Common washing problems Problem Check if What to do
Dye transfer
Load is properly sorted. Separate colorfast from non-colorfast items. Avoid light-colored items
from contacting non-colorfast items.
Load has been left in washer for
extended time. Unload washer immediately.
Gray
whites,
dingy
colors
Load is properly sorted.
Enough detergent is used.
Water is hot enough.
Water is too hard for soap or
detergent used.
Separate white, colored and non-colorfast items.
Increase amount of detergent.
Hot water should be at least 130°F (54°C).
Use liquid detergent in increased amounts for water hardness and
amount of soil. Use a non-precipitating water conditioner in the
wash and deep rinse. Install a mechanical water softener.
-
Greasy
spots
Undiluted fabric softener touches
fabric. Dilute fabric softeners with l/2 to 1 cup (125 to 250 ml) warm water.
Fabric softener added to wash
water. Add fabric softener only in deep rinse.
Enough detergent is used. Use enough detergent to hold soil so it drains away with wash water.
Treat spots with heavy-duty liquid detergent.
Wash in warm or hot water with extra detergent.
Wash more than once; Do Not dry between washings.
Remove deposits by running a complete cycle using hot water, 2
cups (500 ml) of detergent and 1 cup (250 ml) of chlorine bleach.
Lint
Lint filter is clogged.
Load is properly sorted.
Load is too big for capacity or
water level.
Paper or tissue is in pocket.
Enough detergent is used.
Pilling is being mistaken for lint.
Load too
wet
after spin
Spin
is too slow.
Rinse is cold.
Lid is open. Close lid firmly.
Clean lint filter after each use.
Separate lint givers (towels) from lint takers (synthetics, permanent
press, corduroys). Separate synthetic items from cotton items.
Drop items in loosely; Do Not pack clothes tightly into basket.
Check pockets before washing.
Use more detergent.
Laundering raises a surface fuzz called pilling. Synthetics are more
likely to pill than other fabrics.
Use high spin cycles for heavy cottons.
Cold rinses leave loads colder/wetter, but
save
money, energy and
cause fewer wrinkles.
Overall
yellow;
brown or
yellow
stains
Chlorine bleach is used.
Washer basket is rusted from
excessive soaking.
Chlorine bleach can permanently yellow some fabrics. Read fabric
washing label and chlorine bleach package label carefully.
Do Not soak for more than 2 hours; Do Not soak with chlorine bleach;
Do Not soak with acids; Do Not store soiled laundry in washer; Do
Not leave damp load in washer; Do Not store diapers or
urine-soaked items in washer.
Iron is in water heater or pipes. Run hot water a few minutes before washing to clear lines. Drain
water heater occasionally.
Iron or manganese is in water Do Not use chlorine bleach in water containing iron. Use
non-precipitating water conditioner in wash and rinse water.
Install an iron filter.
Page 8