Why is my tumble dryer leaving black marks?

Author: Ms. Colleen Rohan  |  Last update: Monday, September 1, 2025

Black marks on clothing may be the result of the collar or cuff rubbing between the Dryer drum and drum slides. This may occur if the Dryer drum slides are worn or a felt seal is mispositioned or defective.

How to remove black marks from a tumble dryer?

Magic eraser will do it. Run the dryer on high with nothing in it to loosen everything up, then scrub away.

How do I get rid of black streaks in my dryer?

Ink is a common culprit for dryer stains — but don't panic. Use rubbing alcohol to wipe away the stains. Remove any remaining residue with a damp cloth and leave the dryer door open to let the fumes dissipate.

Why is my dryer leaving black marks on my clothes?

Brown or Black marks on clothing after removing it from a clothes dryer, indicates that the felt seal or seals on your dryer drum is bad. Clothing getting caught in the dry drum is another indication that the felt seal is worn out. Sometimes the color brown and burnt looking. If the dryer does not have a main bear.

How to get black marker out of dryer?

Any marker stains in your dryer can be simply removed by purchasing a magic eraser, activating it with some water. You won't have to go to a lot of trouble because all you'll need is an eraser and some water.

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

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

Problem: Is your clothing coming out with black streaks on it? This could indicate a problem with the gasket on your washer, especially if your machine is a front-load washer. Mold often grows when water doesn't dry around a faulty seal and it will leave a stain when clothing touches it.

How to get ink marks out of dryer?

Mix equal parts hot water and white vinegar. Use a damp (but not wet) towel or sponge to wipe the stained surface. Scrub for a few minutes. The ink stains should gradually fade away.

How to get black marks out of clothes from a dryer?

First, scrape off as much as possible – the edge of a fork works great for this. Then, rub the stain with dish soap and let it soak for a few minutes. Machine wash the clothes with your favorite stain-fighting detergent or treatment, then air dry. You might have to repeat this process if the stain is stubborn!

Why is my heat pump dryer leaving black marks on my clothes?

Most of the time, drum glides are located on the front panel, on the bulkhead, or on the dryer drum itself. Similar to the felt seals, if the glides have started to wear down, the drum can start to lift up when it turns and pinch clothing to leave unsightly black marks.

When to replace dryer felt seal?

Look for signs of wear and damage. With your dryer's cabinet opened, before you remove the drum, and with the belt tension removed, you can spin your dryer drum by hand to get a good look at the entire seal. Any badly worn seal will need to be replaced.

What is the black residue on my laundry?

Always leave the washing machine door open after each cycle to let it dry completely, inhibiting mildew formation. Detergent residue results from using too much detergent or one that doesn't dissolve well. This residue creates black spots on clothes.

Why does my dryer leaving burn marks?

The burnt residue is not a fire hazard itself because it is a product of the dryer being in use. The heat, color from your clothes, and normal use all discolor the grille making it look burnt. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent this from happening.

How to remove stains from a dryer drum?

To clean the dryer drum:
  1. Make a paste with powdered laundry detergent and very warm water.
  2. Apply the paste to a soft cloth or apply a liquid, nonflammable household cleaner to the stained area.
  3. Rub with the soft cloth until all excess dye and stains are removed.
  4. Thoroughly wipe the drum with a damp cloth.

Why is the inside of my dryer turning black?

To work well, your dryer does need to get very hot, and it is normal for this heat to discolor the vent inside your dryer. The burn residue isn't a fire hazard, nor does it necessarily signal that your dryer is at-risk of starting a fire.

How do you clean a tumble dryer?

Spray or dip a cloth into a non-abrasive cleaning product or a solution of white vinegar and water. Wipe over the whole of the drum and the inside of the door. Leave the door open to let it dry. Use the same solution to wipe down the front, sides and back of the machine to keep everything looking tip-top.

Why is my dryer leaving dark marks?

Black marks on clothing may be the result of the collar or cuff rubbing between the Dryer drum and drum slides. This may occur if the Dryer drum slides are worn or a felt seal is mispositioned or defective.

How do I get black marks off my tumble dryer?

Method
  1. Heat up your iron. ...
  2. Lay the article of clothing flat on the ironing board.
  3. Wet the burn mark with the 3% hydrogen peroxide.
  4. Let the hydrogen peroxide soak in for about five minutes. ...
  5. Cover the damp, stained area with the clean, white cloth. ...
  6. Rinse the stained area well, then launder immediately with detergent.

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 do I stop my washing machine from leaving black marks on my clothes?

Tips for stop my washing machine from staining my clothes

Swapping powder detergents for liquid detergents: Liquid detergents often dissolve quicker than powder making them less likely to stain. This is especially important if you regularly wash your clothes on colder washes.

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.

How to clean a dryer vent?

A handheld vacuum should do the trick. Sweep up the debris and toss it. If the lint leaves residue behind, you may need to use soapy water with a squirt of dish soap to clean up. When finished, plug the dryer back in and reconnect the duct back into the dryer vent.

Will magic eraser remove ink from dryer?

The Magic Eraser or a related melamine sponge is a terrific multi-purpose tool that can be a true asset in the removal of stains including ink stains in your dryer. Dampen the sponge with warm water, squeeze out the excess fluid, then slowly begin to scrub the stained area gently.

How to clean the inside of a dryer drum?

Once a month, use a spray of 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 water to mist the inside of the drum.

What is the best product to remove ink from a dryer?

Unplug your dryer. That's the very first thing to do. Try the simplest solution first, which is dish soap. Dawn's dish soap is the best at removing ink stains.

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