Why is my washer leaving marks on my clothes? Top 5 reasons & fixes (with video!)

Is your washing machine ruining your favorite clothes with frustrating marks and stains? You’re not alone, but don’t worry—we’ve got the fix! Dive into our handy article to learn about the top five culprits causing this laundry mishap and discover easy solutions. Plus, watch the how-to video just below to see these fixes in action and keep your clothes looking brand new!

1. If your washing machine is leaving marks on your clothes, there are five main parts that could be to blame. Let’s unpack each one so you can get your laundry clean. If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your washing machine while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.Important: The troubleshooting information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

   Watch: Washing Machine Leaving Marks on Clothes – Top 5 Problems and Fixes – Top and Side-Loading Washers

   Washer safety precautions

   Before you start inspecting or working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

   • Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock. 
   • If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it. 
   • Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
   • Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
   • Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
   • Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
   • Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part. 
   • Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
   • Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
   • When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
   • Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
   • Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.
   • Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

1. Check the lint filter

   If your washer has a lint filter, it’s the first thing you should look at. The filter is supposed to remove lint from the washer so it doesn’t end up on your clothes. Depending on the type of washer you have, the lint filter may need to be removed and cleaned or it may self-clean.
   

   If the lint filter is damaged, clogged, or missing, lint can build up in the washing machine and leave marks on the laundry inside. You’ll need to remove any clogs or replace it if it’s damaged or missing.

   Where is my lint filter?

   • In newer top-load washers, lint filters that need manual cleaning are typically mounted on the inner tub. The self-cleaning filters are usually inside the machine under the agitator or between the inner and outer tubs. 
   • In a front-loading washer, the filter is typically found near the pump or under a small cover on the front panel. 
   • Some washer models require the access panel to be removed to get to the filter. 

   Check the agitator, wash plate or pulsator (top-loading washers)

   Agitators, wash plates, and pulsators are different designs of the same kind of part inside the tub of top-load washing machine that stirs the laundry during a wash cycle. These come in a variety of styles and may be one or two pieces, depending on your model. High-efficiency washers are the most likely to use a pulsator or wash plate instead of an agitator, which is typically made of either metal or plastic. 

   If the agitator, wash plate or pulsator is dirty, cracked or damaged in some other way, your clothes can get caught on it, which can leave marks on them, including grease stains from the transmission. 

   To inspect the agitator, you’ll need to remove it and turn it around so you can check the splines for any damage. If the splines seem to be damaged or worn, you’ll need to replace the agitator.
   

   A well-functioning agitator will move freely when turned in one direction but has teeth that engage when it’s pushed in the other direction. If your agitator can spin in both directions, this is a sign that it’s damaged and needs to be replaced.
   

   Pulsators have ribs on them to agitate the laundry. Like an agitator, the pulsator is located at the bottom of the inner tub in a washer. If your machine has a pulsator, you’ll need to carefully inspect it for cracks or other damage. If you find any damage to it, replace it with a new one.

   Inspect the tub baffles (front-loading washers)

   The tub baffles in front-loading washers help tumble the clothes, similar to an agitator in a top-load washer. The baffles come in a variety of styles and are usually constructed of plastic.

   Even just one damaged tub baffle can leave marks on your clothing. You’ll need to inspect each tub baffle and replace any that are damaged.

   How to replace the baffle(s) if needed

   1. Disconnect the washer from the power source and turn off the water supply.
   2. Open the door of the washer and rotate the tub until a baffle is at the bottom. 
   3. Use a rubber mallet to drive a baffle to the rear of the drum where it can be removed. 
   4. Remove the baffle along with any clips or retaining clips, and then do the same for the other baffles. 
   5. Install the new baffle with the protruding paddle in the rear with the tabs or clips. Make sure it’s flush with the tub, then do the same for the other baffles. 
   6. Reinstall any screws you took out.
   7. Reconnect the washer to power and water.

   Read more: How To Prevent And Remove Mold From Your Front-Load Washer

   Check the door boot seal (front-loading washers) or tub cover (top-loading washers)

   The door boot seal on front-load washers helps create a watertight seal between the front panel door of the washer and the outer tub. It’s usually made of rubber and is secured to the washer with a set of clamps. While it’s uncommon for this part to cause issues, it can happen, especially if the rubber is old and starting to deteriorate.

   All you need to do is open the door and inspect the seal. If the rubber on the seal looks like it’s starting to break down, then it’ll need to be replaced. 

   If you need to replace the seal, first you need to remove the retaining band on the old seal and fold it into the washing machine. Next, take out the retaining band or spring and note where the drain holes are located. Then you can remove the old seal and insert a new one.

   Under the top of the cabinet on a top-loading washer, debris can build up from detergent, lint, dust, and pet hair on the top of the inner tub between the plastic tub cover and the tub itself. Bits of dried, caked-on debris can flake off the tub cover and dissolve in the wash, leaving behind spotty or streaky marks. Additionally, the buildup of softener, detergent, or other residues on the tub in hard-to-clean areas can give fabrics a stiff, sticky, or scratchy texture. In some cases, mold or mildew growth on a dirty tub cover can even transfer unpleasant odors onto washed clothes. To prevent these issues, you’ll need to reach between the cover and the top of the tub to brush away any grime. 

   Read more: 10 Washing Machine Tips to Get Stains Out

   Check the detergent dispenser

   If your washer has a detergent dispenser, it can cause marks or stains on clothing if it’s not maintained and cleaned often enough. Leftover detergent can accumulate and dry up in the dispenser compartment, and this residue can be transferred onto clothes during the wash cycle. In areas with hard water, mineral scale, and lime deposits that can build up in the dispenser, they may create white or crusty stains on the laundry.

   If the detergent dispenser becomes clogged with debris or clumped detergent, it may not properly flush the detergent into the wash water, which can cause concentrated detergent to be released directly onto clothes.

   In top-load washers without a dedicated detergent dispenser, detergent can still cause marks on clothing. Using too much detergent (especially in high-efficiency (HE) washers with lower water levels) or adding detergent too late in the cycle can prevent complete rinsing and cause excess detergent to remain on clothing, leading to staining, discoloration, or a stiff/sticky texture. In areas with hard water, detergent may not fully dissolve or rinse out, which can leave mineral deposits behind. 

   To prevent detergent-related stains, regularly clean the dispenser and/or tub, use the recommended amount of HE-compatible detergent, and address any hard water issues in the home.

   More for you 

   Thanks for stopping by! We hope this guide helped you fix your washer.
   

   If you run into any issues, just give us a call at 1-877-477-7278 or start a chat with a pro on our website so we can help you through it. We’ve got many more troubleshooting and repair guides on our DIY blog and YouTube channel, plus all the parts you need to do it yourself at AppliancePartsPros.com. 

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