Consumer Question: Black Spots on Laundry

Hi, Joe,

We have black stuff coming out of our washing machine. When we are doing the laundry sometimes the clothes come out with some black stuff on them, and we cannot remove it even with bleach. We've tried to wash them a second time and it is not going away. In fact, it is getting worse. We suppose that it might be that the washing machine is leaking oil inside or the hot water tank may be dirty.

We are connected with well water.

Would you please let us know how to resolve this problem or suggest what we should do?

Thank you so much!
Maurice

A: Hi, Maurice,

Thanks for your note. 

In most cases like yours the transmission is leaking through a seal into the drum. This is not a common do it yourself project and the transmission is too expensive. Cleaning the inside of the tub means using 2 gallons of white vinegar in the hottest water possible and then let the tub soak for 24 hours.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon