What’s causing these stains?!

[Worried8263839]

I’ve attached some photos to show but in a nutshell we have had 3 items of cream coloured clothing appear with these stains. The trousers were worn for the first time today but were put through the wash prior to wearing. When I’ve put them on, I’ve noticed the stain. Exactly the same on my hoodie in the photos, and on one of my DH’s cream jumper.

any ideas?!

Greasy fingers?

Have you cleaned your washing machine recently?

They look like grease
Have you dropped then on a worktop that has some oil spilt on it? Or greasy fingers?

Maybe something to do with the washing machine - bearings may be going? Or the rubber seal might have dirt trapped in it & clothes rub against it when rotating in machine?

Are you in a hard water area and wash on under 60? The detergent doesn't breakdown properly and the detergent capsules and hard water particulates make a grey clay like sludge that leaves marks on clothes. If you go back to washing on a higher temp and use a descaler in your wash it can help if that's the cause. You'll have tell tale signs in you machine seal and filter.

Yes it's a hard water area and most washes are on 40. The stains have a slight blue tinge to them as well. I think that makes the most sense, I'm wondering if it's worth switching to detergent in the draw rather than capsules as I don't want to wash everything at 60?

The washing machine is less than 6 months old and is regularly put through a cleaning cycle so I don't believe it's dirty.

Now if it is that....any suggestions of how to get them out?!

Bubble mixture?

I go through periods of our lights having them on (especially football shirts) and someone suggested bubble solution stains.

I get this on some dark clothes usually when I use capsules and the dryer. I use the oil stain devil and wash again and they come out

Bearings on washer have gone - it's grease

Yeah, that's the weird detergent sludge from cool washes. Shows up on DHs work trousers sometimes. Douse in fairy liquid (other brands of dish soap are available!) and let it soak in for 30mins or so, then wash at 60.