Okay -- What *is* this stuff and how do I get rid of it the *first* time?!

[Kris]

I just pulled another dark colored sweatshirt out of the dryer to find a spot on it! This happens pretty much every time I do laundry -- the dark colored t-shirts and sweatshirts come out with some kind of spot on them. I do use Shout to pre-treat the stains I can *see* but these little turkeys don't show up until after the clothes have been washed and dried!

So I then treat the spot, let it sit for a day or so, rewash it and nine times out of ten, *now* it's okay! But I'm tired of doing this stuff twice!

I have never had this problem before. Is it our hard water? Are they grease stains? I've tried stuff in the water -- Oxy-clean and the like -- it makes no difference.

I don't need new glasses. Just got those. :D

[Claire]

Fabric softener can cause those types of spots. Not sure, but I think softener sheets in the dryer are worse than liquid softener in the washer.

[CookieMonster]

I really don't know what the spot is.

Claire's answer sounds good....

[Janet in WA]

Fabric softener can cause those types of spots. Not sure, but I think softener sheets in the dryer are worse than liquid softener in the washer.Yep.

[Barb F. PA in AZ]

THANK YOU for asking this question! I've always wondered the same, but never got around to thinking deeply enough to solve the problem. I've long since adjusted to simply accepting mystery stains around here.

Barb

[Kris]

Fabric softener can cause those types of spots. Not sure, but I think softener sheets in the dryer are worse than liquid softener in the washer.

Thank you, Claire! I'll pay attention to that and see if it makes a difference. I don't use dryer sheets, but I do use fabric softener. Figures that I have most of the laundry caught up for a change so will be a few days before I can report on the results of my experiment.

Thanks!

THANK YOU for asking this question! I've always wondered the same, but never got around to thinking deeply enough to solve the problem. I've long since adjusted to simply accepting mystery stains around here.

You're welcome, Barb! Let me know what you find out if you get to it first, eh? :D

[8FillTheHeart]

Agreeing with others. Just wanted to pass on a tip......pre-treat with Dawn when you get them (or any grease based stain). Dawn does a great job on removing grease stains from laundry. :)

[Heather in the Kootenays]

I had mystery spots on clothes from the laundry years ago. It turned out that the washer was failing and leaking oil. It only happened on the first load of laundry through.

[mrscopterdoc]

I get these spots too, mostly on black silky type workout shorts. I get them when I pull them out of the washer and I don't use fabric softner. It only happens once in awhile so I don't think my washer is leaking oil. I would think it would show up on light colored clothes also too. Its so weird and irritating.

[DollyM]

this is what caused my "mystery stains" until I found it.