Common Laundering Problems PROBLEM CHECK IF WHAT TO DO
Brown
Dryer fabric softeners were used Follow manufacturer’s product directions carefully.
stains
Wet items were stored in washer DO NOT store wet items in washer or dryer. This can cause rusting.
or dryer
Color
transfer
Dryer drum is clean Clean dryer drum thoroughly after drying tinted, dyed or non-colorfast
items. (See page 9.)
Greasy
spots
Dryer fabric softeners were used
Undiluted washer fabric softener
was used
Follow manufacturer’s product directions carefully.
Dilute fabric softener before adding to deep rinse.
Enough detergent was used
Items were clean before they
were dried
Use enough detergent to hold soil in the wash water until it drains away.
Undrained soil can stick to outer tub of the washer and cause greasy spots
with next load.
Soiled items can stain other items in the load. They can also leave stains
on the dryer drum that can be picked up by items in later loads. Dryer heat
may permanently set these stains.
Lint
Lint screen is clogged
Load is properly sorted
Static electricity is attracting lint
Load is too big or heavy
Clean lint screen. (See page 9.)
Sort lint-givers (bath towels, etc.) from lint-takers (synthetics, permanent
press).
Use fabric softener in the washer’s final, deep rinse. Use correct dryer
settings for fabric. Overdrying synthetics can cause lint-attracting static
electricity.
Dry smaller loads. When items can’t tumble freely, air is unable to carry lint
to lint screen.
Paper or tissue was in pocket
Enough detergent was used
Pilling is being mistaken for lint
Empty pockets carefully. A small scrap of paper can cause a lot of lint.
Use enough detergent to hold the lint in the water until it drains away. Base
detergent amount on water hardness and soil in wash load.
Pilling (surface fuzz) is caused by normal wear and laundering. Pills do not
break away easily from the fabric and can often collect lint. Synthetic
fabrics are more likely to pill than others, especially at neckbands, elbows
and knees.
Shrinking
Items are overdried
Fabric type and quality is suitable
for drying
Remove items while there is still a trace of moisture. Some items should be
removed while damp, then shaped and air-dried. Use LESS DRY setting.
Some knits are stretched during manufacturing. Washing and drying
returns them to the original size. This is normal. Check quality of garment
before buying. Follow fabric care label directions carefully.
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