Whirlpool - Spots on clothes

Washer Repair
1

First, this is an awesome site, especially the how-to videos! :smiley:

Ok, so we have an 8 year old Whirlpool Ultimate Care II washer. For the past year or so, it has been leaving spots on our clothes after the wash. They look like wet spots and are only visible after drying the clothes. Within a single load, some clothes will have lots of spots, others will be completely clean.

First, I’ve tried cleaning the washer with various cleaners (including bleach, laundry detergent, borax, and even some Dawn). After a cleaning, the spots will stop for a while, but always come back. I’ve also replaced the inlet hoses and cleaned the crevices inside the lid of the washer and on the top of the tub.

Also, whatever is causing the spots, it comes out easily with a stain remover, but won’t come out without it.

Tonight, I noticed what appears to be the remains of a gasket around the top of the tub. I checked the washer manual, but couldn’t determine what it would be. At first I thought it was the tub gasket, but after watching the video, I realize that’s not it. I’ll upload a picture soon.

Anyone have an idea on what could be leaving spots on the clothes?

Thanks!

3

Often times, this is caused by a build up at the top of the outer tub, just above the top of the highest water level. Whirlpool actually has termed it a as "scrudding" and it is basically a build up of detergent, softener and general "gunk" from the wash cycles. When you run cleaners through the machine, they do not reach above the high water level so this build up must be manually scrubbed to be removed effectively. Have you ever removed the cabinet to inspect the washer interior?

4

I have not, but I will put that on my weekend list to check. Thanks!

Also, attached are the pics of the "black stuff" I can see. It’s flaky and stiff; would have to be scraped off if this is what’s causing the problem.

5

That is indeed scrudding! The link below will show you how to remove the cabinet and access the tub cover for removal and cleaning!

http://www.appliancepartspros.com/whirlpool-outer-tub-ring-3976308-ap3040287.html