Is Your Laundry Detergent Leaving White Marks? Here’s Why and What to Do

White streaks or powdery residue on freshly washed laundry can be frustrating—especially in commercial settings where clean presentation is critical. Whether you're managing a gym, hotel, care facility or childcare centre, white marks can undermine cleanliness standards and increase complaints.

In this article, we’ll break down what causes white marks from laundry detergent, how to prevent them, and what New Zealand businesses can do to ensure spotless results every wash.

What Causes White Streaks on Laundry?

White detergent residue is typically caused by:

• Using too much detergent: Overdosing can overwhelm the rinse cycle, leaving behind undissolved powder or liquid residues.

• Cold water washing: Some detergents don’t fully dissolve in cold water, especially powders.

• Hard water: Minerals in hard water can interfere with detergent solubility.

• Overloading the machine: Clothes may not rinse properly when packed too tightly.

• Low-quality detergent: Cheap formulations may use fillers or ingredients that don’t dissolve easily.

How to Prevent White Marks on Laundry

1. Use the Correct Amount of Detergent

Always follow dosing guidelines. More detergent doesn't mean cleaner clothes—it often results in build-up and white patches.

2. Choose a Commercial-Grade Detergent

Opt for high-quality detergents designed for commercial machines. These are often better formulated to dissolve efficiently.

3. Pre-Dissolve Powdered Detergents

If you must use powder, mix it with warm water before adding to your machine—especially if you're washing in cold water.

4. Don’t Overload Machines

Give fabrics room to move. This helps ensure detergent and water circulate properly.

5. Consider Liquid Detergents

Liquids generally dissolve more easily and are ideal for cold or quick cycles.

Explore commercial laundry liquids and powders

For a more in-depth comparison between detergent types, explore our guide: Powder vs Liquid Laundry Detergent: Which One’s Better for Your Business Needs?. It offers valuable insights to help NZ businesses choose the best option based on performance, cost, and operational needs.

Recommended Practices for NZ Businesses

For New Zealand businesses, ensuring laundry standards are met is key to hygiene and customer satisfaction. Whether you're handling uniforms, towels, or linens:

• Schedule regular machine maintenance

• Use a detergent suitable for your water type

• Choose products with eco-certifications and proven performance

Pro Tip: Check out our article on Fragrance vs Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergents: What’s Right for Your NZ Workplace? to decide what’s right for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the white marks on my laundry? A: They are usually detergent residues that haven’t rinsed out properly due to overdosing, hard water, or cold wash cycles.

Q: Can white streaks damage clothing? A: While they’re mostly cosmetic, over time, detergent build-up can reduce fabric softness and breathability.

Q: How do I remove detergent residue already on clothes? A: Run a rinse-only cycle with warm water. Adding a bit of white vinegar can help dissolve the residue.

Q: What’s the best detergent to avoid white marks? A: Look for low-residue, commercial-grade detergents specifically designed for NZ water conditions.

Say Goodbye to White Streaks with Insinc Products

Insinc Products provides a wide range of laundry detergents tailored for commercial use across New Zealand. Our products are formulated to rinse clean, reduce waste, and maintain professional hygiene standards.

• Designed for NZ commercial washers
• Effective in both cold and warm water
• Bulk supply options for all industries

Shop Laundry Detergents Now or contact us for a tailored solution.