SPOTS AND STAINS

FABRIC SOFTENER STAINS (BLUE, PINK, GREEN, YELLOW, OR GRAY STAINS)

Causes:

1. Improper use of liquid fabric softener.  These stains will vary in color depending on the color of the fabric softener.  They may appear gray if they have attracted soil from the load.  Concentrated liquid fabric softener must be diluted with water when used in the fabric softener dispenser.  Don't pour undiluted fabric softener directly onto fabric.  Lifting the lid of top loading washers and interrupting the first spin after the wash cycle will cause fabric softener to be dispensed improperly, which may cause staining.    To remove fabric softener stain - Dampen the stained area and rub with a bar of soap (Ivory or Dove).  Then, re launder the article in the hottest water possible. 

GREASY/OILY STAINS

Cause:

1. Dryer-added fabric softeners sheets.  A greasy or oily looking stain on fabric may be the result of:  Overloading the dryer.  A washer load is a dryer load.  Adding dryer-added sheets after the dryer has been running for a period of time with heat temperature selected.  Lightweight synthetic garments such as nylon or polyester seem to have an affinity for stains from dryer-added softeners.  If stains occur on these items frequently, use a rinse-added softener.  These stains can attract soil and rust in subsequent washings and appear Grey/black.  To remove:  Dampen the stained area and rub with a bar soap (Ivory or Dove).  Then re launder the item in the hottest water possible.