We've lived here about 3 mths or so. I noticed about 5-6 loads of laundry in that I was getting a brown mark on some, not all, of my clothes, straight out of the washer. It looks like a brown, thin-tipped marker spot, never more than an inch long. I put Shout on the stained pieces as soon as I saw them, and sometimes after they were dry, and almost all of them came out. I assumed it was something in the washer somehow and that it would go away within a few loads. We do about 4 loads/week around here and it's still there!! I had some brand new 400TC sheets for guests that I noticed the stains on as I was making their bed. So ticked! Sometimes they don't come out in the second washing, sometimes they do.

What can this be? How can I get rid of it? I find it on maybe 2-3 items after about every 2-3 loads. Some I miss and find later. It's frustrating. Any ideas? TIA

By Breann on Friday, November 14, 2008 - 09:02 pm:

This was happening to some of our things, but it was caused in the dryer, not the washer. All we could figure out was that somehow the piece of clothing would get hooked on the drum part that spins around and it would kind of "burn" a mark onto the clothes as the same spot went over and over the heating element on the back of the dryer. The color resembled the same color that would be present if you were to burn a spot with an iron. But it was just a thin, straight line.
Anyway, when we got our new washer and dryer, the problem stopped. So indeed it was being caused by *something* in the dryer.

By Reds9298 on Friday, November 14, 2008 - 10:34 pm:

Hhhmmmmm...ours is definitely in the washer, and it will often come out on a second washing WITH Shout on it. I assume since you're saying it was a burn mark, that it wouldn't come out?

The washer and dryer here are about 5 years old, so not really old.

I'm curious to hear others responses. Thanks Breann.

By Emily7 on Friday, November 14, 2008 - 11:06 pm:

Could it be a little bit of rust? Although I would think maybe that would get on all of the clothing.

By Insaneusmcwife on Friday, November 14, 2008 - 11:56 pm:

Walmart and some of the grocery stores sell a product called Washing Machine Magic. They also sell it for the Dishwasher. I use them both and they are awesome. It will clean your machine out really good and will hopefully fix your issue.

By Reds9298 on Saturday, November 15, 2008 - 09:52 am:

Emily, not rust. Our previous home had a major rust issue, regardless of how much $ we spent trying to get rid of it, so I know it's not that. LOL

I didn't know about the product you mention Kristie. Is that in the regular detergent section? I would like to try it. Thanks!

By Tarable on Saturday, November 15, 2008 - 10:56 am:

Amazing, I was about to post this very question. I have been having this issue too and my washing machine is only about 2 years old. I will also look for the Washing Machine Magic that was mentioned above when I go to the store today.

By Annie2 on Saturday, November 15, 2008 - 12:30 pm:

We have the same issue here. I think it happens when a coin is in the washer with the clothes. Like a penny or quarter.
My washer isn't rusty, only two years old. I've been putting two and two together and am pretty sure the coin makes the mark.
The stains do come out with shout or something similar but it is a pain to rewash things.

By Insaneusmcwife on Saturday, November 15, 2008 - 12:37 pm:

I got it in the section where all the additives are like the oxy clean and borax would be.

By Insaneusmcwife on Saturday, November 15, 2008 - 12:42 pm:

Sorry the name of the product is Washer Magic If you click on the link you can read up about it and it has a where to purchase section. I hope this helps!