can fabric softener leave spots - or even stain fabrics?

[bertha katzenengel]

Ran a new set of sheets, eucalyptus green, through the wash yesterday, and they came out with splotches & spots all over them. :wtf: I always use liquid fabric softener. The washer has a space for it - you pour it in a hole in the top of the agitator and it releases it during the rinse. But I have seen spots on other things before (like my fabulous no-iron shirts from Nordies! :mad:) and it's just occurred to me that it might be the fabric softener.

[murielm99]

1. Maybe your fabric softener dispenser is not working properly.

Have someone check it for you. Or, maybe you need to change brands of fabric softener.

[MemphisTiger]

2. Yes it can leave stains

sounds like some spilled on your sheets when you were pouring in the softener or it is not working properly.

[LaurenG]

3. Yes it can

You can use a liquid detergent or a bar of soap to rub into the stains. They usually wash out though. It sounds odd, maybe the washer needs to be looked at.

[artfan]

4. yes

fabric softener needs to be added when there is water in the machine

[bertha katzenengel]

5. THANK YOU ALL

I had no idea. Forty-two frikin' years old and you'd think I would know such things.

[enlightenment]

6. We have one of those dispensers and they tend to get gunky inside

pretty quickly. You might removing the top portion (it should unscrew or just pop off) and thoroughly clean it.
I got tired of the gunk, so I started using one of those Downey ball dispensers. Works like a charm, since you toss it in at the start of the wash and it seems to magically know when to open for the rinse -- plus, the benefit of being able to add a little water to the softener in the ball so you don't have to worry about spots.

Be careful with dryer softener sheets, also, since they too can leave spots (found out the hard way).

[bertha katzenengel]

7. Those little balls really work?

I bought one once and I think I used it once. That's what usually happens to gadgets when I get my hands on them.

Ultimately I put a little catnip in it and it made a terrific cat toy. Clunky, but the boys seemed to like it. ;)

Edit: thanks for the advice. The washer's due for a good cleaning anyway.

[enlightenment]

9. Yep, they do -- it's magic, I think.

How else would it know when to open?
(note to science types/smart people: please don't disabuse me, I like having mini-mysteries in my life!!)
:-)
I never thought about using them for a cat toy -- I bet our troop would get a kick out of it, too.
Thanks for the idea, and hope it works for you!

[mourningdove92]

8. Are you using Downey Wrinkle Free stuff?

That product is notorious for staining you clothes.

A little stain remover product will remove it.