Why do I get black marks on my clothes from the washer or dryer?

Author: Bartholome Rosenbaum  |  Last update: Saturday, May 3, 2025

Key Takeaways. Washing machines can leave stains on clothes due to issues like a dirty drum, old or moldy gaskets, damaged drive belts, worn-out ball bearings, chipped enamel rusting or improper distribution of fabric softener.

Why is my washer or dryer leaving black marks on clothes?

Mold or Mildew: If your washing machine is damp or has a build-up of detergent, it can develop mold or mildew, which may transfer to clothes during a wash. Detergent Residue: Using too much detergent or not rinsing clothes properly can leave a residue that appears as dark spots.

How to get rid of black marks from a washing machine?

What is the black residue inside my washer?
  • Mix 1 gallon vinegar with baking soda
  • Fill it up with hot water mixture
  • Let it sit for 2 hours
  • Run Rinse and Spin
  • Wipe it down with wipe / paper towel to remove the black stuff I did the above 5 times Then I use Affresh 3 times Still the black stuff doesn't go.

How do I stop the washing machine from leaving marks on clothes?

Run the hottest available cycle without any clothes using a descaler/cleaner. Constant washing at low temperatures (40°C or less) and increasing use of detergents (enzyme-based) can block hoses, cause odours in the washing machine and can leave deposits on your laundry.

Why am I getting marks on my clothes after washing?

If you wash your clothes with detergent and notice weird stains that were never there before, you might be dealing with detergent stains or perhaps even oil, limescale, and rust stains. After a wash, this is usually the last thing you expect, but it's more common than you might think.

Why Your Clothes Dryer is Leaving Black / Gray Marks on Your Clean Clothes

Why is my washing machine leaving black bits on clothes?

So the washing machine drum (especially in front loaders) gets grimy. It collects greasy residue from past loads and sometimes gets a buildup of fabric softeners and grime mixed together causing these marks on your clothes.

Why do wet clothes get black spots?

If there is any kind of moisture present you will likely get mold. That's why when you put that clean, but slightly damp, dishcloth away on Saturday, by Wednesday it had those random black mold spots. Always make sure your clean laundry is completely dry and never damp when you store it.

Why do my clothes have water marks after washing?

Water stains on fabric are commonly caused by calcium and magnesium present in the water. Pure water alone does not typically stain fabric, but the minerals in many water sources can leave stains behind.

How to get rid of black stains on clothes?

Treat the stain with a prewash stain remover spray or gel or a bit of heavy-duty liquid detergent. (Tide or Persil are rated as the best brands that contain enough enzymes to break apart stains.) Work the stain remover or detergent into the stained area by rubbing with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush.

Why does my washer leave residue on my clothes?

It can look like white flakes, streaks, and even colorful oils that make your clothes feel gross. This residue is a sign that something isn't right with your washing cycle. The detergent or fabric softener isn't getting thoroughly washed from your clothes before the cycle ends.

How do I stop my washing machine from getting black mould?

Regular maintenance: To prevent mold from recurring, make sure to clean your washing machine regularly. Wipe down the door and gasket after each use and leave the door open to allow air circulation.

How to deep clean a washing machine?

How to Deep Clean and Sanitize Your Washing Machine
  1. Remove the bleach/fabric softener dispensers. ...
  2. Add a cup of bleach to the washing machine. ...
  3. Run an entire rinse cycle. ...
  4. Clean the rubber seal. ...
  5. Wipe down the exterior. ...
  6. Unplug the dryer. ...
  7. Clean out the lint drawer. ...
  8. Vacuum.

How to remove black marks from a washing machine?

How to Clean Black Mould off Washing Machine Seal
  1. 1 Ensure the machine is empty and dry.
  2. 2 Put on protective gloves.
  3. 3 Spray a small amount of bleach-based mould cleaner onto a microfibre cloth. ...
  4. 4 Make sure you get into the folds of the rubber seal with the microfibre cloth to wipe the black mould away.

Why are my clothes still dirty after washing?

A full or partial blockage in the filter or pump will affect your washing machines ability to drain water from the drum. This will lead to poor rinsing results and poorly washed clothes as a result. Before you start a programme, clean the filter and remove any foreign objects which could be blocking the impeller.

How often should I clean my washing machine?

It's generally recommended to clean your washing machine once a month, especially if you want to prevent musty odours from forming inside the drum and keep your clothes smelling great.

Why do my clothes get dark spots after washing?

Washing machines can leave stains on clothes due to issues like a dirty drum, old or moldy gaskets, damaged drive belts, worn-out ball bearings, chipped enamel rusting or improper distribution of fabric softener.

Why does my top loader washing machine leave marks on my clothes?

One of the most common reasons a washing machine will leave stains on clothing is because its drum is dirty, often from items that were poorly washed before or thanks to build-up over time. You can tell if your drum is dirty by running a washcloth over it to check for any residue it could have picked up.

Why does my dryer leave spots on my clothes?

Dirty Drum or Lint Trap

Use a flashlight to examine your dryer's drum and check for dirt and debris. Remove the lint trap, clean it thoroughly, and use a vacuum or dedicated tool to clean the slot behind it. Lint buildup can not only cause dirty streaks on your clothes, but it can also be a fire hazard.

Why are there black streaks on my clothes after drying?

Check the Drum Seals: The felt-like seals around the front and back of the dryer drum can wear out and leave dark streaks or black marks on clothes.

How to remove black damp spots from clothes?

White Distilled Vinegar – An excellent mould-killer, diluted vinegar can be worked directly into the stain – or you can pre-soak the clothing in a bucket of water mixed with one cup of vinegar. You can also add 1-2 cups of vinegar to your washing machine per cycle to kill any mildew odours and brighten your whites.

What is the best laundry detergent for mold?

CitriSafe is especially helpful for washing clothes worn during a mold clean-up job, but can be used for all your laundry needs. Remedy mold laundry detergent is eco-friendly and works equally well in cold, warm or hot water loads.

How to remove washing machine stains from clothes?

If you don't have pretreatments or stain removers at the ready to remove detergent stains, there are other household items you can use:
  1. Bar soap or dish detergent: Treat the stain with cold water. ...
  2. Rubbing alcohol: Spot test first. ...
  3. Baking soda: Add ½ cup of baking soda with no additional detergent to a wash cycle.

What is scrud?

“Scrud is the name given to the build up of detergent or fabric softener,” says Colin. “It can give your clothes a waxy texture or leave brown, greasy marks on your clothes.

Why is my washing machine leaving particles on my clothes?

Sometimes, your washer leaves residue on clothes because the dispensers aren't doing their job correctly. Quick fix: Check on those dispensers and make sure they're not blocked and are releasing the detergent or fabric softener at the right point in the wash cycle.

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