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The Problem Solver
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE
GREASY OR OILY These are sometimes called “invisible stains” because you may not notice them before
STAINS ON washing clothes. However, if oily soils are not completely removed in the wash cycle,
LAUNDERED the oily spots may pick up dirt from the wash water. The spots will then be very visible.
GARMENTS They are not caused by the washer. Wash synthetic garments as soon as possible after
wearing. Use more detergent than normal and the hottest water the fabric can stand.
If spots appear, rub in undiluted liquid detergent, let stand 30 minutes and rewash using
hottest water fabric can stand.
YELLOWED • Incomplete removal of body soil due to constant use of insufficient detergent. Check
CLOTHES hem of T-shirt or pillow case. If they are white and center is yellow, it contains body
oil. Restore whiteness following procedures on “Grayed Clothes” in this section.
• Chlorine bleach may yellow some fabrics with resin finishes. Use oxygen bleach
(such as Clorox 2
™
brand). Refer to garment manufacturers’ care instructions. Restore
color using color remover (such as Rit
™
or Tintex
™
brands); follow package directions.
• Iron or manganese in water may cause overall yellowing or yellow spots.
1. Use extra detergent plus a nonprecipitating water softener dissolved in water
before adding clothes. Use nonchlorine bleach.
2. Have a special filter or chemical feeder installed in your home to remove iron and
manganese from water.
3. Run hot water for a few minutes to clean iron residue buildup in lines; drain water
heater occasionally.
4. To remove spots: spread stained portion over pan of boiling water and squeeze
lemon juice through stain. To remove overall yellow, use a commercially available
rust scale remover, following package instructions.
BLUE OR GRAY • Improper use of fabric softener. Never pour fabric softener directly on clothes;
COLOR STAINS always dilute before adding to rinse water. To remove stains: dampen stained area and
rub with undiluted liquid detergent. Rewash, using chlorine bleach if safe for fabric.
GRAYED • Water is not hot enough for type of load. Make sure water heater is set to deliver hot
CLOTHES water at the washer 140°–150°F (60°–66°C). Do not wash when other hot water
needs—such as dishwashing or family baths—are heavy.
• Poor or inferior detergent (or use of soap in hard water). Change to phosphate
detergent if possible.
Follow these steps:
• Use water conditioner (such as Calgon
™
brand).
• Use hottest water possible.
• Pretreat stains.
• Use presoak aids.
• Install water softener.
• Washer overloaded. Clothes cannot move freely to loosen and remove soil, causing
gray appearance. Follow correct loading procedures for size of loads.
• Improper soaking, with insufficient detergent. Usually a 30-minute soak is sufficient.
However, when using extended soaks for heavily soiled garments, you may need to
use twice the recommended amount of detergent.
• Washing too long may result in increased soil redeposition. Use shorter wash time
for smaller loads.
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