Washing Machine Help

Updated on September 19, 2015
M. asks from Dallas, TX
16 answers

I am so fed up! It seems that all of my dark shirts have spots on them, I am not sure what is going on so I am blaming by washing machine. Has this happened to anyone else? I hate that my shirts keep getting ruined and I really dont want to have to buy a new washer (how long should they last anyway?), does anyone know how to "clean" a washing machine, so maybe this will stop happening?
thank you!

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S.K.

answers from Dallas on

Don't throw out the shirts yet. I had the same problem with some of my sons shirts. One of them had OLD stains from last summer. My mom told me to put Palmolive liquid dish soap (NOT the dishwasher soap)on the stains, let it sit for a few minutes and then wash normally. It worked. It also worked on a dark brown shirt of mine.
Good luck!

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J.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have had my top loading HE low agitator machine for 4 years and have the same problem. We had GE come out and they took the agitator etc out and cleaned it.They said the lint builds up and must use AFFRESH tablets to clean it about once a month. I have found it not to be effective. I have even used it as much at every 2 weeks. I have done so much research and the solutions to try were to use the right amount of detergent, I add vinegar to the dispenser, and lately added baking soda after loading clothes. The vinegar should help to clean the inside.I am fed up too. I want my old 27 year old washer back. As far as what to do with the lint guk on clothes? I've used fels naphta soap bar on the actual marks. It works but is very time consuming. Lately I just wash the items again. Sometimes it takes 2-3 washes! So much for saving water, electricity, and wear and tear on the clothes. I've called GE and they said don't overload, sort between lint and non lint clothes. I've even gone so far as turning all the clothes inside out!
I,m sorry. I've probably discouraged you some more, but at least you know you're not the only one. Let me know it you come up with a solution.

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N.K.

answers from Dallas on

One thing you can try is fill the washer with hot water and after it has filled all the way fill it totally with pictures of water to the top. Next add 1 full bottle of vinegar not a small bottle but the larger one.Let it run through the wash cycle BUT do not let it drain, instead reset it to the wash cycle(be careful to not let it refill) add a box of baking soda and then let it run a complete cycle.This is good for loosening whatever it is causing your problem.Before your next load let it run another full cycle of washing to ensure everything is rinsed out. An added plus is your washer will smell as fresh as it did when it was brad new. N.

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V.B.

answers from Dallas on

I had this problem and thought it was my 20 year old washer and dryer. I finally bought a brand new front loading washer and dryer and realized that it is the material, not the washer or dryer. I just bought a dark olive t-shirt the other day and the first time I washed it, it came out with one of those little spots on it. The spot was not there before I washed it, I check my clothes very carefully before washing. I think it is the material with a little spandex in it. These are the only ones that I have problems with. Anything dark or bright in color made out of this material seems to get these spots.

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C.L.

answers from Dallas on

Are you sure it's not fabric softener or grease stains? If not I would try to fill the washer with HOT water and some Oxy Clean...let it sit and then take a rag and wipe the inside down really well. Hopefully this will help get rid of any previous residue. My washer lasted 15 years. Make sure the agitator is actually working also. When my old one went out it would still fill and drain, but the agitator quit working so the clothes just sat in the water. Good Luck!!!

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L.P.

answers from Dallas on

they are probably grease stains - rub some cornstarch on the area before washing - it pulls the grease out.

Good Luck
LP

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S.H.

answers from Dallas on

I am not sure if this helps but generally if you have spots on your dark clothing it's fabric softener. I am not sure if that is what is causing your problem but it is always mine. Hope this helps.
S.

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H.S.

answers from Dallas on

Hi M. you can put in your washing machine 2 or 3 cups of vinegar and then fill it up with water, then turn it on at regular cycle. This also helps in your dishwasher. I hope you can resolv your problem.

Take care Hanne

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A.

answers from Dallas on

I can hardly wait to see the responses from this request. I am fed up as well. I thought it was something I was doing wrong. Our wash machine is only 18 months old. I also thought it could be my messy son, who knows.

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T.T.

answers from Dallas on

I use some awesome products that get out stains (grease, blood, dirt, food, etc). Melapower, prespot and solumel. They are awesome! They are also all natural; so safer and healthier for you.

T.

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T.H.

answers from Dallas on

I think you can use baking soda or vinegar in a wash cycle without the clothes.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Dallas on

My shirts get the same thing, and I finally figured out they are grease stains. All those little fingers hugging mommy all day, combined with me in and out of the kitchen is a bad combination. A lot of times with dark shirts, I don't notice it until after i see the "spots". I bought an apron, and really look over my shirts before I wash them and spray spots down with Shout. Seems to helps.

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D.A.

answers from Dallas on

I have the same problem. I would wash something brand new and it would come out with darker, streaked stains that I was unable to get out and not able to wear the item either. I think it has something to do with the fabric and maybe picking up colors from other clothes. It gives the material an almost tie-dyed effect.

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L.R.

answers from Dallas on

Do these spots look greasy??? LIke a tube of chapstick was accidently washed too? I have experienced the same thing if that is the case. I'm not sure what it is and I can't seem to get them out. A friend suggested that it was my dryer... not my washer and that the temp setting was to hot for the fabric. It is very aggrivating considering several of the ruined outfits I have only worn once.

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B.C.

answers from Dallas on

Do you pour the detergent directly on top of the clothes or do you put it in first and let it dilute in the water a bit before you put your clothes in. It could be stains from the detergent. I used to have this problem until my husband enlightened me that I was doing it wrong. It doesn't happen anymore. :) Hope this helps!

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G.A.

answers from Dallas on

Ok I have had several washers and dryers. I was getting spots on my clothes as well. WE took the dryer to an appliance man and he painted the inside. The spots did not stop. I then realized after a few more years it was my washer. The lid was rusted on the dorners. I bought a new washer and dryer and after a year just before warranty up my washer lid was rusting. So they came out and put in a new lid. The man told me look at this new lid. It also has very little paint in it. These are whirpool appliances so check that out and maybe see if some appliance paint will help. I however have a rust spot in my microwave and it has been about three yrs old. I painted it and it is washing off and coming off. Good luck, those spots are rust color I had. G. W

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