5 Reasons Your Washer Is Rusty

Few things are more frustrating than pulling your favorite shirt out of the wash only to find rust stains. What initially might start as panic quickly leads to frustration and aggregation. Another shirt ruined by your rusty washing machine.

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Here's how to make it the last.

What Are the Signs of Rust in a Washer?

There are several signs to look for if you think you might have rust in your washer, including:

Rust in the Drum

It's recommended you examine your washing machine visually on a regular basis. Obviously, if you notice any rust spots, especially a rusty washing machine drum, you have a problem, but any noticeable red or orange-colored chips or flakes could also be a sign of rust issues with your washer.

Stained Clothes

One of the first signs you may notice is rust stains on your clothing as you remove it from a wash cycle. Typically, these rust stains from a washing machine are reddish-brown.

Rust-Colored Water

Another sure sign of rust in your washer is discolored water. If the water in your washing machine has a rusty or brownish appearance or gives off a metallic odor, it could indicate rust.

Reasons Why a Washer May Be Rusty

If you determine there's rust in your washer, it's important to identify the cause of this damage.

Excess Use of Chemicals

Harsh chemicals in your washer can lead to rust. For example, bleach can break down your washing machine's protective coating over time. It's best to avoid excessive use of these strong chemicals and to clean your washer regularly.

Moisture in the Washer

Naturally, your washing machine collects moisture every time you run a wash cycle. Rust can occur when this moisture interacts with oxygen for an extended period, especially if the washer isn't made with stainless steel or other anti-rust materials. To prevent this from happening, you can use a dry cloth to wipe down the washer after every wash cycle.

Corroded Pipes

Rust in your washing machine may not be related to your washer. It might be the pipes carrying water into your washer. If these pipes are corroded, flakes of rust could enter your washing machine and cause stains on your clothes. It's best to call a professional plumber to evaluate your pipes.

Minerals in Water

Minerals in your water, such as calcium, magnesium and iron, can also cause rust in your washing machine and other appliances. This is especially true if you have hard water. When these minerals come in contact with metal, they can cause corrosion and rust. Installing a water softener can help resolve this issue by removing these unwanted minerals from your water before they enter the washing machine.

Age of Machine

Regular maintenance and necessary repairs can prolong the life of your washing machine, but it won't last forever. As your washer ages over time, the protective coating on your machine will start to chip, crack and break. This type of wear and tear is unavoidable. When it leads to rust stains on your clothes, it may be time to buy a new washing machine.

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How to Get Rust Out of a Washing Machine

If you notice rust in your washing machine, the first thing you want to do is to clean it thoroughly.

Step 1: Inspect Your Washing Machine

Start by inspecting your washing machine and identifying all potential rust spots or problem areas.

Step 2: Use Natural Cleaners

Next, place 2 cups of lemon juice or white vinegar in your washer. Then, run it at the hottest possible setting without any clothes. Lemon juice can help break down iron oxide buildup. Repeat this step two times for best results.

Step 3: Treat Rust Spots

If you still detect rust spots in your washer, use a concentration of one part water and one part vinegar or lemon juice on the rust spot. You can also put a baking soda paste directly on the rust spot. Allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes, and wipe it off using a soft cloth. You can also use a crumpled aluminum foil ball to scrub the baking soda paste.

Step 4: Remove Exterior Rust Spots

If you notice rust spots on the exterior of your washer, you may need to use sandpaper or rust dissolver to remove these spots.

If cleaning your washing machine doesn't help remove rust, it may be time to call in the professionals. An experienced plumber can examine your washing machine and plumbing to determine where the rust is coming from and how to fix it.