Noticed your washing machine leaving clothes dirty lately? Wondering why your laundry comes out with stains and the machine doesn’t seem to be doing its job properly? In today’s article, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons behind stained clothes after a wash — and share simple, at-home fixes to sort it out

Washing machine leaving clothes dirty? Most common causes

If your washing machine is leaving stains on your clothes, it’s usually not down to a faulty part. Below, we’ve listed the most common reasons why clothes might come out of the wash with marks or stains.

Rust in the washing machine

One possible reason for stained clothes is rust inside the machine. A lack of regular care and maintenance can lead to rust forming on the drum, hinges, or water inlet pipes. These rusty parts can transfer dirt onto your clothes during the wash and may also cause issues with spinning.

Too much detergent

If your washing machine is leaving stains on your clothes, the culprit might be using too much detergent. Excess washing powder often builds up in the fabric fibres, leaving a residue that clings to your clothes instead of rinsing away properly.

Dirty washing machine

Leftover detergent can build up inside the machine — both in the drum and in the detergent drawer. These residues can transfer onto your clothes during the wash, leaving unsightly marks. If the machine isn’t cleaned regularly, mould can also begin to grow, especially around the rubber seals, where it appears as a dark, damp-looking layer. On top of that, limescale can build up due to lack of maintenance, which may also lead to staining on freshly washed clothes.

Clogged washing machine filter

If your washing machine is leaving marks on your clothes, it’s worth checking the filter. Sometimes it can become blocked and unable to properly drain away dirt and debris from the drum — which then ends up settling on your laundry instead. A clogged filter is especially likely to be the cause if the stains are dark grey or black.

Faulty Thermostat

A faulty thermostat, which controls the amount of water in the washing machine, may result in too little water being used during the wash cycle. Without enough water, detergents can’t dissolve properly — leading to residue on your clothes.

Washing machine leaving stains? What different stain colours mean?

The colour of the stains can give you a clue about what’s causing them. Find out what’s behind grey, brown or black marks on your clothes after washing — and how to fix it.

Grey stains on clothes after washing

Grey stains are usually caused by using too much detergent. Washing at low temperatures or choosing the wrong rinse cycle can also play a part. There might even be leftover detergent or fabric softener in the drawer from previous washes, which can transfer onto your clothes and leave an unpleasant smell. To avoid this, make sure you’re using the right amount of detergent for the size of the load and how dirty the clothes are. Also, check you’re using a suitable wash programme.

Brown marks on laundry

Not cleaning or airing out your washing machine often enough can lead to brown or rusty stains on your clothes. Moisture inside the drum encourages rust to form. Rust not only leaves marks on clothing but can also damage parts of the machine over time.

Black stains after washing

If your washing machine is leaving black marks on your laundry, it’s worth checking the filter. It may be blocked — often by small items like socks or coins that have slipped through during the wash. When this happens, dirt and debris stay trapped inside the machine rather than being flushed out, leading to dark stains on clothes.

Washing machine leaving stains? How to prevent it?

As you’ve seen, stained laundry is usually the result of poor maintenance or using detergents incorrectly. Below, we’ll walk you through a few simple steps to help prevent marks on your clothes in future.

Clean your washing machine regularly

If your washing machine hasn’t had a proper clean in a while, there’s probably quite a bit to do. It’s a good idea to give it a thorough clean once a month. This helps prevent issues like stained laundry, rust build-up, and limescale deposits.

Start by cleaning the detergent drawer, then move on to the filter and rubber seals. Don’t forget the drum, either. You can use a simple cleaning solution made from equal parts white vinegar and water. It’s also worth running an empty cycle with vinegar from time to time — just pour a cup of vinegar straight into the drum, select the hottest and longest wash cycle, and let it run.

If your machine is leaving rust stains on clothes, check for signs of corrosion. Use a rust remover and clean any affected parts carefully.

Go easy on the detergent

Using too much washing powder can be one of the main reasons your clothes come out dirty. If the detergent doesn’t dissolve properly, it sticks to the fabric instead. Overloading the drum and choosing short, low-temperature cycles only make the problem worse — leading to stains and unpleasant odours. Always use laundry products according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Choose the right wash cycle

If your washing machine is staining your clothes, it’s important to choose wash programmes that match both the size of the load and how dirty the clothes are. This helps the machine rinse out detergent more effectively and prevents unsightly marks from forming.

How to remove stains caused by your washing machine?

Wondering how to get rid of stains left by your washing machine? We’ve got you covered.

For black marks, one of the best solutions is to rewash the garment with a couple of tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda. Simply add it straight into the drum. You can also make a paste using bicarb and a little water, and apply it directly to the stain before washing.

When it comes to rusty stains, citric acid works a treat. Soak the affected clothes in a solution made with 2 tablespoons of citric acid per 1 litre of water. Leave them to soak for at least an hour, then wash them on your usual daily cycle.

For greyish or greasy marks, white vinegar is your best friend. Add a cup of vinegar to a bowl of warm water and soak the stained clothes. After that, just wash them as you normally would.

Washing machine still leaving stains? When to call in a professional

If you’ve cleaned the machine and filter, used the right amount of detergent, and the problem keeps coming back — it might be time to call in an expert. A qualified technician can diagnose the issue and sort it out properly.

Summary

• There are several reasons your washing machine might be leaving stains on your clothes. One of the most common is rust, often caused by poor maintenance.
• A blocked filter can also be to blame — during the wash cycle, clothes can come into contact with trapped dirt and debris that hasn’t been flushed away properly. Using too much detergent is another frequent culprit, as excess product can cling to fabric rather than rinsing out.
• A faulty thermostat might also cause issues, particularly if it leads to insufficient water during the wash.
• Grey stains are usually a sign of mould or detergent overload, while black marks often point to a clogged filter. Brown or rusty stains are typically caused by internal rust within the machine.
• The good news? Regular and proper cleaning can prevent most of these problems and help your washing machine run more smoothly. Don’t forget to clean the drum and detergent drawer regularly, and once a month, run an empty hot wash with a specialist cleaner or white vinegar.
• After every cycle, leave the door open and wipe down the drum and rubber seal — this helps stop mould and rust from forming.
• Always use laundry detergents sensibly and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• If stains do appear, you can treat them with simple household solutions like vinegar, bicarbonate of soda or citric acid — or reach for a specialist stain remover if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

What should I do if my washing machine is staining clothes?

If your washing machine is leaving marks on your clothes, start by giving it a thorough clean — and make sure to keep up with regular maintenance going forward. Once a month, run an empty hot wash at 90°C with white vinegar on the longest cycle. You can also use a specialist washing machine cleaner.
In addition, be mindful of how much detergent you’re using, and always select a wash programme that suits the size of the load and how dirty the clothes are.

Why is my washing machine leaving dark stains on clothes?

Dark stains on laundry are often caused by a build-up of rust, mould or leftover detergent in the drawer, drum or rubber seals. A clogged filter or a faulty thermostat can also lead to unsightly marks. Another common reason is using too much detergent, which can leave residue on fabrics instead of rinsing away properly.

Why are my clothes still dirty after washing?

One common reason is overloading the drum or using wash cycles with water that’s too cold. It can also come down to using too little — or too much — detergent. In all these cases, dirt and grime aren’t properly rinsed out, leaving clothes less than fresh after a wash.

How do I remove stains caused by the washing machine?

You can get rid of washing machine stains using simple household items. For black marks, bicarbonate of soda works best — just add two tablespoons straight into the drum and rewash the stained clothes.

For brown stains, soak the fabric in a solution made from water and two tablespoons of citric acid, then wash as usual.

Why are there brown stains on my laundry?

Brown or rusty stains are usually caused by rust inside the washing machine. This often results from long-term lack of maintenance. In most cases, corrosion develops inside the drum, so it’s a good idea to use a specialist rust remover. To stop the problem from coming back, make sure to clean your washing machine regularly.

If you’re dealing with grey stains, white vinegar is a reliable fix. Add a cup of vinegar to a bowl of warm water, soak the clothes for an hour or two, then wash them as you normally would.