My top loader whirlpool (3yrs old) appears to be causing stains: after careful monitoring it appears the fabric softener container conitunes to leak/drip/run down the central column - so staining sheets, clothes etc. How can I prevent this? We do dilute the fabric softerner according to instructions and do try to clean the fabric softner container at regular intervals. Help?

Hi,

Please check that you added the softener to the correct compartment of your washer. Also, please read or re-read the instructions for adding the fabric softener. Once you've done those 2 things, please run a test wash with clothes that you would not particular care about potentially staining. Thank you.

i believe the stains are actually semi burn marks. If you are drying your whites try a lower heat setting. i had this problem with my kenmore dryer before too. Got bad especially with towels. Make sure your vent is not clogged and your filter is cleaned regularly to let the heat flow better. should help.

Front loaders are junk you should have bought a top loader again

you probably have a clogged tube from some old softener that dryed up inside it

One possible cause.
Someone is pouring fabric softener in the washer's Bleach bezel.
Causing the bezel to become clogged and then overflow.

I had detergent with oxy-cleaners do this.
murf427

Had one where the softener dispenser had all kinds of dried up crud from the softener which caused the water to collect there instead of drain down. It actually looked like wax, after cleaning it out the water problem went away.

Make sure you are diluting the fabric softener before putting it into the dispenser drawer. Full strength softener will sometimes stain clothing that's why in the owners manual they always tell you to dilute it first before adding ,plus it last a lot longer and is just as affective... Hope tis helps

This could be a couple of things
1....oil from the transmission.
this is not common so lets leave this one
2.....the use of fabric softener causes greasy marks on clothing after a while
Fabric softener reacts with soap and can form a greasy jell. it can be yellow oily color or black.
You will know if you have been using fabric softener.
Stop using it straight away.
To clean oty the machine if it were mine I would put a packet of epson salts in with hot water and let the comp[lete cycly go.
Foe awhile use the machine with caution as this may release build up of grease which can stain further clothing until it is all gone.
The make and model of the washer is needed for an accurate diagnosis.

fabric softener will leave oily looking stains on certain fabric. oil stains will not wash out.i do not recommend using softener in washers it gums up everything!