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Product Help | Whirlpool

White Residue on Clothing

Possible Solutions

White Residue on Clothing

There are a few potential causes of what is commonly referred to as "white residue."  White residue can be caused by one or a combination of the following:
  • Interaction of body soils with detergent, most frequently found on work out clothing or activewear
  • Excessive lint
  • Excess detergent
  • Non-high efficiency (HE) detergent
  • Detergent build-up in the washer
  • Home water quality 
  • Too cold water

Interaction of body soils

The interaction of some body soils with detergent may result in the formation of a white residue.  This residue might accumulate within the folds and wrinkles of garments or be widely distributed throughout the fabric load.  Warmer water and washing mixed loads (e.g., pieces of cotton mixed with synthetic garments) may exacerbate this residue.  To help reduce this residue, follow these tips, depending on your washer's cycles:

  • Use cycles including Heavy Duty, PowerWash, Deep Water Wash, and Whites, where available.
  • Where applicable, avoid gentler cycles, such as Delicates, Casuals, and ColorLast.
  • Use the Extra Power option if available
  • Select cooler temperatures when acceptable for the fabric you are washing
  • Select higher soil levels (e.g., Heavy, Extra Heavy) when acceptable for the fabric you are washing.
  • Select the extra rinse option.
  • Always use the correct amount of HE detergent. CLICK HERE for additional information.

Excessive lint

Excessive lint on clothing can occur on new clothing items, especially towels. This is normal, and linting will dissipate over time. Use shorter wash times if excess linting continues. Using a dryer will also remove most excess lint.

Excess detergent

Excess detergent residue can be caused by several different factors, including using too much detergent, and water temperature not hot enough to dissolve detergent. This residue usually appears as white "clumps" of undissolved detergent. Rewashing clothing items should remove these clumps. If using a cold water wash, be sure that the water temperature is at least 60 degrees to properly dissolve detergent.  This machine will regulate the cold water temperature by adding hot water to bring the temperature up. Run hot water in the sink closest to the washer to help ensure that hot water is running through the water lines near the washer. Always use only High-Efficiency HE detergent. 
 
CLICK HERE for detergent usage guidelines

Using non-high efficiency (HE) detergent

Using a non-HE detergent in an HE washer may result in white "clumps" of undissolved detergent. Rewashing clothing items should remove these clumps, and running items through the dryer will also help. Always use only HE detergent.  Non-high-efficiency (HE) detergent is not recommended.

Whirlpool recommends using Swash™ Laundry Detergent. It is designed to work in both high-efficiency (HE) and non-HE washing machines. With an 8x concentrated formula, you’ll use about a quarter of the detergent you’d need with a traditional 2x concentration detergent. It may look like a small amount, but you’ll be amazed at its effectiveness.

Flipping the detergent world on its cap.

Just flip it, squeeze it, and start your laundry cycle. With this easy squeeze, you get the right amount and the clean you want every time. 

Shop Swash® HE Ultra-Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent.

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Water is too cold

This symptom is more common if you are using powdered detergent. It also happens more frequently during cold months in northern climates. 

If your washer water is too cold, it may not properly dissolve detergent, resulting in white "clumps" of detergent on clothing. Rewashing clothing items should remove these clumps.  Running items through the dryer will also help remove these clumps.  If using a cold water wash, ensure your water temperature is at least 60 degrees to dissolve detergent properly.  Your washer should also regulate the cold water temperature by adding hot water to bring the temperature up. Run hot water in the sink closest to the washer to help ensure that hot water runs through the water lines near the washer.

Please see your Owner's Manual for more information regarding the cycles on your machine.

Washer needs to be cleaned

 
Running the "Clean Washer" cycle with a product like affresh® every 30 cycles will help eliminate excess detergent build-up.
 
CLICK HERE for more information on cleaning the interior of your washer
Cleans even where you can't see

affresh® cleans deep inside your appliances reaching components such as the tub, racks, pump, valves, drain, and recirculation hoses.

Cleaners are available at many retailers or can be purchased here.

affresh logo1.jpg

 

Still need help? Contact us or schedule service.

Please contact us or click below to make an appointment from our preferred list of service providers for service on your appliances.

Interested in purchasing an Extended Service Plan?

Please click below to learn more on how you can save up to 25% on New Appliance Extended Service Plans within 30 days of your appliance purchase.

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