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Common Washing Problems
Manywashing problems involve poor soiland stain removal, residuesof lint and scum, andfabric damage. Forsatisfactorywashi ng
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 fabric softener, rub stains with
bar soap. Wash.
• Dilute fabric softener with water.
Discoloration,
graying
• Not enough detergent.
• Wash water temperature too low.
• Incorrect sorting.
• Rewash with correct amount of detergent .Sort items by soil level and color.
and hottest water safe for fabric. Add •Use correct amount of detergent, hottest
bleach safe for fabric, water and bleach safe for fabric.
Greasy, oily stains
• Not enough detergent.
• Undiluted 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 package directions
or Washing Procedures for proper diluting
Holes, tears, or
snags
• Incorrect use of chlorine bleach.
• Unfastened 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.
Lint
• Incorrect sorting.
• Tissues left in pocket.
• Overloading the washer.
• Not enough detergent.
• Undissolved detergent has left
residue.
• Static cling is attracting lint.
• Load washed too long.
• Reduce load size. Rewash using correct
water temperature, water level, and
amount of detergent.
• Add nonprecipitating water conditioner to
wash water.
• Add liquid fabric softener to final 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 amount of detergent, water
temperature and water level.
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 lubricat_
fibers.
• When ironing, use spray starch or fabric
finish on collars and cuffs.
• Turn items inside out to reduce abrasion.
Residue or powder
on dark items;
Stiff, harsh fabrics.
• Undissolved detergent.
• Some nonphosphate 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 (3.8 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 assoon ascycle
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 IO0°F (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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