# Why Are My Shirts Getting Ruined? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 16, 2023, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920 "2023-02-16T22:02:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2023, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/1 "2023-02-16T22:02:15Z")
This didn’t quite seem a factual question, so IMHO it is. For the last, oh, two years, my shirts have been getting systematically ruined by discolored spots. They look like grease stains, just a darker color than the rest of the fabric. Thing is, I don’t know where they are coming from. I use an apron when cooking. I don’t eat particularly greasy foods. Sometimes I almost think my washer is causing the problem because I’ll put something in clean and take it out with a stain - is that possible? I switched from liquid detergent to laundry sheets - no difference. Ideas? Tips for salvaging these clothes? It was tolerable when it was the occasional t-shirt, but my favorite sweatshirt just came out with one of these stains and I am NOT happy. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2023, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/2 "2023-02-16T22:07:27Z")
Do you have well water or older city water? Well water will sometimes run into two issues that are safe for use but somewhat staining. High Iron content or High Manganese (not magnesium, that is very different). Both of these cause browning in toilets, dishwashers and lighter colored clothes from the washing machine. There are filters that help with both of these. The high iron often applies to older towns or cities. Iron is the easier one to deal with, manganese requires a larger filter system in my limited experience. * * * Basically step one might be water testing. Step 2 is look into filter options for your need. There are products that should remove the stains if it is either iron or manganese. For dishwashers it was called Glisten, but I recall there being something for your washer also. It appears glisten makes a product for washers also. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2023, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/3 "2023-02-16T22:46:14Z")
I’m honestly not sure about the water source. I live in a manufactured home complex where I lease the property. I know we don’t have soft water because I get rust in my hair, turning it from dark blond to a reddish color. I will definitely seek out these products and see if it helps! ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2023, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/4 "2023-02-16T23:19:40Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > I switched from liquid detergent to laundry sheets - no difference. Have you asked if your neighbors are experiencing similar issues? If yes, then perhaps it is the water supply. I would want to know before subjecting my clothes and washing machine to additional chemicals. I’d also try a spell of a high-rated detergent rather than laundry sheets. They are pretty soundly ranked last in effectiveness by Consumer Reports and other rating efforts. I’d also avoid dryer sheets or other additives and go with a top choice liquid detergent for a test run. > **[Laundry Detergent Ratings & Reviews - Consumer Reports](https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/laundry-detergents/c33031/)** > > No one tests laundry detergents like we do. Get ratings, pricing, and performance for all the latest models based on the features you care about. Your municipal water utility probably has information you can access. Try calling them about minerals in the water or ask a public librarian to help you research local water quality. It’s frustrating, I agree. I live in a very hard water locale. No end of trouble. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2023, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/5 "2023-02-16T23:24:20Z")
> [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > I’d also try a spell of a high-rated detergent rather than laundry sheets. I’ll try. I’m allergic to most laundry detergents, which is why I switched. I used to use Gain but they changed up the formula. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2023, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/6 "2023-02-16T23:24:57Z")
Well, dang. That does make it a lot harder. Gain comes in at the bottom of the reviews. Could you stand a trial of Persil Sensitive? That is at the upper range of ratings. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2023, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/7 "2023-02-16T23:30:50Z")
We have well water. Rust and other things stain stuff all the the time. I recently got Persil detergent. It’s expensive, it smells really loud. But it doesn’t leave soap residue so I’ve found it doesn’t itch me. And it gets latent stains out for the most part. I was really impressed with it. I wish they’d calm the smell down a bit, tho’. ---
**Author:** ![Askance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/askance/32/8281_2.png) [@Askance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askance)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2023, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/8 "2023-02-16T23:41:37Z")
Check your washer for a filter, if that is clogged you’ll get exactly this. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2023, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/9 "2023-02-17T01:37:53Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > > [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > > > I’d also try a spell of a high-rated detergent rather than laundry sheets. > > I’ll try. I’m allergic to most laundry detergents, which is why I switched. I used to use Gain but they changed up the formula. I’m sure you have thought of this, but just to cover the bases, have you tried low scent, or just no, dryer stuff to make sure that isn’t the offender? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2023, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/10 "2023-02-17T01:47:06Z")
> [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > Gain comes in at the bottom of the reviews. Could you stand a trial of Persil Sensitive? That is at the upper range of ratings. Tide Free and Gentle is also highly rated and might work for you. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2023, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/11 "2023-02-17T02:37:56Z")
I make my own laundry soap - 20 Mule Team Borax, Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (which is not the same as baking soda) and a bar of Fels Naptha Soap, grated. 1/2 tablespoonful gets my clothes adequately clean, and doesn’t leave any smell or residue. The mineral content in your water is probably a factor. Does it do this to other items besides shirts - towels, underwear, pants, etc.? ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2023, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/12 "2023-02-17T03:59:13Z")
> [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > Could you stand a trial of Persil Sensitive? That is at the upper range of ratings. I will try it. I just got a bottle of Tide Heavy Duty something or other which was on a top 15 list. Persil was #2. Tide may kill me, but I’m willing to try. Worst case scenario I could wash out the stains and then rinse very well on rewash. Thanks for your suggestions. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2023, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/13 "2023-02-17T04:41:43Z")
Here’s hoping for you 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼 ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2023, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/14 "2023-02-17T05:27:54Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > Sometimes I almost think my washer is causing the problem because I’ll put something in clean and take it out with a stain - is that possible? Yes, absolutely. How old is your washing machine? Rust stains will be brown. If your machine is old and rusty inside it’s probably time for a new machine. Trying to fix rust isn’t worth the effort (IMHO). The machine could have an oil leak. How big are the stains? Might be mold. Run the machine a few times with either vinegar or bleach (or both, but not at the same time) to clean it. Some molds can be stubborn and might require more than one cleaning cycle. You might have a clogged filter or just a really dirty filter. Fortunately that’s an easy one to fix, though you might have to ask Mr. Google where the filter is located on your machine. On some machines they are behind a little door near the bottom of the machine and are easy to find. On other machines they like to hide them. ---
**Author:** ![jjakucyk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3d9bf3/32.png) [@jjakucyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjakucyk)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2023, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/15 "2023-02-17T14:10:06Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > Rust stains will be brown. If your machine is old and rusty inside it’s probably time for a new machine. Trying to fix rust isn’t worth the effort (IMHO). > > The machine could have an oil leak. How big are the stains? This is my thought as well. If it was the detergent or fabric softener I would think it would be an even-ish coating on everything, not random spots here or there. It could be the washer or dryer flinging some oil around. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2023, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/16 "2023-02-17T14:23:53Z")
I agree with the above and am likewise perplexed by the “spots” aspect. You might think that anything happening before or during the wash cycle would become diluted and the staining would be diffuse (like when you wash brand new blue jeans with your white blouses \). Even something oil/grease-based, I would think, would be broken down by agitation and laundry detergent and make a more generalized mess. Which makes me wonder if something gets triggered after the wash, rinse, and drain cycles have finished – maybe something that IS causing oil/grease to enter the drum. Nonetheless … I’d definitely look into your water supply, clean any filters, and I’d definitely use the _separate_ cleaning procedures of bleach _and then_ vinegar. Because low-hanging fruit. But my spidey sense tells me you may have a bigger (read: $) problem. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2023, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/17 "2023-02-17T14:46:16Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > How old is your washing machine? About eight years old. Thanks. Serious food for thought. I didn’t even know they had filters. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2023, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/18 "2023-02-17T14:48:10Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > How big are the stains? It varies, but they are smallish, maybe quarter size. Sometimes they are longer and more drippy instead of circular. ---
**Author:** ![Dorjan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dorjan/32/12440_2.png) [@Dorjan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dorjan)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2023, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/19 "2023-02-17T14:52:18Z")
Is it JUST shirts? If no, and the spots show up on pants, towels, etc. then I would agree with the above comments. If it’s just shirts, maybe you haven’t been as careful with cooking and eating lately than you thought you were? ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2023, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920/20 "2023-02-17T15:09:43Z")
That’s a _great_ thought! Playing on that, I would think – if that was the issue – the vast majority (all?) of the spots would be on the front of the shirt and maybe a bit more widely distributed on long-sleeves. Depending – you know – on your exuberance in eating and cooking 😉 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-shirts-getting-ruined/979920.md?page=2)