What Causes Brown Streaks on Clothes from the Cabrio Washing Machine?

High Iron Content

• Brown streaks on clothes as well as inside the Cabrio washer are often caused by high iron content in water. You also might notice brown stains on dishes in the dishwasher or in other water-based appliances because of the water's high level of iron. Using a household water filter can correct the problem. A plumber can answer questions and help to install a filter.

Detergent Amount

• Using the recommended amount of detergent for each load of laundry is important because using a lower level of detergent may leave clothes dirty or stained. Most Cabrio washers are high-efficiency and should be used with high-efficiency (HE) detergent. Filling the Cabrio washing machine's detergent dispenser to the “Fill” level mark produces the best results.

Hot Water

• Washing clothes in the hottest water recommended on clothes' fabric care instructions is ideal. Cold water may not dissolve detergent enough and may not get clothes as clean as hot water. Use warm water cycles, and verify that the Cabrio washing machine's hot water hose is connected to the hot water faucet and the machine's cold water hose is connected to the cold water faucet.

Clothing Colors

• Washing different types and colors of clothes separately is important because clothes dye, including brown dye, can transfer between light items and dark items. Keeping light-colored items separate from dark-colored items is best to prevent their colors from transferring and to prevent clothes from looking dingy. Use liquid chlorine bleach to help remove brown stains from white clothing if doing so is recommended in the clothing's fabric care label instructions.

Washer Cleaning

• Cleaning the Cabrio washing machine on a regular basis can help to prevent brown streaks on clothes. Put a washing machine tub cleaner tablet in the machine's empty basket, set the washer to the "Clean Tub" cycle, and start the cycle. When the cycle is finished, leave the Cabrio's door or lid open to allow the basket to dry.

Whirlpool Customer Service

• Contact Whirlpool if the brown stains continue to occur after you made changes to solve the problem. Stains can appear when some of a Cabrio washing machine's seals wear out and require replacement.