I'm thinking it might be liquid fabric softener.. I'll have to have to see if I can remove the stains, and see if they come back after doing laundry loads without liquid fabric softener.

*I just checked the owners manual for my washer, and it does say to dilute the fabric softener with warm water until you reach the max fill line. That would explain why this has not always happened. I just started occasionally using liquid fabric softener 6 months - 1 year ago, and I think this issue started happening within the past year. So I'm reading how to remove the stains, some people say liquid dish detergent, like dawn, which i have had good success with in the past. So after removing the stains, hopefully diluting the fabric softener will prevent the staining, I'm confident that it will.

What kind of washer are you using? Powder or liquid detergent? Are you adding fabric softener to a dispenser or directly into the machine?

Its hard to make it out on my phone..looks like cooking grease..but could be liquid detergent or fabric softener.

I have had this issue with LFS, too, especially on darks. Yes, straight up Dawn and a toothbrush. Work it in well, let it sit a bit, then wash on as hot water as the fabric will tolerate. I have about given up using softener other than dryer sheets in winter. Even with diluting, I sometimes saw those oily marks. Old fashioned Downy, back in the day, never did this to me.

I occassionally have problems with LFS on darks leaving white marks. Lately I've been using Gain Original and have noticed this more often and its leaving a ring of scummy foam around the tub. Usually I just dump it into the washer as its filling with rinse water. Today I will cut the amount down and premix with water first and see what that does otherwise I will have to stop using it. Too bad though since I do like the brisk herbal scent of Gain original,

I would have bet you were using dryer sheets. I have had that happen with them before but never with liquid.

I have also had the "scum" with liquid like Pink but not with every detergent. I think something in some detergents doesn't mix with certain softeners. And if you had a neutral drain machine it left all the rinse scum all over the top of the colored load. At least your SQ(Pink) spin drains.or it would be worse.IMO

Your right Sparky...I had this with the Roper once in awhile and after the last spin the entire top of the clothes were covered with the scum foam...and to think some people don't think spin drain beats Neutral drain. LOL.

Yeah Pink I have never understood that. I have had both and MUCH prefer the spin drain.

Liquid Fabric Softener and very cold rinse water can do some weird things, in my experience.

MRB

Mrb...last night this happened again, a scum ring of foam and I wondered than if the cold water rinsing was a factor in this. I checked my washers (Speed Queen) cold water temp I'm getting a reading of 50.6 degree f with a kitchen therm. Temps have turned very cold in Pa lately. Guess I'll have to use the warm water setting on wash cycle for rinsing. Thank you.

I have found it to be different with different brands of detergent and softeners. I love Cheer but it was one of the ones that would cause the scum only when used with FS. I dont see that now like I did with a TL but then I use less plus diluted softener. Final Touch softener was always the worst for that regardless of the brand of detergent, at least in my case. Havent used Final Touch in years.

Sparky, I don't use Final Touch because it gags me..what the heck did they do to the scent of it...I don't remember it smelling so awful years ago. IMO its worse than any Downy product, heck its worse than the Mexican FS I can't even think of its name at the moment. I guess you can tell I don't like Final Touch LOL.

I havent smelled it in over 16 years cause I have had this washer that long and I havent bought any since I had a TL and that all total has been probably 20 yrs or more because of the scum thing. Just use the non scent Downy--years ago used the watery pink cause it has no scent after rinsing. Wouldn't dare used any big scented anything in sons clothes then or now. So I have no clue what it smells like. My Mom used to buy Sta-Puf all the time if you remember it.(years ago)

Looks like grease.

Exactly what I thought, maybe from cooking?

I have the exact same problem on our dark clothes. I do not use fabric softener at all. It doesn't happen if I don't dry them, but then they must be ironed.

I have the same problem with my new GE ,no agitator, machine. I dont use fabric softener anymore and still have the problem. GE won't return or exchange my washer, I wanted one with an agitator.

Hey ya'll!

....i'm having this same exact greasy looking issue too! Happens in my sister's "washer" & it's happening "in the washer"! i don't use LFS, only sheets. i have also rewashed these "only dark spotted clothes" again (no dry yet), but still there, can not get it out! i've also noticed, only a cpl times, actual black grease-like stuff (on any color clothes) but luckily that has come out easily with some "Goo•Gone"!

So, WTH?! I'm thinking, it's gotta be something coming from inside the washer's machanics, but what??? and how to figure that out without paying a high price for service?!? Any ideas out there? Any washing machine service men/women have any ideas? 😊 Thanks so much!

Im having the same issues here, just bought a brand new washing machine set, no fabric softer, or dryer sheets. Its still happeing...switching to powder soap soon. starting to feel like its somehow the clothes??? normally only on dark clothing.

I have been searching around and I'm starting to think it's the clothes as well.