Grey Marks on Clothes After Washing? Causes and Fixes

Issue

• Grey marks on laundry after washing in washing machine
• Residue or stains on clothes after washing
• Laundry comes out with grey smudges
• Why are my clothes coming out with stains?

Applies to

• Washing Machines
• Washer Dryers

Resolution

Grey marks on laundry are usually caused by detergent residue, a dirty washing machine, overloading, or incorrect detergent use.

Washing frequently at low temperatures (40 °C or below), combined with enzyme-based detergents, can lead to build-up of mould and greasy residues inside the drum, seals, and pipes.
This can result in:

• marks or stains on clothes
• unpleasant odours
• blocked components

How to fix grey marks on laundry

1. Regularly perform a maintenance wash using a washing machine cleaner.

• Empty the Drum
  Make sure the washing machine is completely empty - no clothes or laundry items.
• Select a Hot Wash Cycle
  Choose the hottest cycle available (usually Cotton 90°C or 95°C).
• Add a Cleaning Agent to the drum
• Run the Cycle
  Start the cycle and let it complete fully. Do not interrupt it.
• Clean the Detergent Drawer and Door Seal
  After the cycle, wipe down:
  • The rubber door seal (check for mould or residue)
  • The detergent drawer (remove and rinse under running water if possible)
• Repeat Monthly
  Doing this once a month helps prevent buildup and keeps your machine fresh and efficient.

For detailed instructions, refer to the user manual provided with the appliance.

Download the user manual.

We recommend specialized cleaners available in our online shop.

2. Avoid chemical reactions on fabrics

Stains on clothes/fabrics can also be caused by a chemical reaction between certain personal care products or household items and the detergent.

Gray marks on laundry after washing can be prevented as follows:

In the future, avoid contact between your clothes and the following personal care products:

• Household bleach
• Face cream
• Shampoo
• Perfumes
• Gels
• Hair dyes or colorants

3. Use a pre-wash cycle. The pre-wash cycle should be run without detergent.

4. Make sure to use the correct amount of detergent.

Use the amount recommended by the detergent manufacturer. Do not overdose.

5. Check for overloading the washing machine

Overloading the drum can prevent proper rinsing and cause detergent and dirt to redeposit on clothes, leaving grey marks.

How to fix it:

• Avoid filling the drum to maximum capacity
• Leave space for clothes to move freely
• Follow load size recommendations in your user manual

6. Ensure proper rinsing (extra rinse option)

Insufficient rinsing can leave detergent residue on fabrics, causing dull or grey marks.

How to fix it:

• Use the extra rinse or intensive rinse option
• Reduce detergent if foam or residue remains
• Check water pressure if rinsing seems weak

7. Sort laundry correctly

Mixing very dirty items with lightly soiled fabrics can transfer dirt and cause grey marks.

How to fix it:

• Wash heavily soiled items separately
• Sort by fabric type and soil level
• Avoid mixing lint-heavy items (e.g. towels) with delicate fabrics

8. Check water hardness and detergent type

Hard water can reduce detergent effectiveness and lead to residue build-up.

How to fix it:

• Use detergent designed for your water hardness
• Add a water softener if needed
• Adjust detergent dosage based on local water hardness

9. Inspect and clean the drum regularly

Residue, grease, and biofilm can build up inside the drum and transfer onto laundry.

How to fix it:

• Wipe the drum periodically
• Leave the door ajar after washing to dry
• Run maintenance cycles regularly (as described above).