Black spots on laundry

[Rusty Spur]

I just read a post about this problem with a toploader. We have a front loader. We previously used hard water, but have been using filtered rainwater (slightly more acidic than hard water) for the last year and a half. I didn't notice the black spots on my laundry until I started using OxiClean about 10 loads ago. I thought the OxiClean might be removing built up residue from the hard water, but based on the toploader post, perhaps it is oil. What do you think? 

[AJ]

We previously used hard water, but have been using filtered rainwater (slightly more acidic than hard water) for the last year and a half.

Interesting, how do you fill your washer with rainwater?

I didn't notice the black spots on my laundry until I started using OxiClean about 10 loads ago.

Could you go back to what you were using and see if the spots stop showing up?

based on the toploader post, perhaps it is oil. What do you think?

Most top load washers have a transmission with oil in them. I can't think of any front load washers that have transmissions in them so I doubt it's oil.

What is the model number of your washer?

[Bailey]

Are they spots or streaks? Streaks are more likely to come from the dryer.

[Rusty Spur]

To Bailey: These are definitely spots, and when I spot treat them with Tide HE Original, they come out. When I wash the clothes again, I get spots.

To AJ: We harvest all the rainwater that comes off our roof and store it in a 30,000-gallon tank. We then pump it through 25 micron, 5 micron, and carbon filters. Then it passes by a UV light and into the house. Our whole potable water system is rainwater. Water resources are precious here.

After I posted the question last night, I washed sheets with Tide HE Original but without OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Free. They came out with spots on them, but not as many as previous loads. I purchased some Tide Washing Machine Cleaner and ran one package through the "normal" cycle with hot water. I haven't washed anything since I did that.

Since you say it probably isn't oil, maybe the OxiClean is cleaning residue left from the previous several years by hard water ... and perhaps the Tide Washing Machine Cleaner will remove the rest. However, the spots are removed by spot cleaning like an oil, rather than a mineral.

Our washer is Kenmore Model 110.45872400 purchased around 2005.

[JWWebster]

What color are the spots? This color:

[Rusty Spur]

To JWWebster: The spots are black.

[JWWebster]

Have you always used HE soap? The correct amount?

[Rusty Spur]

To JW Webster: I have always used Tide HE laundry detergent in this machine.

[JWWebster]

Have yall cleaned out the pump filter?

[Rusty Spur]

When we purchased the washer and dryer in 2005 or '06, we got a deal on a maintenance contract. A Kenmore repairman came out once each year for five years to perform maintenance. I am not sure what he did, but we never had to call Kenmore for a service call. The maintenance contract expired and we moved. We haven't done anything to maintain the washer except leave the door and dispenser open after we wash and keep the tub, door gaskets, dispenser and door clean. 

[JWWebster]

When you moved did you lay the washer down?

[Rusty Spur]

We did not lay the washer down when we moved. It was never closer to horizontal tha when on the dolly. We used the brackets to lock the tub and used professional movers.

[AJ]

Remove the access panel below the door and then unscrew the cap on the front of the drain pump.
Have some towels handy to catch the water that will come out when you unscrew the drain pump cap.

There is a screen/filter on the other side of the drain pump cap that may need to be cleaned out.
I have found ink pens, coins, socks and a lot of other things in there.

Here is a video that will show you how to access the drain pump on your model washer.

http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Drain-Pump/280187/1200164#repairHelpVideoTabs

[AJ]

Here is what the drain filer that is inside the drain pump looks like.

[domain]

Sorry guys. I am going to go with soap residue build up. The fact that its easily washed back out tells the tale to me. Tide washer cleaner is the best. When it gets to the point of staining clothes, its BAD.