GE washing machine leaves dirty black streaks on the laundry - Solution

[@demarcoslm]

I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out what was causing this same issue for MONTHS! I blamed it on the detergent. Thank you your video, I popped the top off mine and EXACT same issue. Cleaned all that build up out. Thanks!

[@LindaWittendorfer]

Thank you!!! I was getting ready to replace this washing machine!!! I was SO aggravated with having my clothes come out with black marks all over them!!! Your video just saved me $1000

[@mick5330]

I was having the same problem and popped that off and mine was black! I also took a wrench and got that middle bolt off and found a huge wad of strings and lint. Along with a small amount of mildew. I bleach sprayed the hosed off everything and popped it back on. Super easy. Back to perfect! Thanks!

[@myopinion978]

You are my hero!! This has been a source of frustration for couple of years. GE must know of this design flaw and yet they still manufacture this machine with no changes - my son just bought one a couple months ago. I will show him this video -- he's going to need it.

[@jeffreyvanhorn7484]

Helpful video and I will add that once I removed the cap I realized this was just the start of the problem. I removed the bolt under the cap and lifted the bottom white plate to find even more mildew beneath it. We will be reaching out to GE........

[@ginasantiago355]

Hi. What kind of tool did you use to get the bolt off? All the ones I’ve tried seem to be too big to fit around the bolt.

[@unbrok3nillmusicllc754]

How did you remove the bolt?

[@joshuaosegueda2618]

I’ll be trying this tomorrow! Thanx

[@jillcaputo7084]

@@ginasantiago355 my husband used a ratchet set

[@myopinion978]

How did you get the wash plate off? Mine won't budge. I tried pouring boiling water in, let it sit then agitated. Another site said it would just pop off but it didn't and still won't budge.

[@MisanthropistPOV]

I've been dealing with this on and off for about a year. I was thinking it was detergent, baking soda, scent crystals, or whatever else I used on my clothes. I saw a thread on reddit that said it was an internal mechanical issue and would have to get a new washer. So happy I found your vid and solved the problem, thanks so much

[@f.isabelyrene301]

Thank you so much for this video. To get the water really hot I used my electric kettle and all the residue came out. Thank you again.

[@royaldramaandbsbrock]

Thank you so much for this video! I had been wanting to clean my washing machine for a long time and I was finally able to do it. I'm embarrassed to admit how nasty it was under the cap, but I'll make sure to do it every month from now on 😊

[@andrealaura1218]

Thank you SO much for this video! I have the same washer and for the life of me could not figure out how to get the musty smell to go away, I did all the things you did as well. Popping that cap off I was horrified by what I found! Now that will be on the list of regular cleaning now because I was always too afraid to try and figure out how to take it apart. Thank you thank you!

[@fixstuff6203]

You’re welcome! Glad it helped!

[@jenniferschnell894]

Thank you for your helpful video. I appreciate your explanation. Cannot help but remain frustrated that the manufacturer's recommended cleaning does not actually allow you to clean the machine. The idea that you have to remove a part to be able to clean a modern washing machine is new to me. I agree with your comment that is a design flaw. It will inform my future purchases as regards these machines.

[@lkwm4241]

Thank you my man! My wife and I were having the same issues and was like how is this possible. Your video is a life saver. Thank you!!!!

[@fixstuff6203]

Glad it helped

[@Micheleh2o]

We have the newer model of this same unit, it is two and a half years old and left black sludge all over brand new white sheets. We do cold water washes most of the time because of dark loads, I can't help but wonder if this contributes to more buildup? Also, I would love for you to do a follow up video on how to remove that bottom plate. We get more sludge on heavier loads, sheets, blankets, etc. I think there is a lot of gunk under that agitator plate!

[@ajitjawale217]

Thanks a lot for sharing this video.... I was able to clean my GE washing machine as per steps provided.... now clothes come out clean.

[@alexsinclaire8894]

My husband and I have a laundry machine business. We only sell Whirlpool Cabrio or Maytag Bravos. When we get them from our supplier they all have bearings that need replacing, and we have to dismantle the machine to do that. All you have to do here is get that nut out if the middle under the cap and the wash plate lifts up. The wash plates get disgusting underneath. Just pouring that hot water isn’t going to get the gunk under the wash plate. Get that nut off ! Once the wash plate us up and off you can soak it in bleach and then take it outside and out your hose nozzle in the JET setting and blast it outta the crevices. Also, if you can it’s always a good idea to get your tub out…the dirt on the tub and inside the basket holding the tub gets really gross. I always give the tub and the basket a goid scrub to get all the gunk off before we sell our machines. Our washing machines get really dirty. I highly recommend never ever EVER using liquid fabric softener. It’s not only bad for your machine, it’s even worse for the environment. White vinegar is the best thing you can use in place of liquid fabric softener. The liquid softener blocks the holes in your tub, and attracts dirt. Using white vinegar in its place freshens your clothes, sanitizes them, keeps static away and keeps your tub and basket clean.you can also use a combo of white vinegar and baking soda to clean your washer…in the hottest setting. I highly recommend you dismantle your washer at least once a year. You can find out how right here on UTUBE. Your washing machine is not clean…it’s filthy…they all are.

[@mandla9267]

I'm a technician u helped me a lot

[@fanguy247b9]

I've got a Samsung 4.5 cubic ft top load washer and love it. In the manual mine doesn't recommend using liquid fabric softeners unless it's absolutely necessary and it forces a clean the wash cycle every twenty washes. Had it about six months and it doesn't smell however my bestfriend got the exact same washer at the same time and his is beginning to smell. He uses Downey religiously except for his towels and kids bed clothes. I believe it is the liquid fabric softeners that clog and mildew the machines so fast and easily. I helped him disassemble/clean his washer a few weeks back. It was disgusting even though he has ran the clean tub cycle every twenty washes. He has now broken his Downey habits instead switching to dryer sheets no more mold, mildew smells. Another tip is to leave the lid/ detergent drawer open after you are done so it can air dry. Mold loves dark damp places.

[@tinamcelroy3043]

Good to know. But the only problem for me is that I don't use fabric softener and still have a sticky washer.

[@ginasantiago355]

Thanks for this video! After getting under the cap and cleaning it out I noticed that the bolt also had some rust which was probably the cause of some of the yellow/orange stains on some of my whites. So I cleaned it with some Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser. But I can’t find a tool thin enough to get the nut off so I can get really under there.

[@savannahbornstein9252]

M

[@BeckyDefrancisis]

thank you so much! I was trying everything also, currently cleaning basket with bleach. But now I know I have to do a little more. I also was ready to chuck my washer. I am so happy you did this video!!!

[@marcweiser8669]

Thank you so much for the video i was on the verge of counting my losses and going to get a new washer and dryer

[@tritownnow]

Have same model, same problems, glad I found this video! Time to go to work.

[@mallorycirelli4084]

Thank you! It has been driving me nuts trying to figure out where that gunk was coming from

[@anthonyboey3210]

Awesome tip. Solved the issue with my washer, especially when it’s pretty similar to my GE model.

[@LoriJohnson-c8e]

Thank you! I’ve been trying to figure this out myself and didn’t know what to do!

[@ArielPaz08]

Thank you so much for this video! New appliances need a lot of maintenance these days.

[@samyaslifestyle1538]

Thank you sooooo much for this video I have same washer. After washing the clothes it’s come out dirty especially the black ones. Right now I’m cleaning it watching your video thank you.

[@minervabones5584]

Thanks for the video I sprayed bathroom cleaner with bleach directly to it let it sit for a few minutes and it took everything right out didn't need to scrub it

[@fixstuff6203]

Excellent!!!

[@_youssef1989]

You are a genius, had a whirlpool that we started to get orange rust marks specially on white, we thought the 10 year old dryer felt seal but it looks good, I opened the cap and there are black/orange like junk there, how the manual doesn’t mention that needs to be cleaned , subscribed to your channel

[@monikagrof90]

Thank you so much for this video!!!! Just doing the basket clean cycle alone didn't fix my problem but now the clothes come out nice and clean!

[@Lando-ve1ic]

I've get a Maytag that seems to have the same issue. I'll be scrubbing mine out tomorrow. We've been looking to replace it but you may have just saved me $700!

[@babygrlb82]

Omg you’re awesome!!!! This video is great. About to do this now to mine. It’s so bad!! Just washed a large white comforter and it came out with dirt allllll over it. I was so upset. Hopefully this works for me. I bet mine is so bad. Thanks again.

[@fixstuff6203]

Bethany Ross let me know how it works out

[@chrisnevins2272]

Thanks for the video. We we're just getting those black things now. Thanks again for the great information 👍.

[@ryanjoelelizabeth]

Same here. Thank you

[@hunterbrown910]

Really helpful. Thank you. We also removed the whole agitator by removing the screw under the cap you removed. There was a ton of gunk under that too!

[@fixstuff6203]

Excellent!!!

[@qtistmallory82]

How hard is that to do Hunter? I have heard its easy to break that peice when trying to remove, thats why I haven't dont mine yet. I have done the cap, but scared to try the big cover.

[@hunterbrown910]

@@qtistmallory82 it was really easy. One bolt to get it off. At least on ours.

[@qtistmallory82]

@@hunterbrown910 nice thanks!

[@mick5330]

@@qtistmallory82 I just did it for the first time. Super easy.

[@JessicaParedes12]

Thank you for this video!!! Mine has been smelling awful and I needed to know how to get the cap off!!

[@fixstuff6203]

You should be able to pry it off with a small flat headed screwdriver or even a butter knife could work.

[@eliseoborrerobass]

thanks! we moved to a new apartment and had no idea why this was happening, I just did the same thing and it solve the problem!

[@camillesukie527]

Thank you so much for this tip. I am so grateful and you save me a lot of money. I was about to replace the whole thing because I could not figure it out. Again, I appreciate it so much.

[@fixstuff6203]

You’re welcome!

[@gerytremaine488]

Great video! We were about to buy a new machine…… I’ll try this… we have almost same GE machine. I think ours is much older though….. ty very much..👍👍👍

[@ronikacosby8301]

Thank u! This helped so much! We cleanedI opened mine and omg 🤢 smh.

[@belowfreezing89]

Exact same machine. Exact same problem. Thank you!

[@AimGobalWorldBibleSchool]

Good Job! Man...

[@jennw6515]

Thank you so much! This has been driving me absolutely crazy! 👏😲

[@fixstuff6203]

You’re welcome!!! It was driving us crazy too!!! Now that we clean under that cap every few weeks problem solved!!

[@jodyhughes2694]

Did you pop off the agitator? if it looked like that under the cap i bet it was awful under there.

[@carolejackart]

Thanks for your video! I have the same problem with this exact model and was getting ready to throw it out. I will definitely try your solution!

[@rosangelausacurran6820]

Thank you so much! I will try that!

[@minivanventuring]

Awesome! Just ordered this washer can't wait!

[@jeffstanlaw4275]

This was the first problem. Lately now there's a sand like grit deposits at the bottom of the drum mostly around the edge crevice where it spins. Extra spin does not always help.

[@yolangley]

I have this same issue. Did you figure out the source?

[@jeffstanlaw4275]

I think the machine just sucks. Should never have this issue. Often i will run an extra rinse hoping this will help since it can't hurt…

[@surfbum44]

Nailed it!! Thanks for making the video.

[@chaangwooyoo6909]

Thanx man I slove the problem.. landlady was very happy.

[@isislove2256]

Thank you for the video ❤

[@showmetherope]

Nice job! I have the same problem with Kenmore. I will home and try it! Thank you!

[@fixstuff6203]

You’re welcome

[@jennifersoto6640]

Thank you so so much I just did mine

[@spacially]

hi! i tried the same thing, i cleaned it out with hot water and the dirt underneath was all cleaned away with a q tip. i also put in bleach and ran the basket clean. i put in my load of laundry afterwards and it came out dirtier than it was from the first load. can i get some help or insight into why this is happening??

[@jillcaputo7084]

you have to remove the nut in the center once you remove the cap and take the entire white agitator off all together, clean it and clean all the gunk underneath.... I scrubbed mine with a brush. and rinsed with hot water . Now doing a 3rd basket clean cycle.. I am praying this works!!!

[@spacially]

@@jillcaputo7084 thank you very much! i’ll definetly try unscrewing the cap.

[@jillaadel296]

Thanks!!! God bless you👏🏼🙏

[@thomasdickmeyer9380]

Same washer, same problem, thx. Sometime I will pull the 10mm bolt and clean under the tub.

[@jillcaputo7084]

you will be amazed how dirty it is under there.... definitely remove bolt and clean it

[@shawngreer9877]

Did what you suggested, worked great…but now when my machine goes into spin, sounds like a jet engine…really LOUD..any ideas

[@jillcaputo7084]

you have to remove center screw and remove the white agitator piece completely. There is so much lint/grime underneath...... all stuck underneath

[@Alan-iq9yc]

Fixed my washer immediately!

[@myriambesner5307]

Mine does the same! Thanks for advice life saver!! ✨👌🏻

[@FLIPUR422]

I have a GE SPACEMAKER Washer/Dryer that is doing the same thing. Any ideas how to clean this one with an agitator?

[@RalphCrammedIn]

I ENVY you your EASY ACCESS central part. My GE has one of those basin-high (about 4 feet) central 'augurs' that holds the fabric softener and I've tried a telescoping dust whisk cleaner (to ram down in there like a pipe cleaner), pouring clorox directly in to let soak but it slowly drains out the bottom rather than soaking. I can't figure out how to DETACH this specific augur/column to hand-clean that crap out of there as until that happens it will just keep polluting each & every wash with this greasy chunky debris.

[@glowing_rectangle]

You have to slide a rope/belt under the bottom of the agitator and pull up sharply. It takes a lot of force

[@rebescott1]

This was SO helpful, thank you!!

[@Zest4life890]

Is that a water filter that comes out?

[@learningpunjabi]

can we wash queen size blanket in ge washing machine?

[@rohitkumar-pp6md]

Amazing video. Thank you!!! This worked !

[@dennissilance5408]

Bingo! That was it on our washer too. Thanks so much

[@themuffins4]

cant thank you enough for this video!

[@sajkdhqw]

Thank you for the awesome video

[@kishaprescott6936]

I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE RIGHT NOW. I DON'T HAVE THE SAME MACHINE AS YOU, BUT I'M HOPING THE FIX IS SIMILAR.

[@fixstuff6203]

If it has a cap at the bottom of the wash tub that can be removed and cleaned it should work. Let me know how you make out.

[@kishaprescott6936]

@@fixstuff6203 NO, NO CAP. MY MACHINE HAS A BIG SPIRAL TYPE THING IN THE CENTER. THE PIECE I CAN REMOVE DOESN'T HAVE ANY BUILD UP OR ANYTHING, SO I DON'T KNOW WHERE ELSE TO LOOK AND I'M NOT COMFORTABLE ENOUGH WITH TAKING APART ANYTHING ELSE. I LIVE IN AN APT AND WITH THIS VIRUS MESS, THEY WON'T COME OUT TO LOOK AT IT. UGH!! I JUST HAD TO REBUY BRAND NEW SHIRTS THAT ALL GOT MESSED UP BECAUSE OF THIS.

[@billgatesisntadr7995]

Mine has an agitator, but I'm getting little black flecks it must be the same thing

[@tzee7736]

We have a front loader that does exactly the same. I have cleaned out all the nooks and crannies. Taken things apart and it is good for a few weeks and then the streaks are back. Definitely a design flaw. I will never buy a GE again.

[@anafez8787]

I have toshiba machine, its leaving yellow stains on clothes, i did tub wash but still..., any idea?

[@toddt6730]

I have the same machine, what’s bad is that there is nowhere for debris to go and also the clothes don’t get swishing around that good and the clothes on top just shake around a bit and don’t even get wet, but I bought it so I’m stuck with it

[@Josiegrod]

Thx U for the answer 👍

[@joseanibalrobles8319]

I tried getting the nut bolt off with a 7/16 bolt removal and it just wouldn’t come off it actually stripped

[@BradShelton-k8m]

This was a great video and it pointed me in the right direction. However - it doesn't go far enough. I'm reposting here a post I put up on reddit about this problem. I'm NOT an appliance tech: But I will claim the following two opinions. (1) If you have this flaky black crud coming from your top load washer then what you really need to do is to remove the inner drum so that you can clean both drums thoroughly. You will be amazed (disgusted) at what you find. (2) It's EASY to do this. Here's how I did my machine (same as the machine in the video): DISCONNECT THE POWER!! Turn off the water and remove the water hoses from the washer. (Be prepared for some water.) Remove two bolts (1/4") in the back of the control panel to loosen the control panel. Shift the control panel forward slightly and it will come off. Remove two grey bolts (also 1/4") near the back corners of the top (these were hidden under the control panel). Put the control panel back in place and partially put back the first two bolts (just so that the control panel isn't hanging loose). Use a putty knife/thin screwdriver/thin pry bar at the front of machine just under the top panel to pop the two metal brackets holding down the front of the top of the washer. Now the entire top of the washer will come off (but it will still have some electrical connections to the machine, so find a way to securely prop it out of the way). There's a cover ring over the top of the two baskets. It pops off from the sides easily - BUT, there's probably a single spot where the washer's power line is bolted to a small bracket on the cover. Remove that small bolt to free the power line. Then the basket cover will come right off. Inside the drum, use a thin screwdriver to pop off the cover in the middle of the agitator, then remove the bolt holding the agitator to the drum. Pull the agitator out. You may already see a lot of crud, but keep going. Now the only hard part. In my washer, the nut that holds the inner drum in place is 1.25 inches (yours may be bigger). I used a 10" crescent wrench to remove this nut. IMPORTANT: this nut is reverse threaded, so turn it CLOCKWISE to remove it. You will probably need to "tap" the wrench with a hammer in order to loosen this nut. There's a washer under the nut. Once the nut is off, the inner basked will lift out and NOW you will see the crap that has built up in your washer between the two baskets. Clean it. Then reverse the instructions to put it all back together. Sounds complicated, it's not. An hour or two of your time is probably a lot better than buying a new washer.

[@BeckyDefrancisis]

thank you. I tried everything in the above video, then undid the bolt and cleaned the agitator plate< but still had gook after the spin cycle. don't know if I want to proceed to clean drums, seems like a lot. washer s old, maybe time for a new one. thanks for your info though!!

[@RNMELI]

Same machine! Thanks so much

[@fixstuff6203]

You’re welcome!

[@VHOU812]

Good Troubleshooting!

[@jeromegee8477]

Thank you so much...😊

[@debraford3741]

Were having the exact same problem We have scrubbed and cleaned ours with bleach also. I bought the only one left in the store that had an agitator because I didn't believe a machine without an agitator could clean your clothes as well. It is still putting brown spots all over my clothes and at this point, I have no idea what to do. My machine is not that old. I will never buy GE again.

[@christywhitley6053]

Thanks! I have a Keynote that is exactly like this. It’s aggravating, time consuming & costly to clean the washer and repeatedly wash laundry that gets ruined while washing. Wish I had repaired the old 70s model my mother gave me in 1985!

[@83sumit]

I have The same model .. but it control panel is not working... Any solution from any one...lights are on but the cycle is not starting..

[@_maymie]

Thank you KZbin dad !!!

[@lisarussell6099]

You can also try citric acid to clean your machine it removes build up

[@stargazer4800]

I’m facing the issue of detergent on clothes after washing any solution?

[@fixstuff6203]

This website gives a number of reasons and solutions to try www.thespruce.com/causes-white-residue-washed-clothes-2146672

[@stargazer4800]

@@fixstuff6203 thank you soo much

[@brendakugonza]

Thanks so much

[@appliancedude63]

This is caused by liquid fabric softener. It is not good for the machine. -master appliance tech

[@keli1972mingo]

Do you use any type of fabric softener?

[@appliancedude63]

@@keli1972mingo no not the liquid type. It's bad for the seals in the machine and the fabric. I only recommend dryer sheets.

[@keli1972mingo]

@@appliancedude63 thanks! How often do you recommend running a Clean Tub cycle? And do you add a washing machine cleaner to it?

[@keli1972mingo]

@@appliancedude63 my LG front load was leaking, water would puddle at the front on the floor. I successfully removed and cleaned out tons of gunk from the 4” or so tubing that is clamped underneath the large rubber seal that outlines the opening of the washer. So much! NEXT UP: Figure out why it has a high pitched squeaking sound

[@appliancedude63]

​@@keli1972mingoI don't recommend cleaning tablets because it takes 2-3 washes to remove all of the residue from that product. I only recommend cleaning the door seal as you've already done. In regards to the noise, the front load washers are known for the bearings and or spider shaft going bad which is a major repair.

[@criis760]

All modern washing machines are doing this I had 3 different ones and they all do it. The first one I basically dismantled trying to clean it was tired of doing that the second one I didn’t even deal with it just replaced it and now on the third one is at it again 😩😩😩 why are the manufacturers making this useless machines and so expensive… old washing machines didn’t have this problems

[@leoortiz8577]

That doesn't clean it I've taken the cap off and top lid off it has another bolt to take off

[@GeorgesOpinion]

Thank you!

[@fixstuff6203]

Your welcome!

[@ib4038]

Samsung has a little opening at front of washing machine with hose that drains this stuff out. People need to keep on top of clearing that tube. I have GE now and have same problem, hence me watching this video.

[@panduranglavte8966]

Can we load cloths 2 times in a day...

[@fixstuff6203]

Should be able to

[@Aremjay24]

Bless

[@jessicapicou]

You must also take the nut off and pull the next piece off as well. It’s disgustingly dirty underneath.

[@unbrok3nillmusicllc754]

Really helped

[@apf6184]

You need to remove the bottom spinning plate ...there is more nasty shit

[@ScantPear]

You loaded the washer the wrong way you need to load it evenly around the outside like an agitator washer

[@0972labibi]

Wow! I had a whole sheet under bottom cover!

[@TheLonesometoad]

I would have removed the bolt and lifted the agitator out. cleaned it, and reassembled it.

[@barbs5668]

I did that to my machine a year ago and it didn't resolve the problem

[@bucknut6631]

We have a silver cap over this part. Manufacturer must have changed because of this issue

[@rct3026]

You need to take it a step further and remove that whole part. You will be completely disgusted by what is underneath.

[@cheyennemoore55]

How do you get the bolt off? I assumed that all the junk that was in the center is probably underneath that whole bottom, and the problem really isn't fixed yet

[@jj1234346]

Run oxyclean every week on hot