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Common Washing Problems
PROBLEM
CHECK IF WHAT TO DO
Dye transfer
Load is properly sorted Separate colorfast from non-colorfast items. Prevent light-colored items
from contacting non-colorfast items.
Load has been left in washer for Unload washer immediately.
extended time
Gray whites,
Load is properly sorted Separate white, colored and non-colorfast items.
dingy colors
Enough detergent is used
Increase amount of detergent.
Water is hot enough
Hot water should be at least 130°F (54°C).
Water is too hard for soap or Use liquid detergent in increased amounts for water hardness and
detergent used amount of soil. Use a water conditioner in the wash and rinse.
Install a mechanical water softener.
Greasy
spots
Undiluted fabric softener touches
fabric
Fabric softener added to wash
water
Enough detergent is used
Soil deposits are present on
basket interior or agitator
Dilute fabric softeners with l/2 to 1 cup (125 to 250 mL) warm water.
Add fabric softener only in rinse part of the cycle.
Use enough detergent to hold soil so it drains away with wash water.
Treat spots with heavy-duty liquid detergent.
Wash in warm or hot water with extra detergent.
Wash more than once; DO NOT dry between washings.
Wipe with a damp cloth or remove deposits by running a complete cycle
using hot water, 2 cups (500 mL) of detergent and 1 cup (250 mL) of
chlorine bleach.
Lint
Load is properly sorted
Load is too big for capacity or
water level
Paper or tissue is in pocket
Enough detergent is used
Pilling is being mistaken for lint
Separate lint givers (towels) from lint takers (synthetics, permanent
press, corduroys). Separate synthetic items from cotton items.
Drop items in loosely; DO NOT pack clothes tightly into basket.
Check pockets before washing.
Use more detergent.
Laundering raises a surface fuzz called pilling. Synthetics are more likely
to pill than other fabrics.
Load too wet
Rinse is cold
Cold rinses leave loads colder/wetter, but save money, energy and
after spin
cause fewer wrinkles.
Lid has been opened before
Close lid firmly. Complete cycle before opening lid.
spinning has completed
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