LINT PROBLEMS IN THE WASHING MACHINE

APPLIANCE E.M.T.

LINT PROBLEMS.

LINT IS SMALL FIBERS OF FABRIC THAT HAVE BROKEN OFF DURING WEAR OR LAUNDERING.  IT IS EASILY BRUSHED AWAY FROM THE FABRIC.  SOME LINT WILL ALWAYS BE CREATED BY ANY WASHER AND FLUSHED DOWN THE DRAIN.  EXCESSIVE LINTING IS USUALLY DUE TO REASONS OTHER THAN THE WASHER DESIGN OR MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION. CAUSES:

1.	IMPROPER SORTING
	Washing lint-givers (terry cloth, towels) with lint catchers (corduroy, velveteen, most manufactured fibers). -Separate lint-givers from lint-catchers.

2.

INCORRECT AMOUNT OF DETERGENT.

A full capful or scoopful of detergent in the washer provides the most benefit in holding lint and soil in suspension. - The amount of detergent used is determined by:      a. The size of the load;      b. Degree of soil;      c. Water hardness.                         Water Hardness Chart                                Rating                 Grains/Gallon                 Parts/Million Soft                      0-3 Grains                      0-59 Average               4-9 Grains                      60-119 Hard                    10-13 Grains                  120-179 Very Hard            14 Grains and up           180 and up To determine water hardness, use a Water Hardness Test Kit or contact the local water utility or county extension office. - Detergent manufacturer's recommendations are for washing a "normal" load.  More detergent should be used if:      a. The size of the load is extra large; or      b. The degree of soil is heavier than "average"; or      c. The water is harder than 10 grains per gallon. - Similarly, less than the recommended amount of detergent may be used (1/2 capful or scoop) if:      a. A small load is being washed; or      b. The load is very lightly soiled; or      c. A partial fill is selected; or      d. The water is soft (0-5 grains). - If a packaged water conditioner is needed, use the following recommendation. Top loading - use 1/3 to 1/2 cup with detergent Front loading - use 2 tablespoons to 1/8 cup with detergent.

3.	OVERLOADING.
	- Top-loading washers:  Place dry, unfolded clothes loosely in the tub to the top row of holes for a maximum load. - Front-loading washers:  The tub can be loaded completely full, but not packed tightly.

4.	USING A WATER-SAVER WASHER.
	Colored permanent press and knits may attract lint from water used in previous loads. - Start with a fresh fill for these loads and use a Regular Cycle if saving the wash water.

5.	MISTAKEN FOR LINT: RESIDUE.
	A white substance left on the clothes at the end of the wash cycle.  It is NOT EASILY BRUSHED OFF and over time, colors may dull.

6.	MISTAKEN FOR LINT: PILLING.
	Manufactured fibers such as polyester, acrylic, or blends of these fibers have a natural tendency to "pill" due to abrasion from normal wear.  When a fiber breaks, it simply balls up on the fabric surface.  This is characteristic of these fibers, and is not the fault of the washer or dryer.  Lint can become enmeshed in the little balls of fiber making the pills appear more obvious.

FABRIC DAMAGE AND CLOTHES TEARING

Fabric Damage and Clothes Tearing

CAUSES:

1.	AGE AND NORMAL WEAR.
	- Inspect all clothing before placing in washer. - Use a delicate or hand washable cycle with appropriate items. - Hand wash items in a sink or wash tub that could be damaged by the washer.

2.

CHEMICAL DAMAGE.

Contact with chlorine bleach, battery acid, acne medication, solutions used by hairdressers or household cleaners containing bleach, etc. can cause tears, holes or yellow discoloration.  Edges around the holes will be very weak and tear easily. Use an ultraviolet light to aid in identifying damage.  Damaged areas will appear blackened or dark under the light.  Hold light about 24 inches from item.  (Terry cloth is not suitable for testing) - Use the proper amount of chlorine bleach stated on the back of the bottle.  - Use a bleach dispenser if available or dilute one cup bleach in four cups water and add the tub when agitation starts. - Avoid wiping up bleach spills with laundry. - Avoid contact of laundry items with skin medication containing benzoyl peroxide.  After using the product, wash hands with soap and water and dry hands with paper towels.

3.	FAILURE TO MEND RIPS AND TEARS BEFORE LAUNDERING.
	- Any rips or tears need to be mended before washing or the laundering process may make them larger.

4.

FRAYING.

Fraying occurs from abrasion during normal wear around the edges of towels, pillow cases, and on collar tips and cuffs, etc.  For example, the collar tip rubbing against the shirt while it is being worn. - Don't overload.  Clothes must circulate freely in the tub.  Permanent press loads should be smaller than regular loads. - Sort carefully.  Don't wash and dry heavy, abrasive articles, such as towels, jeans, or sweatshirts with permanent press or delicate items. - Avoid overdrying.  This may cause abrasion of shirt collars and cuffs.  Remove shirts from dryer as soon as they are dry.

5.	INSECTS, MICE, OR PETS.
	Crickets, silverfish, and moths may eat fabric, causing holes of varying size.  Pets may use their claws to cause damage. - Look for insects on the clothing.  Consumers may need to use moth balls or an alternative storage area to protect clothing.

6.	POOR CONSTRUCTION.
	- Look for seams which are not completely finished off or for any loose threads. - Some garments are made of lower quality fabrics and threads. - Check "second" or outlet store purchases carefully for defects.

7.

SNAGGING/TINY HOLES.

Cotton/Polyester knits snag very easily because they are a series of loops.  Sharp or rough objects can catch one or more loops causing a snag.  This may occur in the wash tub if an item is washed with other items having zippers or hooks.  Some snags may be manufacturing defects unnoticed at the time of purchase.  However most snagging occurs during normal wear and use. Terry cloth has small loops of thread on the surface, so it snags easily during normal use by rough towel bars, laundry hampers, jewelry, hair brushes, etc. - Avoid washing any rough objects with items which may snag.  Close all zippers and fasten hooks and eyes. - Don't overload.  Match the water level to the size of the load. - Check washer tub, agitator, or door for rough spots, etc., with a nylon panty hose.  Any rough spots will snag the nylons and identify a potential snag.APPLIANCE E.M.T.