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Common Washing Problems
Many washing problems involve poor soil and stain removal, residues of lint and scum, and fabric damage. For
satisfactory washing results, follow these suggestions provided by The Soap and Detergent Association.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES SOLUTIONS PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Blue stains HJndi{uted {iquid detergent or fabric ,If caused by detergent, mix 1 cup (240 m{) ,Avoid overfi{{ing detergent and fabric softener
softener dispensed directly onto white vinegar with 1 quart (.95 L) water in compartments of dispenser.
fabric, a plastic container. Soak item 1 hour. Rinse.
• if caused by fabric softener, rub stains
with bar soap. Wash.
Discoloration, `'Not enough detergent. ,Rewash with correct amount of detergent ,Sort items by soil level and color.
graying `'Wash water temperature too low. and hottest water safe for fabric. Add ,Use correct amount of detergent, hottest
`'incorrect sorting, b{each safe for fabric, water and bleach safe for fabric.
Greasy, oily stains `'Not enough detergent.
HJndiiuted liquid fabric softener
poured directly on fabric.
• Treat with prewash stain remover or liquid
detergent.
• Increase detergent and water temperature.
Rewash.
• Rub fabric softener stains with bar soap.
• Use correct amount of detergent and hottest
water safe for fabric.
• Do not pour liquid fabric softener directly on
fabric. See Washing Procedures for directions
on adding softener.
Holes, tears, or
snags
Lint
`'incorrect use of chlorine bleach.
HJnfastened zippers, hooks,
buckles.
`'Rips, tears and broken threads.
`'Overloading the washer.
`'Degradation of fabric.
• May be irreversible if rips, tears and seams
cannot be mended.
• Never pour chlorine bleach directly on fabric.
• Check condition of items before washing. See
Washing Procedures for preparing and
loading the wash load and adding chlorine
bleach.
,,incorrect sorting.
`'Tissues left in pocket.
`'Overloading the washer.
`'Not enough detergent.
HJndisso[ved detergent has left
a residue resembling lint.
`'Static cling is attracting lint.
`'Load washed too long.
,Reduce load size. Rewash using correct
water temperature, water [eve[,and amount
of detergent.
• Add nonprecipitating water conditioner to
wash water to remove detergent residue.
• Add liquid fabric softener to find rinse.
• Dry load in dryer.
• Remove lint with lint brush or roller.
• See Washing Procedures for sorting and
preparing the wash load.
• Do not overload washer.
• Use correct temperature and amount of
detergent, water and wash time.
Pilling
(Fibers break off,
ball up and cling to
fabric.)
Residue or
powder on dark
items;
Stiff, harsh
fabrics.
`'Pi[{ing is normal with synthetic and
permanent press fabrics. This is
due to abrasion from normal wear.
• Use a lint brush or shaver to remove
pi{[s.
• Use fabric softener in the washer to lubricate
fibers.
• When ironing, use spray starch or fabric
finish on co[Jars and cuffs.
• Turn items inside out to reduce abrasion.
HJndissolved detergent.
`" Some granular detergents can
combine with hard water minerals
to form a residue.
`'Overloading the washer.
• Rewash load.
• Increase water temperature using hottest
water safe for fabric.
• Do not overload washer.
• Use liquid detergent or use nonprecipitating
water conditioner with granular detergent.
Wrinkling `'Overloading the washer.
`'incorrect wash cycle for wash
{oad.
• Reduce load size.
• Rinsein cold water with liquid fabric softener
using the Perm Press or Delicate cycle.
• Do not overload washer.
• Remove items from washer as soon as cycle
is completed.
• Use liquid fabric softener.
Yellow buildup of `'Agitation time too short.
body soil on `'Wash water temperature too low.
synthetic fabrics `'Not enough detergent.
• Soak in detergent booster or product
containing enzymes.
• Wash in hot water using full permanent
press cycle. Increase detergent.
Add bleach safe for fabric.
• Or, treat with color remover.
• Select correct wash cycle.
• Use correct amount of detergent.
• Wash synthetics frequently using hot or warm
water.
Yellow or brown
rust stains
`'iron or manganese in water supply,
water pipes, or water heater.
• To restore discolored load of whites, use ,Use nonprecipitating water softener.
rust remover safe for fabric. ,Before washing, run hot water for a few
• Do not use chlorine bleach to remove rust minutes to dear lines.
stains. It may intensify discoloration. ,Drain water heater occasionally.
• For an ongoing problem, install an iron filter in
your water supply system.
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