Common Washing ProbBems
Many washing problems involve poor soil and stain removal, residues of lint and scum, and fabric damage
washing results, follow these suggestions provided by The Soap and Detergent Association For satisfactory
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES SOLUTIONS PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Blue stains ° Undiluted liquid detergent orfabric • If caused by detergent, mix t cup (240 ml) ,Avoid overfilling detergem, and fabric softener
softener dispensed directIyonto white vinegar with I quart (95 L)water in acompartments of dispenser
fabric, plastic container, Soak item t hour Rinse
• If caused by fabric softener, rub stains with
bar soap Wash
Discoloration,
graying • Not enough detergent
• Wash 'water temperature too low
• incorrect sorting
• Rewash with correct amount of detergent
and hottest water safe for fabric.. Add
bleach safe for fabric
• Sort items by soil level and color
,Use correct amount of detergent, hottest
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 fabrlr. SeeWashing Procedures for
directions on adding softener,
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 toad and adding chlorine
bleach
Unt oIncorrect sorting
•Tissues left in pocket
• Overloading the ,washer
• Not enough detergent.
-Undissolved detergent has left a
residue resembling tint
• Static cling is attracting lint
, Load washed too long.
=Reduce load size Rewash using correct
,/cater temperature, water level, and
amount of detergent
• Add nonpredpitating water conditioner to
wash water to remove detergent residue
• Add liquid fabric softener to finai rinse
• Dry load in dryer
• Remove lint with lint brush or roller
,See Washing Procedures for sorting and
preparing the wash load
• Do not over!oad washer
, Use correct temperature and amount of
detergent, water and wash time
Pilling
(Fibers break off, ball
up and cling to
fabric )
• Pilling is normaI 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
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
• Overloading the washer
• Rewash load • Increase water temperature using hottest
water safe for fabric
• Do not overload washer
• Useliquid detergent or use nonprecipitating
water conditioner with nonphosphate
granular detergent,
Wrinkling • Overloading the washer
-Incorrect wash cycle for wash load .Reduce load size
• Rinsein 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
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°F149°C) using full
permanent press cycle Increase detergent
Add bleach safe for fabric
• Or, treat with color remover
*Select correct wash cycle
• Usecorrect amount of detergent
-Wash synthetics frequently using hot or warm
water
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
• Foran ongoing probtem, install an iron filter in
your water suppIy system