It can be frustrating when you wash your clothes, only to pull them out of the washing machine with new stains on them. However, there are some common reasons a washing machine itself can cause staining on clothes. With a few adjustments to your laundry routine, you can likely prevent these pesky stains.
Imbalance in Detergent Use
One of the most common reasons a washing machine stains clothes is an imbalance between the amount of detergent used and the load size. Here are some things to consider regarding detergent use:
- Using too little detergent for a large load allows dirt, oils, and residue from past wash cycles to stick to clothes rather than rinse away. Over time, these can lead to graying and staining. Make sure you use enough detergent for the load size.
- On the other hand, using too much detergent can cause a residue build-up on clothes and washing machine parts over time. Excess detergent may not properly dilute and rinse out. Stick to the recommended amount on the detergent bottle.
- Liquid detergents, especially highly concentrated formulas, are easier to use too much of. The cap often doesn’t measure out an exact amount. Consider switching back to powder detergent if clothes seem to stain more lately.
Issues With the Washing Machine Itself
There are a few mechanical issues with washing machines that can lead to staining:
- Build up of soils and residue – Just like excess detergent can leave residue, soils, minerals from water, and cleaning product build-up itself can occur. This is most common with front-loading machines. Regularly clean the washing machine with vinegar, citric acid cleaners, or other de-scaling products.
- Problems with the rinse cycle – Detergent residue or soils may be left behind if the rinse cycle malfunctions. Ensure your machine is draining fully and spraying rinse water evenly. You may need to wipe door seals and gaskets to remove built up gunk.
- Old hoses or supply lines – Manganese and iron in water can oxidize and leave blackish stains when old rubber supply hoses break down internally. Replace any hoses older than 5 years. Use stainless steel supply lines instead for longevity.
Fabric Softener Stains
While they make laundry smell fresh, liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets can sometimes leave greasy gray stains. These products coat fabrics to eliminate static. But some formulas use oils that do not properly dissolve and rinse away for certain fabric types. Switch products or application methods if you notice staining where you use dryer sheets or liquid softener.
Avoiding Future Stains
The good news about washing machine stains is that with a few adjustments, you can avoid them in the future:
- Periodically clean the washing machine to prevent residue build up
- Use the right amount of detergent for load size
- Inspect hoses and supply lines and replace as needed
- Consider alternative fabric softener options or products if greasy stains appear
With a few tweaks to your laundry routine, you can keep clothes looking bright and clean even after washing. Check out these stain removal tips if clothes already have set-in stains from the washing machine itself.
How to Remove Set-In Stains from the Washer
If your clothing already has stains, try these methods to remove washing machine stains from fabrics:
Bleach Soak
An oxygen bleach soak can help lift stains and brighten clothes. Check care labels first and do not use this method on silk, wool, or any fabric sensitive to bleach.
Vinegar Rinse
For whites with dingy gray stains, try adding 1-2 cups of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. The acid helps dissolve alkaline detergent residues.
Handwash with Stain Stick
Use a laundry stain remover stick or gel on set-in stains. Gently rub into the fabric and let sit for several minutes before laundering as usual.
Brush Away Stains
For stiffened greasy stains, try working in some liquid laundry detergent with a soft bristle brush. The agitation can help dissolve and lift oil-based fabric softener stains. Rinse thoroughly.
Dry in the Sun
For items where stains persist, try drying in direct sunlight. The UV rays in sunlight naturally help decompose stain particles and brighten clothing over time.
With a little extra effort, you can likely remove washing machine stains from your clothes. Be sure to also address any root causes in your laundry routine to prevent future staining issues. With a few adjustments, you’ll keep clothes looking like new even after many cycles through the washing machine.
References
[1] Lysol Laundry Tips – How to Remove Stains From the Washing Machine. 2022. https://www.lysol.com/cleaning-tips-how-to-remove-stains-from-washing-machine/
[2] Family Handyman. 3 Ways to Keep Your Washing Machine from Staining Clothes. 2022. https://www.familyhandyman.com/appliance-repair/washer-and-dryer-repair/how-to-keep-your-washing-machine-from-staining-clothes/
[3] Tide Detergent Troubleshooting. Greasy Residue Left on Clothes After Washing. 2022. https://tide.com/en-us/how-to-wash-clothes/stain-removal/Residue-On-Clothes
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
Soon, Laura found friends and family constantly asking her laundry advice, realizing she had become an unofficial laundry guru. The questions kept coming in, so Laura decided to start sharing laundry tips online to help more people. The enthusiastic response led her start the blog “Laundry How”.
Now in her late thirties, Laura uses Laundry How to tackle all kinds of laundry topics – stains, fabric care, detergents, and more. She provides advice from both her studies and experience testing techniques out firsthand. Laura continues to grow an engaged community of laundry learners, feeling fulfilled empowering people to make laundry an easy, confidence-building ritual rather than a dreaded chore.