Why does my wash have rust stains? What can I do about it?

I've noticed that in the past month, my washing machine has started leaving small rust stains on whites. Anything white has specks of rust color that don't seem to come out. Has anyone had this happen? Is this a pipe issue? A washing machine issue? Any suggestions?





My colored clothing may also be getting rust stains, but if they are, those stains aren't as obvious as on white clothing and linens.





Thanks.Why does my wash have rust stains? What can I do about it?
The rust stains are being caused by the little holes in the wash tub rusting inside of them. My washer does this as well - not always, but sometimes. Other than buying a new washer, I'm not sure that anything can stop this problem. BUT, I have found a product called Rust Remover that is made by Rit Dye which removes the stains completely. You dump the package (it is a powder) into a sink full of water, then soak the stained items for a couple of hours. After that, you simply wash as normal. This stuff takes mold stains out as well.Why does my wash have rust stains? What can I do about it?
There were a few very good answers to the question, but I procrastinated too long to choose one. If anyone comes back to this question, I just want to say thanks. Report Abuse

its a water issue you cabn put a bleach in your water tank
if you are using bleach on your whites and this is still happening, I would tend to believe it is the washer drum.


Not alot to do about it but replace the washer.


There may be such a thing as a refinidher for appliances, I know people can recoat their tubs when they get old and hold stains.


Perhaps they can do that for wash tubs, it would be worth the time to check around.
If your washer is not under warranty, you may want to look into a new one, it is most likely a rusted tub, and is probably under the agitator.
Check out the basket for rust inside the holes. If you dont find any has to be the water. Could be your water heater. Disconnect hot side and run a few gallons into a 5 gallon bucket. Check for rust particles.
I've had that happen but I had well water at the time so it was actually the water. Not sure that's you're prob. but I wouldn'nt think it would be the washer I would check the water or the pipes if you have pvc pipes then thats not it.
probably iron in your water
There may be a high iron content in your water, this will cause the discoloration.....most of all, do not use bleach it will worsen the condition.
Just guessing, it may be your tub that is ceramic coated that has rusted through, or there may be a nail under the agitator or even under the tub (where the holes are). If you get rust stains in your sinks too, say, then it is a problem with water pipes or something other than the machine.


To remove rust stains from your clothes:


1. Lay the rust-stained fabric over several white paper towels, which will act as a blotter and absorb the rust.





2. Cut a lemon in half and saturate the stain with the fresh lemon juice. (Bottled lemon juice will work, too.)





3. Set the fabric (with the paper towel blotter beneath) out in the sun to dry. The rust stain will disappear.





4. Launder as usual.





16 years laundry business


...jj
We have the same problem. DO NOT use bleach....that will only make it worse. There is a product called Whink that will remove rust stains....see link for info:


http://www.acehardware.com/sm-whink-rust鈥?/a>





We had to get a water softener to remove most of the iron from our water...our clothes were turning orange.
Try Iron out on your white. NOT you colors.
Definitely a washing machine problem. You may have to get a part replaced, or if it is really old, and you have enough money, get a new washer.
Iron stains are sometimes caused by corrosion in the pipes, but more often than not, they are due to a biological type of corrosion. There are bacteria that basicaly eat iron. And they tend to agglomerate together. When there is a shock to the system they are then released and free to deposit on whatever they come into contact with. Generally it is a piece of clothing.





In my community these iron bugs also cause premature failure of the icemaker in my freezer.





As one of the answers stated, you can remove some iron by using a water softener, but more than likely, the softener will also filter out the iron contaminated bacteria. A less expensive solution might be to install a water filter that can handle the capacity of your washing machine. The filter size should be around 5 or 10 microns. This should do. These filters can be purchased at a water treatment store.





As for the clothes that have iron stains, I use Oxalic Acid to remove the iron stain. This is powder and is weak organic acid. It won't burn your skin, but you don't want to ingest it or get it in your eyes. You can get this at the drug store or a hardware store.





I use a teaspoon in a few cup of water and apply it to the stain, and rub gently. Then rinse in clean water and dry. It works most of the time.
Check to see if there is a rusty sheriff's badge in your washer.
Have you checked the basket on the machine to see if the enamel is chipped? This might be the cause of small spots. You can purchase a product which will repair enamel %26amp; porcelain from a hardware store if Walmart does not have it.


For removing the rust stains from your clothes, use Whink....it's great for removing rust from many things!


Also, remove the washer hoses and check the screens for rust particles which may be coming from your water supply.
My first thoughts are to prevent this from happening...In the past month...what about other places where water is? No rust? How old is this machine? Could there be a metal object stuck in under something that is flaking off onto your clothes? Rust and Calcites are minerals and need acid to release them. Try a safe acid which is organic first i.e. lemon juice or other oraganic acid from a drug store. Careful when using commercial acids for laundry. Wear gloves!!! These are skull and crossbones chemicals (acids) that should only be used with great care and expertise.





What you don't see can hurt you later...you skin absorbs and acids and chemicals go clear to the bone and if you didn't flush for 15 minutes after the chemical met with your skin...it is being absorbed totally by your body. Flush acid with alkaline degreaser type products and flush degreasers with acids. Careful though with what you are using and that it won't contaminate your body or space! This would only be a pipe issue if you are using metal pipes...most are plastic today. How old is your machine and what kind of plumbing is there? Is your area known for rust and hard water? If so, you may need a filter and or conditioner. Hope this helps you.
It is probably in your water, and you need to get a water softener.. that will help a lot.. other than that, I guess use bleach and lots of soap..
You might have rust in your water caused by high iron content, some iron pipes in your water system, or perhaps your cold water tank is rusting out, leaving rust specs in the water supply. If that's the case you should be able to see rust specks in a glass of clean water. If it's pipes or the tank, change them.





Sometimes the only solution is to get a water conditioner if it's a water well source problem. Sometimes the gravel in a well will collapse and crush iron-bearing rocks, causing this problem. If that is the problem it should settle down after a while.





Maybe you're getting rust from your old washing machine. Put some 'CLR' in it, that will remove the rust. You could also try a product called OxyClean, put some in the wash and leave it sit for a couple of hours.
i never have had that problem good luck
could be pipes,hoses, or the water coming in, if the fire department is opening hydrants it digs up all the gunk thats settled in the pipes. the hardware store has a product called Rover it will take stains out of whites but may change any colors on them,its expensive but works great! good luck!!!
I used CLR in the wash tub and that took acre of my issues.
it's in the washer tub use lime away
get-a-new-washer
I haven't had this happen, but if there is rust in your washing machine, then try using 2 c. lime or lemon juice in a cycle of the hottest water setting. Good Luck!
Try running CLR in your washing tub. That might get out the rust.
pipe problem ...check it up !!