Black sheets

[Brangelina]

How do I get white stains off my black sheets? I wash at 40° and have tried different detergents (usually use liquid) but to no avail - the sheets come out of the washing machine with the same snot/milk/whatever stains as when they went in. It's not just the sheets, though, I put a pair of black trousers in with them and they seem to have acquired gloppy snail trails of their own in the wash. The weird thing is, it's only this type of stain, if I put in whites or other coloured all the nasty food stains come out.

This doesn't happen to synthetics, only cotton. I tied switching from liquid to powder but nothing improved. I don't use softener either, only vinegar.

Can anyone help? I'm sick of my bed looking like there's been a snail party on it.

soap flakes?

I have the same problem with my dark blue duvet covers. They look vile after a year of DS2 having reflux. Have just gone over to pale colours!

Haven't noticed any stain transfers though. Very odd! Maybe ring the washing powder helpline?

Why on earth do you have black sheets?

lol lilliput i have to admit that was my thought too.

I reckon snot, baby sick, milk etc all have a slightly bleaching effect, so they take a little bit of the dye out of the sheets IYSWIM.

I would try that black dylon stuff that's sold in a sort giant capri-sun style container. I think it's called jet black or pure black or something. anyway... its near the washing powers in Tesco aisle.

Lol, I got them as a present, but I like dark colours anyway, my other sheets are dark brown and burgundy. Not quite Playboy mansion, they're cotton, not satin. And no, I don't have gold taps in the bathroom....

I'll try that detergent for black stuff. Didn't think of it before.

Sounds to me like your machine isn't rinsing well.

Try running an extra rinse cycle.

I thought the same as themoon66 though - sick's gotta be pretty acidic, right? Hence the bleaching effect.

Good point about the washing powder - I have special washing liquid for DH's black work trousers (they used to keep going grey), with no bleaching agents in it. I got it from Sainsburys. It's their own brand in a clear plastic bottle. Might be worth using on your sheets too.

Is the dylon stuff a dye? Or a special washing liquid?

I always worry about what else people might think the stains are I never use these sheets when my MIL is coming to stay

the dylon stuff is a dye that goes in yer washer.

I also use Dreft Dark.... liquid for black fabrics.

Before you take the sheets out of the machine, wipe around the edge with a cloth. The snail marks you refer to are from the washing liquid/powder/bubbles left around the rim, which mark the clean clothes as you pull them out.

Brangelina,

do you really use vinegar on your clothes?! Why?!

I know it's very good for getting rid of limescale on my taps,can't imagine what it does to clothes..! or am i wrong

Re your question;i used to get the same sort of stains on my black trousers,black sheets,etc,think the problem was me overloading the washing machine,tho was always "only" two thirds full,washing powder wouldn't dissolve properly,hence white marks,gloppy when using liquid...

hth

Right, I'm going to try and wash with just soap nuts, so no residue (hopefully). I'm going to wipe all my rims too. I might pretreat the odd obviously snot stain beforehand. If after all that my black gear still comes out looking like snail trail central I shall scream.

Fimbley, I use vinegar instead of softener and I must say it works. I started using it in my nappy wash but then ran out of softener on my normal washes so tried it there too and it worked perfectly. Much cheaper than softeners, better for the environment and possibily skin allergies, plus it helps descale your washing machine. You only need about an egg cupful per wash. You can also add a couple of drops of lavender or citrus essential oil to make the washing smell nice. BTW, it has to be white wine vinegar (cheapest you can get) or apple vinegar, Sanson's malt vinegar won't really do.

Oh, and it keeps bright colours vibrant.