Can a Washer Leave Stains on Clothes?

Buildup of laundry detergent inside a washing machine can leave dark spots on clothing. Proper use of detergents, combined with regular cleaning of the washer drum, will help reduce this residue and keep clothes stain free.

Misconceptions

• More detergent does not equal cleaner clothes. Using more detergent than necessary can actually lead to a built-up residue inside the machine, which can leave dark spots on clothing. Laundry detergents are labeled with dispensing instructions specific for each brand of detergent. These instructions should be followed carefully for each load of laundry washed.

Effects

• Dark spots deposited by detergent residue are almost impossible to remove from clothing. These spots will have a greasy consistency, and typical laundry pre-treatment solutions are ineffective in their removal. Unless the residue is cleaned from the machine, the spots will continue to appear.

Prevention/Solution

• In addition to properly dispensing detergent, regular cleaning of the washer drum will prevent the appearance of dark spots on clothing. To keep the machine clean inside, simply run a wash cycle using hot water and one cup of bleach at least once per week. This load can include clothing. For stubborn staining, run an empty wash cycle using hot water and one quart household vinegar once a month.