Rust coloured marks on laundry from washing machines

You may notice that some items of your washing have some rusty or brown coloured marks. You may be pleased to know that the vast majority of these marks can be removed, and it is very unlikely this is a fault with your washing machine.

The only way this can be caused by your washing machine is if the bearings are failing. You should be aware that something is wrong with your machine as the bearings will start to make a loud noise. If you do hear this noise, stop using your machine and call in an engineer. You probably won’t have this problem unless your machine is getting quite old.

Causes of the marks

Rust will only come from metal and if you see these marks you should check in the filter of your machine for stray coins, paper clips and, the number one culprit, wires from bras.

However, some of these smaller items may have got into the heating element of the machine, in which case you may need to call in an engineer. Unfortunately, even if your machine is under warranty, this will be down to user error and you will have to pay for the engineer’s time.

It is a fairly easy task to remove these items from the filter but don’t forget to check in the pipe behind the filter as some coins have a nasty habit of getting stuck, and by removing it you will save future problems building up with your machine. Always check in your manufacturer’s handbook if you have not removed the filter before. If you no longer have this book, with your make and model number you can check on line for instructions how to do this.

Always clean the filter thoroughly before replacing and check for damage. If the filter has been damaged, it is a good idea to replace it. Most general DIY stores stock a good selection of this kind of item, or you can purchase from any good online store. These items are not expensive, but try to avoid the cheapest product on line, as these can often be of poor quality. Always try to keep to a well-known company,

Prevention

When you are sorting your washing into loads, regularly check the wash labels as you go, it is a good idea to check pockets for any extraeneous metal items. Also check that bras are in good order and that the wires are not starting to protrude from the material.

Removing the marks

For lightly marked items, sprinkle with salt and then add lemon juice over the salt and leave overnight. This should lift the stain and when you rewash the affected items, the stains should disappear.

For heavier stains, you should be able to buy a rust stain remover, and follow the instructions carefully.

Disclaimer: The information provided has been prepared as a guide only and the steps taken are likely to vary for different appliance models. We strongly recommend using a qualified engineer to undertake major repairs and fault finding.