How to Clean a Washer That Is Leaving Brown Marks on White Laundry
If your white clothes are coming out of the washer with brown spots, rust is the likely culprit. Your washing machine tub can rust if you have high iron content in your water. The rust in the tub may then transfer to your laundry. Clean rust from your washing machine tub at first sight to protect your clothes and help prevent the rust from spreading. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Empty out the washer so there is no laundry inside.
-
2
Set the machine to the hottest water setting available. Add 2 cups of lemon juice to the washer. If you have a front loader, fill the detergent dispenser to the maximum fill line with lemon juice.
-
-
3
Turn the washer on, and let it run a complete wash cycle.
-
4
Moisten a rag with lemon juice, and sprinkle table salt on the rag, as well. Then, scrub away any remaining visible rust spots. Run the washer through another wash cycle using just hot water to rinse away any residue.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
To get the rust off of clothing, wash the affected items in the clean washer with a rust remover. These products contain acids that help to get rid of the rust. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the products. Wash clothes again with a heavy-duty detergent after using the rust remover.
If the rust is severe and cannot be removed with lemon juice, call the washing machine manufacturer. The washing machine tub may need to be replaced.
Add a packaged water softening product to each wash load along with your regular detergent if you have high iron content in your water, which may be causing rust. You can find water softening products down the laundry aisle at most stores.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
