Washer or Dryer? Problems

[paula]

I don't know if it is my washer or dryer. I just washed and dryed some sheets and there were black smears on the pillow cases (not grease but more like an ink stain) when I removed them.

I recently washed a comforter which may have caused the washer to become unbalanced. Could this have anything to do with the black smears I am seeing? Thanks for any input.

Paula

[DIY Guy]

If it wasn't caused by something put in with the wash, such as a pen, then it sounds like it may be oil leaking from the washing machine's transmission.

Wipe down the inside of the wash tub with to clean any of the spotting material. Then wash a single white item like a t-shirt or rag. If you see the same blackish spots, it is probably transmission oil.

If it is, it is a serious problem. The transmission, whether repaired or replaced will be expensive and it is worth considering replacing the entire washer rather than fixing it. It is not a do-it-yourselfer type repair.

[paula]

DIY GUY: Before I send this washing machine to the graveyard, could it possibly be coming from the dryer? I just washed a white t-shirt all by itself and saw no signs of the "ink" type smear (and no, there was never a pen in the previous wash). The reason I ask this is that when I discovered the problem on the fabric the fabric was "puckered" along with the stain, i.e., could the fabric have been sucked into the holes of the dryer?

Obviously I know nothing about washers and dryers but would appreciate any help I can get. Thanks.

[Dan O.]

I don't know if it is my washer or dryer. What make and models are they?

You can find tips for locating the model and serial number identification tag on your appliances at the following link:

LINK > Model Number Tag Search (http://www.repairclinic.com/0089.asp?apptype=11)

there were black smears on the pillow cases (not grease but more like an ink stain) when I removed them. Do the 'stains' wash out?

I recently washed a comforter which may have caused the washer to become unbalanced. Could this have anything to do with the black smears I am seeing? I doubt it.

could the fabric have been sucked into the holes of the dryer? That may be possible depending on the make and model of dryer in question and how it was designed.

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site (http://www.appliance411.com/parts/?ref411=Clothes+Washer)
=D~~~~~~

[DIY Guy]

If there are no stains from the wash, that is a good sign. I would just keep using it and keep a close eye on the wash. Check the wash before putting it in the dryer to avoid setting the stains.

By the way, if this were a problem with the washer you could just keep using it until it completely died. Although the stain problem would probably make that an undesirable option.

Check the dryer for stains on the drum. Any signs of "ink" or rust? Reach in and turn the drum by hand - any sounds like maybe debris inside the baffles (the protruding tabs inside the drum)?

When the dryer is running is the drum actually tumbling?

Can you rule out burns on the clothing - it is an inky stain not a burn right?

Bottom line, a dryer is much less likely to cause staining. It is much more likely to be caused by something that went through the wash, or to be from the washer. You will just hav eto keep an eye on things and try to use basic detective skills to figure where this is coming from.

Incidentally, I was just reminded that if you are using a different brand of detergent than usual or other additive, it might be coming from that. Some agents have "cleaning crystals" that sometimes don't properly dissolve.