When "Clean" Isn't Clean: Why Laundry Sometimes Comes Out Looking Worse Than Before

Running an in-house commercial laundry is all about keeping things clean—your linens, your process, and most importantly, your budget. But every now and then, you pull a load of supposedly “fresh” towels or sheets out of the washer, only to find them streaked with strange, greasy marks that weren’t there before. Did the washing machine develop a grudge overnight? Did someone sneak in a deep-fried bedsheet?

Before you start blaming the machine, let’s clear its name. These marks aren’t caused by the washer—they’re simply being revealed. The real culprit? Residual oils and mineral- based chemicals that detergents struggle to break down. From massage oils at day spas to sunscreen on hotel towels, some contaminants require a smarter approach.

Here’s why it happens—and more importantly, how to stop it.

The Usual Suspects: Oils and Residues That Cause “Greasy” Marks

• Massage oils and lotions – Found in day spas, hotels, and wellness centres, these
  often contain mineral oils, which don’t dissolve easily in water.
• Skincare products and sunscreens – These leave behind residue that standard
  detergents may only partially break down.
• Food oils and grease – Common in restaurant and catering uniforms, these oils
  cling to fabric and require targeted treatment.
• Fabric softener build-up – Sometimes, overuse of softeners can coat towels and
  linens, making it harder for detergents to do their job.

Why Regular Detergent Doesn’t Cut It

Standard laundry detergents are designed to break down organic soils, like sweat or food residue. However, when it comes to mineral-based oils, they can only do half the job. The detergent starts dissolving the residue, but because these oils are hydrophobic (meaning they repel water), the process often gets stuck halfway through. The result? Instead of being fully removed, the oils re-deposit onto the fabric, leaving behind greasy-looking marks that weren’t there before.

This is why operators often assume there’s an issue with the washing machine—after all, the fabric looked fine before washing, and now it’s covered in marks. But really, the wash cycle just revealed the issue rather than caused it.

How to Solve It: The Right Chemical Approach

• Use an alkali booster – These help break down oils and emulsify fats so they can
  be rinsed away more effectively.
• Choose an emulsifier – Unlike standard detergents, emulsifiers are designed to
  break down mineral oils and prevent redepositing.
• Increase water temperature – Hotter water helps loosen oils, making them easier to
  remove.  You wouldn't try and get oil off your dishes using cold water... Hot water makes a difference.
• Avoid overloading the machine – More space allows better water flow, which helps
  prevent residue from sticking to fabrics.

For heavy contamination (like spa towels saturated with massage oil), a pre-wash with a degreaser before the main wash cycle can make a huge difference.

What It’s Not: Debunking the Machine Myth

A washing machine does not create marks, nor does it randomly decide to “grease up” your linens. If oily marks are appearing post-wash, the machine is simply revealing what was already there. However, ensuring the machine is in top working order does help:

• Check water levels – Too little water means there isn’t enough dilution to rinse out
  residues properly.
• Monitor detergent dosing – Too much or too little detergent can impact how
  effectively oils are removed.
• Regular machine maintenance – Over time, build-up inside the washer can
  contribute to redepositing issues.

Speed Queen machines, designed for commercial laundry operations, ensure proper agitation, thorough rinsing, and precise chemical dosing—but even the best machine can’t fix a chemistry problem on its own.

The Bottom Line: Right Chemicals, Right Process

If your linens and towels are coming out of the wash looking worse than when they went in, don’t blame the machine—blame residual oils and incomplete chemical breakdown. The right combination of emulsifiers, alkalis, and wash settings will lift oils out of the fabric, rather than letting them settle back in like an unwelcome houseguest.

For expert advice on setting up the ideal wash process for your facility, talk to a chemical wash supplier. You can ask a Speed Queen distributor to point you in the right direction. They'll help you tailor your chemicals and machine settings to ensure your laundry comes out as clean as it should be—no mystery marks, no greasy surprises, and no unnecessary finger-pointing at the washing machine.

Want to find out which machine will make doing your laundry easier?