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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 •Undiluted liquid detelgent or fabric •If caused by detelgent, mix 1cup (240 ml) •Avoid overfilling detergent and fabric softener
softener dispensed directly onto white vinegar with 1quart (95 L) water in a compartments of dispenser
fabric 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 bleach safe for fabric water and bleach safe for fabric
Greasy, oily stains .Not enough detergent .Treat with prewash stain remover or liquid • Use correct amount of detergent and hottest
• Undiluted liquid fabric softener detergent water safe for fabric
poured directly on fabric .Increase detergent and water temperature • Do not pour liquid fabric so4l:ener directly
Rewash on fabric. See Washing Procedures for
• R_b fabric softenel stains with bal soap directions on adding softener
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 See
• Rips,tears and broken threads Washing Procedures for p_eparing and
• Overloading the washer loading the wash load and adding chlorine
• Degradation of fabnc bleach
Lint .Incorrect sorting .Reduce load size Rewash using correct •See Washing Procedures for sorting and
•Tissues left in pocket water temperature, water level, and prepanng the wash load
• Overloading the washer amount of detergent • Do not overload washer
• Not enough detergent •Add nonprecipitating water conditioner to • Use correct temperature and amount of
• Undissolved detergent has left a wash water to remove detergent residue detergent, water and wash time
residue resembling lint • Add liquid fabric softener to final rinse
• Static cling isattracting lint •Dry load in dryer
• Load washed too long .Remove lint with lint brush or roller
Pilling
(Fibersbreak 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 lubricate
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 nonphosphate 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 nonpredpitating
water conditioner with nonphosphate
granular detergent
Wrinkling
Yellow buildup of
body soil on
synthetic fabrics
• Overloading the washer
• Incorrect wash cycle for wash load
• Reduce load size
• Rinse in cold water with liquid fabric
softener using the Perm Pressor Delicate
cycle
• Do not overload washer
• Remove items from washer as soon as cycle is
completed
• Use liquid fabric softener
• Agitation time too short.
• Wash water temperature too low
• Not enough detergent
*Soak indetergent 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
• 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 p_pes,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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