Repair help
Why Is My Washing Machine Leaving Stains on Clothes?
AAZparts Team
Updated on July 9, 2025
10 min read
The washing machine is a great time-saver when it comes to laundry, but sometimes you may notice unpleasant stains, gray marks, or oily spots on your clothes after a wash. This could be a sign that something is wrong with the machine or that it's not being used properly. In this article, let’s explore with AZParts the common reasons why washing machine is leaving stains on clothes and how to fix them effectively to keep your laundry fresh and clean every time.
1. Common Causes of Washer Stains (and How to Fix Them)
1.1 Dirty Washer Drum
Over time, dirt, detergent residue, and bacteria can accumulate inside the washer drum, especially in small crevices or behind the drum. This buildup can cause unpleasant odors and visible stains on your laundry. To solve this issue, you should clean the drum regularly. Use the self-cleaning mode if your washer supports it, or apply a dedicated washing machine cleaner to remove buildup and bacteria.
After a period of use, dirt and detergent residue can build up inside the drum, making it dirty (Source: AZParts)
1.2 Too Much Detergent or Fabric Softener
Adding more detergent doesn’t necessarily lead to cleaner clothes. Instead, it may leave excess residue on the fabric or inside the washer components. Over time, this residue can accumulate and leave marks or spots on your clothing. To prevent this, always follow the recommended dosage instructions on the detergent or softener packaging and adjust the amount based on the size of the laundry load.
1.3 Moldy Gasket (Front-Load Washers)
Front-loading machines have a rubber gasket around the door to prevent water from leaking. However, this area often retains moisture and residue, making it a breeding ground for mold and mildew. As a result, your clothes may come out with black marks or a musty odor. After every wash, wipe the rubber gasket dry and leave the door slightly open to allow airflow. It’s also a good idea to clean the washer gasket with a disinfectant solution on a regular basis.
1.4 Chipped or Rusting Enamel
If the inner surface of the drum becomes scratched or the enamel coating chips off, rust may start to form. Rust stains are typically orange or brown and can transfer to your clothing. This issue is especially common in older washing machines. Check the drum regularly. Small scratches may be treated with anti-rust coating, but if the damage is severe, consider replacing the affected part or the drum itself.
1.5 Damaged Drive Belt
The drive belt is what powers the drum’s rotation. If it becomes worn, cracked, or damaged, it can release rubber particles or grease into the drum, which can end up on your clothes. Signs of belt issues include weak spinning power or strange noises during the wash cycle. If these appear, inspect and replace the washer drive belt to maintain stable performance.
>> Learn more : How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Washing Machine Belt?
1.6 Worn-Out Ball Bearings
When a washing machine’s bearings become worn or rusted, they may leak lubricant into the drum. This can cause black or brown greasy stains on your clothes. This issue typically occurs in older machines. If you hear loud noises while the washer is running or see signs of oil on your laundry, it’s time to call a technician to check and replace the bearings.
Rusty or worn bearings can also cause lubricant to leak out, which may stain your clothes during the wash cycle (Source: AZParts)
1.7 Faulty Fabric Softener Dispenser
If the fabric softener drawer is clogged or not functioning properly, it may not release the softener evenly, causing it to pool and leave spots, especially when using colored or concentrated softeners. You should clean the dispenser regularly and make sure it's not blocked or malfunctioning.
1.8 Check the Dryer
If you use a dryer after washing, don’t overlook it as a potential cause of stains. Lint buildup or fabric residue inside the dryer drum can transfer back onto your clothes. A clogged lint filter is especially problematic, as it may cause dust and debris to stick to freshly dried clothing. To avoid this, always clean filter in washing machine after each use and wipe down the dryer drum regularly to keep it free from buildup.
2. How to Fix a Washing Machine Leaving Stains on Clothes
If you frequently notice stains on your clothes after washing, don’t worry. This is a common issue that can usually be resolved with a few simple steps. Below are effective ways to troubleshoot and fix the problem with washing machine, helping your washing machine perform more efficiently.
Clean your washing machine regularly: Over time, leftover detergent, lint, and mold can accumulate and transfer back onto clothing. To solve this, run the machine’s self-cleaning cycle if available or use a specialized washing machine cleaner to thoroughly clean the drum and related parts. If you’re using a front-loading washer, it’s also important to wipe down and disinfect the rubber door gasket frequently to prevent mold buildup.
Clean your washing machine regularly to prevent it from leaving stains on your clothes (Source: AZParts)
Adjust the amount of detergent and fabric softener: Using too much detergent or softener won’t make your clothes cleaner. Instead, it often leaves residue inside the machine and on fabrics, which can build up and create stains over time. Always use the recommended amount of detergent based on the size of your laundry load, especially if you’re washing a small amount of clothes or using a compact machine.
Clean and check the fabric softener dispenser: The fabric softener drawer can become clogged if not cleaned regularly. When blocked, the softener may not dispense evenly and can leave oily or discolored spots on clothing. To prevent this, remove and wash the dispenser with warm water once a week. Also check that the softener channel is functioning properly during the wash cycle.
Inspect and maintain internal parts of the machine: If you see black smudges, oil stains, or rubber residue on your clothes, it could mean that internal components such as the drive belt, drum bearings, or the drum itself are worn out, cracked, or leaking. These mechanical issues can cause uneven spinning or lubricant leakage, which stains laundry during washing. It’s best to have a qualified technician inspect these parts and make necessary repairs.
If replacements are needed, AZParts offers a wide selection of high-quality washing machine parts, including compatible drive belts, washer door striker, and filters for many popular brands. Choosing the right parts helps your machine operate smoothly and extends its lifespan while preventing future staining problems.
>> Learn more : How to Replace a Drive Belt on A Washing Machine at Home Easily
Clean your dryer if used after washing: If you use a dryer after washing, it may also be the source of stains. Lint, dust, and fabric residue can build up inside the dryer drum, while a clogged lint filter can cause dirt to stick to clothes. Clean the lint filter after every drying cycle and wipe down the drum regularly to ensure that clothes remain clean after drying.
Run a small test load: After cleaning and checking the machine, try washing a few light-colored or white garments to test whether the problem persists. This simple test helps confirm whether the issue has been resolved. If your clothes come out clean, you can continue using the machine with confidence. If stains still appear, further technical inspection may be necessary.
3. How to Prevent Future Washer Stains
To keep your clothes clean after every wash and avoid recurring stain issues, it is important to develop good habits when using and maintaining your washing machine. Taking early preventive steps not only helps protect your clothes but also extends the life of your appliance. Here are some simple yet effective ways to prevent stains from the start:
Sort your laundry before washing: Before placing clothes in the washer, sort them by color, fabric type, and level of dirt. Avoid washing white clothes with dark-colored items or mixing lint-prone fabrics with smooth ones. This helps reduce the risk of color bleeding or lint sticking to other garments and keeps everything looking fresh and neat.
Before putting clothes into the machine, you should sort them by color (Source: AZParts)
Turn clothes inside out and zip up fasteners: Zippers, buttons, or sharp accessories can rub against the drum and damage the protective enamel coating. This may cause rust or fabric scratches. Turning clothes inside out and fastening all zippers and buttons before washing helps protect both your clothing and the drum.
Avoid overloading the washer: Putting too many clothes in a single load can reduce the machine’s cleaning efficiency. Overloading causes excessive friction between garments and prevents detergent and water from distributing evenly. This increases the chance of residue sticking to clothes. For the best results, wash clothes in appropriate loads according to your washer’s capacity.
Pay attention to water quality: If your water supply contains high levels of iron, manganese, or minerals, it may cause brown or black stains on clothes. In areas with hard water, consider installing a water filter before the washer or using a water softening solution to improve washing results.
Leave the washer door open after each cycle: After finishing a wash, keep the washer door open for a while to allow moisture to escape. This prevents mold and odors from developing inside the drum. For front-load washers, this habit also helps maintain the rubber gasket and reduces the chance of stains transferring to your clothes.
Leave the washer door open for a while to let the drum air out and prevent moisture buildup (Source: AZParts)
Schedule regular maintenance: In addition to cleaning the washer at home, follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule or contact a professional technician for periodic servicing. Timely inspection, lubrication, and replacement of worn parts will keep the washer running smoothly and help prevent issues that could stain your clothes.
4. FAQ – Common Questions About Washer Stains
4.1. Why is my washing machine leaving gray marks on my clothes?
Gray marks are often caused by detergent residue, grease from worn-out parts, or accumulated lint inside the drum. If the machine is not cleaned regularly, these residues can stick to clothes, especially light-colored ones.
4.2. Why are there oily spots after washing?
Oily stains may come from leaking lubricants inside the washer, such as oil from worn bearings or a damaged drive belt. As the machine spins, the oil can spread and adhere to clothing during the cycle.
4.3. Why do my clothes have brown or rust stains?
These stains typically result from chipped enamel or rust inside the drum. In a humid environment, exposed metal parts can oxidize, and the rust can transfer to clothes during the wash.
4.4. Why is my fabric softener staining clothes?
Fabric softener can cause stains if you use too much, apply it undiluted, or if the dispenser drawer is clogged. Uneven distribution often results in visible residue, such as greasy patches or discolored streaks on fabric.
4.5. Is it worth repairing or should I replace my washer?
It depends on the machine’s condition and age. Minor issues like a clogged softener drawer or routine cleaning can often be handled easily and cheaply. But if your washer is old and often has problems with parts like the motor, bearings, or a rusted drum, replacing it is likely the smarter long-term option.
The washing machine is a vital household appliance, but improper use or lack of maintenance can lead to issues like stains, odors, or fabric discoloration. These problems often stem from detergent buildup, worn-out parts, or poor laundry habits. To prevent them, clean your washer regularly, use the correct amount of detergent, and inspect internal components if you notice strange noises or reduced performance. When replacement parts are needed, such as drive belts, washer drain hose clip, or softener drawers, AZParts offers reliable, compatible components to help your washer run efficiently and last longer.
Contact Information:
- 8 The Green, Ste A, Dover, Delaware 19901-3618, United States
- support@azparts.com
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