Why Clothes Get White Stains in Washing Machines and How to Avoid Them

Washing machines have made laundry much easier, but many people notice white, powdery stains on their clothes after washing, particularly on dark fabrics. YouTuber and home expert Prachi explains that the main reason for these stains is adding detergent at the wrong time during the wash cycle.

Why White Stains Appear

Often, people sprinkle detergent powder directly over dry clothes and start the machine. When the detergent does not dissolve completely in water, its tiny particles can get trapped in the fibers. Once the clothes dry, these particles appear as white spots. Other contributing factors include using cold water and overloading the machine beyond its capacity.

Prachi’s Tips to Avoid White Stains

1. Fill the Drum with Water First:
   Never add detergent directly onto dry clothes. Start the machine and allow it to fill with sufficient water. Once the water reaches the correct level, proceed to the next step. This prevents detergent from coming into direct contact with clothes, reducing stain formation.
2. Dissolve Detergent Properly:
   Add the required amount of detergent to the water before adding clothes. Run the machine for one or two minutes without clothes to ensure the detergent fully dissolves and forms a soapy solution. This allows the detergent to reach every part of the fabric evenly, preventing residue buildup.
3. Add Clothes at the Right Time:
   Once the detergent is fully mixed, add clothes one by one. This ensures better cleaning and prevents any leftover detergent particles from sticking to the fabric. Following this small step helps maintain the brightness of expensive and dark-colored clothes.
4. Avoid Overloading the Machine:
   Overfilling the washing machine prevents clothes from moving freely, causing detergent particles to get trapped between layers of fabric. Always load the machine according to its capacity to ensure even washing and proper detergent distribution.
5. Consider Liquid Detergent:
   In areas with hard water, powder detergent may not dissolve easily. In such cases, using liquid detergent is a good option as it dissolves instantly and almost eliminates white stains. Additionally, running a “tub clean” cycle once a month helps remove old detergent buildup.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your clothes spotless and maintain the vibrancy of your fabrics while avoiding the frustration of white stains.