POOR CLEANING WASHER

Poor Cleaning

Pooor cleaning is usually the cumulative effect of any or all of the situations listed below ocurring over an extended period of time.  Clothes often turn gray and "dingy" looking.

Causes:

1. Not using hot enough water. The water heater should be set to deliver a minimu 120 degree F (49 degree C) hot water at the tap.  (Water temperatures up to 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) provide better results, but beware of scalding, especially if children live in the home.  Take into consideration the distance water has to travel from the water heater to the washing machine.  If the capacity of the hot water heater is not large enough to provide adequate hot water, do not run the washer when there are other household demands for hot water such as showers, dishwashers, etc.
2. Incorrect amount of detergent.
3. Cold water washing.  Oily soils are harder to remove in cold water.  All detergents are ineffective in water 65 degrees F or colder.  A cold water wash (65 to 85 degrees F) is only recommended for very lightly soilde or brightly colored garments.  Use a liquid or pre-dissolved granular detergent.
4. Overloading.  Clothes need to circulate freely.  Top loading washers:  Load with dry, unfolded items up to the top row of holes in the washer tub.  Front loading washers:  the tub can be loaded completely full but not packed tightly.  Load the washer with articles of different sizes to allow free circulation in the water. 
5. Using an expensive detergent in hard water.  THese products contain only sodium carbonate and will affect laundering results no matter what brand or model washer is used.  Clothes may not get as clean and colored fabrics may lose or change color.  A lint-like residue may be deposited on clothes from a reaction with hardness minerals.  Use a detergent containing both aluminosilicates and sodium carbonate.  This combination does a better job of softening the water.  Teh ingredients are listed on the label.  Install a water softener to eliminate hardness minerals from the water supply.  Use the hottest water possible for the fabric. 
6. No soaking or pre-treating.  If an item is heavily soiled or stained, soak for 30 minutes or less.  Pre-treating soiled areas prior to washing with hand soap, pretreat products such as Shout or liquid detergent improves results. 

Enzyme based pre-treats are best for removing protein stains such as blood or grass.

If your washing machine is having problems, please call the Appliance EMT for service and repair!