Washer - Yellowed Clothes

Yellowed clothing can be caused by a number of issues. The washer itself typically does not cause yellowing of clothing. The problem solving tips below should be able to remedy a concern with yellowing of clothes.

Diagnosing the Yellowing of Clothes in a Washer

Incomplete removal of body oil due to constant use of insufficient detergent.

• Check the hem of a T-shirt or sheet or pillow case. If they are white and the center is yellow, it contains body oil.

• To Prevent:

  • Pre-treat heavily soiled areas.

  • Wash in hot water.

  • Use sufficient detergent and suitable bleach.

  • Use a longer wash cycle.

• Restore whiteness using following procedure:

  • Put clothes in the washer.

  • Fill with hot water. Check the manufacturer's hang tags to determine if hot water is suitable for the garment.

  • Add a non-precipitating type of water softener such as Calgon with phosphates. Use 2 1/2 times as much as you need for normal water softening.

  • Do not add soap or detergent.

  • Allow the clothes to go through a complete cycle.

  • Repeat, if necessary.

  • If you prefer to use the Soak Cycle on your washer, use the water softener in place of the soak agent or prewash detergent and allow clothes to soak for about 20 minutes.

Use of chlorine bleaches may cause some garments with resin finishes to yellow.

• To Prevent:
  • Avoid the use of chlorine bleaches with sensitive garments.
  • Instead, use oxygen bleach. Be sure to refer to the garment manufacturer's care instructions.
• To Correct:
  • Restore using a color remove. Follow the instruction on the package.

Iron or manganese may cause overall yellowing or spots.

• To Prevent:

  • Use extra detergent plus a softener dissolved in the water before adding your clothes. Do not use chlorine bleach.

  • Have a special filter or chemical feeder installed in your home to remove iron and manganese from water.

  • If iron residue has built up in pipes or the water heater, run hot water for a few minutes to clear the line. Drain the water heater occasionally.

• To Correct:

  • For spots: Spread stained portion over a pan of boiling water and squeeze lemon juice through the stain.

  • For overall yellow: Use a commercially available rust scale remover. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label. If the remover can cause porcelain damage, do not use it in the washer. Use in a plastic container instead.

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