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 detergent ot fabric • If caused by detergent, mix 1 cup (240 ml) •Avoid overf_lhr _ue_elgent and _aDnc softener
softener dispensed directly onto white vinegar with 1 quart (.95 L)water in a compartments o_dBsDenser
fabdc, 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 bj so_B_eve_anu co_oB
graying *Wash water temperature too low, and hottest water safe for fabric. Add •use correct amount ot detergent no,test
• Incorrect sorting, bleach safe for fabric, water and bleach safe for fabric
Greasy, oily stains *Notenoughdetergent. *Treat with prewash stain removet or liquld •usecorrect amountofdetergen[aNenottest
• Undiluted liquid fabric softener detergent, water safe for faurBc
poured d_rectly on fabric, *Increase detergent and water temperature, • DO not pour liquid fabric softener directly
Rewash on fabric. See Washing Procedures _o_
• Rub fabric softener stains with bat soap. directions on adding ;oftener
Holes, tears, or • Incorrect use of chlorine bleach, • May be irreversible if rips, tears and seams • Never pour cnioHne Dleacn dlrect,j 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 preparing ant
• Overloading the washer, loading u_e WaSh_oaa anu aGu_ng :n_oHne
• Degradation of fabric, bleach.
Lint -Incorrect sorting. •Reduce load size. Rewash using correct -See Washing Procedures _or sorun_ anG
• Tissues left _npocket, water temperature, water level, and prepanng the wash =DeC
• Overloading the washer, amount of detergent, • Do not overload washe_
• Not enough detergent. •Add nonpredpitating water condztioner to • use correct temperature and amount ot
• Undissolved detergent has left a wash water to remove detergent residue, detergen_ water and wash Lime
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
(Fibers break off, ball
up and cling to
fabric.)
• Pilling isnormal 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 EuDnca[e
fibers.
• When ironing, use spra_ staten or fabric finish
on colla[s anG cults,
• Turn items in < de OUt tO tecluc_ aDraslon
Residue or powder
on dark items;
Stiff, harsh fabrics.
Wrinkling
Yellow buildup of
body soil on
synthetic fabrics
• Undissolved detergent.
•Some nonphosphate granular
detergents can combine with hard
water minerals to form a residue,
• Overloading the washer.
• Rewash load, • increase water [err pera[ule using nottest
water safe for fabric
• Do not overload washer
• Use liquid detergent or use nor areclpltatBnc
water COrlGltloner wl[rl rio[ onosbrlaEe
granular uetergen[
• 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,
*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 futt
permanent press cycle, increase detergent,
Add bleach safe for fabric.
• Or, treat with color remover,
• Do not overload washer
• Remove items from washer as soon as c!:le _s
completed,
• Use liquBd taDnc sot[ene_
• Select correct wash cycle,
• Use correct amount of detergen[,
• Wash syn/ne[_cs rrec JeNuy usBnc not 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 nor prec_p_[aung water softener.
• Before washing, tun hot water for a raw
minuEes to cleLtr lines.
• Drain ware[ Beater occasioilal
• For an ongoing 3FODleFE Ins_aI_ an iron [llEer Irl
3ur water SUDDI_/system.
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