White clothes turn grey after washing in my washing machine / washer dryer

Appliance Issue

• White clothes turn grey after washing

Applies to

• Front loading Washing Machines
• Top loading Washing Machines

Resolution

1. Always sort whites and wash them separately from other colours.

2. Use detergent intended for whites (they contain bleaching agents such as sodium percarbonate).

3. Use the correct amount of detergent for your water hardness and how soiled the clothes are.

4. Ensure the detergent bottle is securely closed (some bleaching agents can evaporate).

Cause

• If you use the incorrect amount of detergent, limescale and soap scum may accumulate on your clothes (grey coating).
• White towels that have turned grey due to limescale can be whitened again by washing them in the washing machine with a small amount of citric acid powder or vinegar instead of detergent.
• White towels can be bleached by placing them in a washing-up bowl with water added 100 ml to 200 ml chlorine bleach and allowing them to soak for two hours. Afterwards, wash them in the washing machine on the highest temperature setting permitted by the towels’ care instructions.

Warning: Never mix chlorine bleach with other chemicals as highly toxic compounds may form.