Why am I getting discolored spots on dark clothing when doing laundry

Delia Caister
by Delia Caister
I only wash whites once a month with bleach. Even after 8-1 loads I occasionally gets discolored spots on dark clothes.

  5 answers
  • Lisa Lisa on Oct 23, 2017

    is your laundry detergent clear or colored? i noticed that colored detergent at times leaves spots. also, are you putting your detergent in first and letting the water fill up a little and then adding your clothes or are pouring your detergent directly on top of your clothing? pouring detergent on top of the clothing could make spots too.

  • 27524803 27524803 on Oct 23, 2017

    You may have a tiny amount of bleach hanging about in the dispenser that under the right conditions...like rinsing out the dispenser (on purpose or by accident) makes it's way onto the dark clothes... you can try:

    On a top loading machine... fill the tub with water (no clothes yet) and when the agitator starts... add the bleach directly to the tub, then add the clothes

    OR

    On both top and front loading machines... add white vinegar to/thru the dispenser while the white clothes are still in the machine (so you are not flushing bleach residue onto the colored clothes) and run a separate rinse cycle.

  • Dkb24178715 Dkb24178715 on Oct 23, 2017

    Fabric softener will also leave a dark greasy looking spot on some fabrics. I do a second rinse after fabric softener with cold water. If that doesn't work, I rinse with warm water.

  • MathMaria MathMaria on Oct 23, 2017

    I have a top loading machine with no agitator. The water fills from the bottom. You put the detergent in first, then the clothes. The bleach goes into a dispenser. You can not soak the clothes and leave them. The machine locks. It drains before it unlocks. You can not fool it. I am afraid of the same problem you have,so I always do sheets after whites. .....or do an empty load. This machine also recommends doing an empty load every so many washes. It cleans and does a good job, BUT is making me paranoid.

  • Cmr7398586 Cmr7398586 on Oct 24, 2017

    Your washing machine needs cleaned. There are commercial products and home remedies. You can also talk to a washing machine repair man. Years of body oils, gunk and particles on clothes collect. If you have a top loader and can remove agitator, you may be able to see it and remove with rags or paper towels. I have heard using tang and run through wash cycles helps. Google problem and see many remedies.