Wash an oil-stained garment as soon as you identify the stain to reduce the chance of it setting.
Generally speaking, washing machines built before 1995 are usually the ones that leave oily stains on clothes as opposed to new washing machines. Older washing machines have transmissions that are notorious for leaking oil -- a problem that most washer manufacturers have since corrected. Yet newer machines can sometimes deposit oil on clothes, too. Understanding what can cause a washing machine to produce oil stains can help you to prevent them from getting on clothing.
Transmission
A washing machine's transmission runs with the help of oil, which allows the transmission's components to move and enables the washer to transition between cycles. If you find oil stains on the floor beneath the washer, the stains are likely caused by the transmission. Occasionally, small traces of oil from the transmission can get into the washtub and leave oily stains on clothing as well. Unfortunately, once a washer's transmission starts to leak, the component cannot be repaired; you have to replace it.
Water Too Hot
Verify that the washer's water temperature is below 150 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water temperature is 150 degrees or higher, it can cause the water inlet valve hoses to deteriorate and leave dark-colored oily stains on clothes. Review your hot water heater's user guide for directions on adjust the water temperature if necessary. You might need to temporarily detach the washer's water inlet valve hoses to change the water temperature setting.
Food Stains
Although you might initially think that the washer is leaving oily stains on clothes, the stains might be caused by greasy food that has splattered or fallen on your clothes that you just didn't see when you filled the washer. An oil stain from food is sometimes considered the invisible stain because it's not immediately noticeable on clothes. After you wash food-stained fabrics, dirt from the washer can stick to the stain and make the stain more apparent. However, the washing machine didn't produce the actual stain.
Stain Removal
You can usually get oil and grease out of fabrics by pretreating the stained fabric with laundry detergent. Gently massage undiluted detergent into the stained area. Allow the detergent to soak into the fabric for about 30 minutes before rewashing the affected piece of clothing. Set the washer on the hottest temperature setting that the fabric material can safely handle. Repeat the procedure again if the stain remains after you complete the stain removal process.
Tags: washing, machine, oily, stains, water temperature, oily stains, oily stains clothes, stains clothes, washing machine, washing machines, inlet valve
