How to Remove Stains on Clothes from the Dryer: A Complete Guide

Have you ever pulled a favorite shirt out of the dryer only to find mysterious stains that weren’t there before? Dryer stains are frustrating—especially when they appear after the final step of laundry. But don’t worry: you can still salvage your clothes. This article will walk you through what causes dryer stains, how to remove them, and how to prevent them from happening again.

What Causes Dryer Stains?

Dryer stains typically come from one of the following sources:

• Fabric softener or dryer sheet residue: These can build up on the drum and transfer to clothes.
• Dirty or coated dryer drum: Fabric dyes, melted crayon, ink, or grease can leave marks.
• Burn marks: Overheating or contact with foreign material can scorch fabric.
• Pens, markers or other items left in clothing: Forgotten items like gum, lipstick, or markers can melt and stain other clothing.

Identifying the cause will help you choose the right cleaning strategy.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Dryer Stains from Clothes

1. Act Quickly

The sooner you address the stain, the higher your chances of full removal. Do not run the clothes through the dryer again—heat will set the stain permanently.

2. Choose the Right Stain Remover

Here are some common solutions based on the type of stain:

• Grease or softener stains: Use dish soap (like Dawn). Apply it to the stain, gently scrub with a toothbrush, and rinse with warm water.
• Ink or dye stains: Try rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Dab it on, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then blot with a clean towel.
• Crayon or wax stains: Freeze the garment and gently scrape off residue. Follow with a hot water wash and stain remover.

3. Launder Properly

After treating the stain:

• Wash with the hottest water safe for the fabric.
• Check before drying again. If the stain persists, repeat the treatment.

How to Clean Your Dryer to Prevent Future Stains

Preventing future stains is just as important as removing them. Here’s how to maintain your dryer:

• Wipe the drum regularly with a cloth and white vinegar or mild detergent.
• Remove residue: For sticky stains (crayon, ink), use a paste of baking soda and water or a cleaner like Goo Gone. Always rinse thoroughly.
• Clean the lint trap and inspect the drum seals for buildup.
• Run a hot cycle with a few towels after cleaning to remove remaining residue.

To help keep your clothes dryer in top shape, schedule annual appliance maintenance through Sears Home Services. Our technician will visit you home to inspect and professionally clean your dryer so it operates safely and efficiently.

Schedule washer maintenance at the same time to keep that appliance in top shape as well. Better yet, have your kitchen appliances professionally cleaned and maintained too. We offer maintenance bundles so you can easily keep all of your appliances in top shape with one easy visit.