The Problem Solver(continued)
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE AND REMEDY
YELLOWED
● Chlorine bleach may yellow some fabrics with resin finishes. Use oxygen bleach (such
CL~HES
as Clorox 2 brand). Refer to Garment Manufacturers’ Care Instructions. Restore color
(continued)
using color remover (such as Rit or Tlntex brands), follow package directions.
● Iron or manganese in water may cause overall yellowing or yellow spots.
1. Use extra detergent plus a non-precipitating water softener dissolved in water
before adding clothes. Use non-chlorine 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. Toremove spots: spread stained portion overpan of boiling water and squeeze
lemon juice through stain. To remove overall yellow, use a commercially available
rustscale remover,following packageinstructions.If porcelain damage can occur,
do not use in the washer; use a plastic container.
BLUE OR GRAY
● Improper use of fabric softener. Never pour fabric softener directly on clothes;
COLOR STAINS
alwaysdilute before adding to rinse water. Dilute softener before filling your Fabric
Softener Dispenser. (See page 9.) Also, do not lift lid during spin. This may cause
improper dispensing, resulting in stains. Toremove stains: dampenstainedareaandrub
with undilutedliquid detergent.Re-wash,usingchlorinebleachif safe forfabric.
SHRINKAGE,
● Some fabricswill shrinkwhetherwashedin a washerorby hand;othersmaybe safely
GENERAL
washedbutwill shrinkin a dryer.Follow GarmentManufacturers’CareInstructions
exactly.If in doubt, do not machinewashor dry.
SHRINKAGE,
● Relaxation shrinkage can occurin knitfabricsthathavebeen improperlystretched
KNITS
andelongatedbythe manufacturer.Whenthis occurs,garmentmaybe pressedback into
shapeaftereach washanddrycycle.
● Progressiveor delayed shrinkage is causedwhen starchor sizing (in some fabrics)is
graduallyremovedby laundering.Maybe noticedin oldergarmentsthathavebeen
washedmanytimeswithoutprevious shrinkage.Treat as for RelaxationShrinkageabove.
● Shrinkage caused by overheating occursin certainknitfabricsthathavebeen heat-
shaped.When washing, dryingor ironingtemperaturesexceedthe temperaturesused
to shapeset, shrinkagemayoccur. This cannotbe corrected,but it can be preventedby
washingin cool or warmwater;drying on Low orDelicate heat.
