14
SOLUTIONS TO COMMON PROBLEMS
Common Drying Problems
Many drying problems involve poor cleaning results, poor soil and stain removal, residues of lint and scum, and fabric
damage. For satisfactory drying results, follow these suggestions provided by The Soap and Detergent Association.
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSES
SOLUTIONS
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Greasy, oily
stains
• Fabric softener sheet.
• Rub fabric softener stains with
bar soap. Rinse and rewash.
• Add a few bath towels to small loads
for proper tumbling.
• Some “silk-like” fabrics should be air
dried.
• Use proper drying temperature.
• Place fabric softener sheet on top of
load before starting the dryer.
Lint
• Overloading.
• Overdrying causes static
electricity.
• Lint screen not clean when
cycle began.
• Lint is attached to “pills.”
• Reduce load size and rewash
using liquid fabric softener in the
fi nal rinse.
• Or, add a fabric softener sheet
and tumble without heat.
• Use lint brush or roller to remove
lint.
• Do not overload dryer.
• Use fabric softener in washer or dryer
to reduce static electricity.
• Remove items when they are slightly
damp to avoid overdrying.
• Check that lint fi lter is clean and in
place.
Pilling
(Fibers break
off, ball up and
cling to fabric.)
• Overdrying.
• Use a lint brush or shaver to
remove pills.
• Use fabric softener to lubricate fi bers.
• When ironing, use spray starch or
fabric fi nish on collars and cuffs.
• Turn items inside out to reduce abra-
sion.
Shrinking
• Temperature too high.
• Overdrying.
• Irreversible condition.
• Follow fabric care label directions.
• If shrinking is a concern, check load
often.
• Remove items while slightly damp and
hang or lay fl at to complete drying.
• Block knits into shape.
Wrinkling
• Overloading.
• Leaving items in dryer after
cycle ends.
• Reduce load size and tumble at
medium or low heat for 5-10
minutes.
• Remove items immediately. Hang
or fold.
• Do not overload dryer.
• Remove items as soon as cycle ends.
