Easy solutions solve common laundry problems

Sometimes newly laundered clothes just don't turn out right. Here are some common problems and the most likely solutions to resolve these pesky issues.

• You may need to increase the amount of detergent in the next load, use a detergent booster or increase the temperature of the wash water.
• However, the grey could be from dye that has bled from darks to lights, suggesting you need to sort better. Try blue added to the wash load — it sometimes corrects greying in white fabrics.

• Your powdered detergent isn't dissolving properly.
• Make sure the loads aren't too full.
• Use liquid detergent with cold-water cycles.
• Try letting the washing machine fill with water, adding the detergent and then adding the clothes.
• If the problem is caused by hard water, you may need to add a water-softening product in the next load.
• To remove hard-water residue from clothes, soak them in a solution of 250 ml (1 cup) of white vinegar per 4 litres (4 quarts) of warm water.
• Rinse and re-wash.

• You probably need to sort the washing better.
• Separate the lint producers, such as fleecy tracksuits, chenille items, new towels and flannel pajamas, from lint attractors, such as corduroys, synthetic blends and dark fabric.
• To remove the lint, use a lint roller or pat with the sticky side of masking or packing tape.
• Check to make sure pockets are empty of tissues and other paper before you wash.
• Make sure the washer and dryer lint filters are clean.

• This is most common among synthetic fabrics. Try turning synthetic clothing inside out before washing. (Pilling is caused by abrasion of fibres, and by turning a garment inside out it cuts down on abrasion during the wash and dry cycles.)
• You can also wash your synthetics all together in a gentler, shorter cycle.
• Using a liquid detergent will help.
• To remove pills, snip them off with a battery-powered pill remover (available from sewing shops and discount retailers), or pull the fabric tight over a curved surface and carefully shave the pills off with a safety razor.