How to Remove Dark Spots on Clothes After Washing

Dark spots on clothes are common and can be caused by several things. You may have accidentally left a wet towel in your washer or drier, or you could have spilled some food on the garment. 

You may often face this problem in your daily life. In this article, we will tell you how to remove dark spots on clothes after washing.

What Causes Black Spots on Clothes After Washing

Black spots on clothes after washing can be caused by a wide variety of things. The most common culprits include:

Dye Transfer

Dark spots on clothing are usually caused by the dyes used in the fabric dying process. When you wash dark clothes with other clothes or items, they can sometimes transfer onto your clothes and leave behind a permanent mark that’s difficult to remove.

Laundry detergent residue

Detergents leave behind residues that can react with natural dyes in clothes to cause dark spots. The reaction occurs when the detergent residue mixes with water during washing or rinsing. This is why it is important to remove all traces of laundry detergent from your clothes before they dry.

Iron deposits

Iron deposits form when fabrics rub against each other during washing or drying, which can damage the fabric and cause them to fade faster than usual. The rust-colored stains caused by iron deposits are difficult to remove, but applying an oxygen bleach stain remover should help lift them off easily.

Water spots

Water spots are caused by minerals present in hard water, which deposit onto fabrics as they come into contact during washing or drying cycles. You should try using distilled water instead of tap water when you wash your clothes to avoid these stains from forming on them in future washings.

Fabric conditioner build-up

If you’re using fabric softeners in your laundry loads, this can also cause dark spots on clothes after washing as it leaves behind a residue that may not be removed during wash cycles.

How to Remove Dark Spots on Clothes After Washing

Removing dark spots on clothes after washing can be a tricky task. The spots may be caused by different things and can occur in many different places, but they are all annoying.

Here are some ways you can get rid of them:

Wash in Vinegar Solution

Vinegar is an excellent alternative to chemical-based stain removers. To remove stubborn dark spots on clothes after washing, add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar to the wash cycle. The acidity of the vinegar will help dissolve any protein-based stains and leave your clothes looking fresh and clean.

Soak in Oxygen-Based Bleach

Oxygen-based bleach is a great alternative to chlorine bleach if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Oxygen bleach works by releasing oxygen molecules that break down stains without using harmful chemicals as chlorine bleach does. It’s also less likely to cause fading or damage to delicate fabrics than other types of bleaches. 

To use oxygen-based bleach, dilute it with water as per manufacturer instructions before soaking your garment in the solution for about 30 minutes (or longer if the stain is particularly stubborn). Rinse well with cool water afterward to prevent staining other items when drying the clothing.

Oily Spots on Clothes After Washing

Oily stains can be tough to remove, but you can get rid of them if you follow the right steps.

1. If the spot is fresh, soak the garment in cold water and apply liquid detergent directly onto the spot. 
2. Let it sit for several minutes before laundering as usual.
3. If the stain has dried, put 3 tablespoons of white vinegar into a bowl and add warm water until it forms a paste. 
4. Using an old toothbrush, gently scrub the paste into the stained area until it disappears. 
5. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and launder as usual.

How to Remove Dark Spots on White Clothes After Washing

Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Start by washing the shirt again in cold water, using a mild detergent.
2. Next, fill a bucket with warm water and some white vinegar and immerse the stained area of the shirt in it for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse the vinegar out of your shirt with clear water and then lay it flat on a clean towel to dry.

How to Remove Grey Stains on Clothes After Washing

There are several different causes of grey stains on clothing. The first is exposure to too much chlorine bleach in your washing machine. This may happen if you’ve accidentally overdosed your wash cycle with bleach.

1. To remove gray stains from clothes, dissolve a quarter cup of borax in hot water and soak your clothes overnight. 
2. The next day, wash them again with warm water and borax detergent. 
3. If the stain remains after washing, repeat the process until it disappears completely.

How to Prevent Dark Spots on Clothes After Washing

How to Prevent Dark Spots on Clothes After Washing

Dark spots on clothes can be caused by many factors, including the type of fabric and how it is laundered. It’s best to prevent stains from occurring in the first place by following these tips.

1. Use cold water when washing light-colored clothing. Hot water will set the stain and make it harder to remove later.
2. Use a gentle detergent that doesn’t contain bleach or brighteners. These ingredients can leave behind residue that causes dark spots.
3. Rinse your clothing thoroughly after washing. 
4. If possible, air dry your clothing in the shade instead of using a clothes dryer.