14
Washing Concerns
To keep clothes looking white or bright and to prevent a gradual build-up of soil or water hardness minerals on them,
use proper washing practices at all times. If you notice that your clothes are not as bright as they should be, take
corrective measures immediately.
Problem
Cause
Solution
Too little or too much
detergent
Add recommended amount of detergent to dispenser. For top
loading washers add a low-sudsing detergent to dispenser drawer
before loading clothes. Mild detergents are not suitable for average
soil.
Improper sorting
Wash whites separately. Separate light from heavily soiled items.
Clothes can pick up soil from dirty wash water.
Gray or dingy
clothes
Water not hot enough
White clothes will stay whiter with hot wash water. Increase
temperature. Always check garment care label for recommended
water temperature.
Unremoved soil
Skin soil is hard to remove. Check hem edge of sheets and
pillowcases, bottom end of t-shirts, etc. If this portion is white and
center is yellow, the fabric contains unremoved soil. Use sufficient
detergent and a hot wash. Chlorine bleach or powdered bleach may
be needed.
Clothes Stained From
Iron In the Water
To remove rust spots use a rust remover such as Whink, that is
recommended for color-fast garments. Test a portion of colored
garments prior to washing. Use a rust remover recommended for
use with washing machines (Iron Out) for an over all yellowing
appearance.
Yellowed Clothes
Older Clothes
Some white fabrics turn yellow with age and cannot be whitened.
Improper use of
Chlorine Bleach
No correction for bleach damaged clothes. Always follow label
directions.
Clothes tearing
or damaged
Insufficient Precare
Fasten all hooks zippers. Mend tears. Remove objects from pockets.
Improper Sorting
Fabrics which shed lint should not be washed with fabrics that
receive lint. Knits and permanent press attract lint. Wash these only
with similar items. Use fabric softener sheets in the dryer.
Excessive Lint
To much detergent
Lint may occur if excessive detergent is used. See Laundry Tips.
Dye transfer
Improper sorting
Wash whites separately from dark items. Check for colorfastness
squeeze a portion of garment in warm or hot sudsy water. If the
color bleeds or runs, wash the item separately in cold water.
Shrinkage/
stretching
(cottons, wool,
knits, and rayon)
Not following care
label directions.
Follow care label directions. Some items may need to be dry-
cleaned or handwashed.
Cold water
temperature
Incorrect amount of
detergent
Incomplete additives
Residue on
clothing
Overloading Washer
White streaks (soap film) can result from any or a combination of the
listed causes. It is not easily brushed off items.
Try warmer water, different detergent amount, a different type of
detergent and/or decreased amount of fabric softener and don’t
overload.
Tangling
General
Unfastened Belts,
Hooks and Buttons
Fasten all belts, hooks and buttons. Use a small hosiery bag to
contain some items that may cause tangling.
Wrapping items
around agitator
Drop items straight into the washer.
Top-loading
washers
Improper fill selection
Check the size of the load and select the appropriate water level.
Front-loading
washers
Washing only one type
of item
Use a mix of clothes: small and large items in each load.
