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Common Washing Problems
Manywashing problems involve poor soiland stain removal, residues of lint and scum, and fabric damage. Forsatisfactorywashing
results, follow these suggestions provided by The Soap and Detergent Association.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES SOLUTIONS PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Blue stains ,Detergent or liquid fabric softener ,If caused by detergent, mix 1 cup (240 ml) ,Add detergent before wash load Then start
did not dissolve or disperse white vinegar with 1 quart (95 L) water in washer
a plastic container Soak item 1 hour Rinse
• If caused by fabdc softener, rub stains with ,Dilute fabric softener with water
bar soap Wash
Discoloration, ,Not enough detergent ,Rewasb 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 bleach safe for fabric water and bleach safe for fabric
Greasy, oily stains .Not enough detergent .Treat with prewasb stain remover or liquid .Use correct amount of detergent and
• Undiluted liquid fabric softener detergent hottest water safe for fabric
poured directly on fabric .Increase detergent and water temperature .Do not pour liquid fabric softener
Rewash directly on fabric. See package directions
• Rub fabric softener stains with bar soap or Washing Procedures for proper diluting
Holes, tears, or .Incorrect use of chlorine bleach .May be irreversible if rips, tears and seams • Never pour chlorine bleach directly on fabric
snags .Unfastened zippers, hooks, buckles cannot be mended .Check condition of items before washing
• Rips,tears and broken threads See Washing Procedures for prepanng
• Overloading the washer and loading the wash load
• Degradation of fabric
Lint .Incorrect sorting .Reduce load size Rewash using correct .See Washing Procedures for sorting and
• Tissues left in pocket water temperature, water level, and preparing the wash load
• Overloading the washer amount of detergent .Do not overload washer
• Not enough detergent .Add nonpredpitating water conditioner to .Use correct amount of detergent, water
• Undissolved detergent has left wash water, temperature and water level
residue • Add liquid fabric softener to final rinse
• Static cling is attracting lint .Dry load in dryer
• Load washed too long .Remove lint with lint brush or roller
Pilling
(Fibers break off, ball
up and cling to
fabric)
• Pilling is normal with synthetic and
permanent press fabrics This is due
to abrasion from normal wear
• Use a lint brush or shaver to remove pills
• Use fabric softener in the washer to lubdcat,
fibers
• When ironing, use spray starch or fabric
finish on collars and cuffs
• Turn items inside out to reduce abrasion
Residueor powder
on dark items;
Stiff, harsh fabrics.
• Undissolved detergent
• Some nonphospbate granular
detergents can combine with hard
water minerals to form a residue
• Reduce load size.
• Add dissolved detergent to tub Rewash
load
• Mix 1 cup (240 ml) white vinegar to 1
gallon (38 L) warm water in plastic
container Soak item Rinse and rewash
• Increase water temperature using hottest
water safe for fabric
• Do not overload washer
• Use liquid detergent or use nonprecipitating
water conditioner with nonphosphate
granular detergent
Wrinkling • Overloading the washer
• Reduce load size.
• Rinse in cold water with liquid fabric
softener
• Do not overload washer
• Remove items from washer as soon as cycle
is completed
• Use liquid fabric softener
Yellow buildup of
body soil on
synthetic fabrics
• Agitation time too short.
• Wash water temperature too low
• Not enough detergent
• Soak in detergent booster or product
containing enzymes
• Wash in hot water (120°F/49°C) using full
permanent press cycle Increase detergent
Add bleach safe for fabric
• Or, treat with color remover
• Wash synthetics frequently using water at
least 100% (37°C) and correct water level
Yellow or brown
rust stains
• Iron or manganese in water supply,
water pipes, or water heater
•To restore discolored load of whites, use
rust remover safe for fabric
Do not use chlorine bleach to remove
rust stains. It may intensify
discoloration.
• Use nonprecipitating water softener
• Before washing, run hot water for a few
minutes to clear lines
• Drain water heater occasionally
• For an ongoing problem, install an iron filter
in your water supply system
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