most laundering problems are easily solved if you understand the cause. Check the following list for common laundry problems and the next page for common washer problems. If you need further assistance, see page 21.
Common laundry problems
PROBLEM | CAUSE |
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|
Brown, yellow | • Chlorine staining |
stains | • Iron in water heater or pipes; iron and manganese in water |
|
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Dye transfer | • Improper sorting |
| • Load not immediately removed from washer after end of cycle |
|
|
Gray whites, | • Improper sorting |
dingy colors | • Water temperature too low |
| • Not enough detergent |
| • Using soap in very hard water (use detergent in hard water) |
|
|
Greasy looking | • Fabric softener poured directly on clothes |
spots | • Not enough detergent |
|
|
Lint | • Improper sorting |
| • Paper or tissue in pockets |
| • Pilling being mistaken for lint |
| • Not enough detergent |
|
|
Load too wet | • Cold rinses |
after spin | • Cycle stopped before spinning is complete |
|
|
Shrinking | • Fabric type (some knits stretch during manufacturing – laundering |
| returns fabric to original size) |
| • Care label directions not followed |
|
|
Snags, rips, and | • Items damaged before washing |
holes | • Misuse of chlorine bleach (do not pour directly on clothes); |
| dispenser not used |
| • Sharp items not removed from pockets; fasteners not fastened |
|
|
Stiff, rough | • Using soap in very hard water (use detergent in hard water) |
fabrics | • Not enough detergent |
| • Line drying |
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Twisting/ | • Overloading |
Tangling | • Clothes wrapped around agitator |
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Wrinkling | • Overloading (leave more room for permanent press and knits) |
| • Load not immediately removed from washer after cycle |
| • Warm rinse water |
| • Cycle selection incorrect |
|
|
Yellow areas | • Water temperature too low |
(from body oils) | • Not enough detergent |
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|
19
