My washing machine is ruining my black clothes - HELP!

[nothing2lose]

I use wool wash on my blacks (not washing powder) and I often have to rinse things twice.

[Netix]

The onpy thing I can suggest, and I do apologise, because its is more time consuming than using the machine for the whole cycle, but, when the "wash" is finished (before the machine drains), remove the clothes from the machine and rinse in the laundry tub (or bath). Empty the machine, and spin dry the clothes in the machine. This is how my Mum does ALL her washing, on direction from my Great Aunt. As she says, you need to "take the clothes out of the water, not the water out of the clothes" (this is how to get your clothes lint free). My Mum's washing is always perfectly clean and lint free.

Oh, and only possible with a top loading machine.... Good luck.

[Three Graces]

There's a special detergent that you can buy which is specifically for black clothes. I can't remember the name of it, but I remember a friend buying it for another friend who mainly wears black. Just have a look at the supermarket next time you're there.

[blessedatlast]

Thanks everyone for advice!

Netix, that sounds like a whole lotta work!!

[Netix]

It is a whole lot of work, doesn't it! Mum tried a number of times to "convert" me, but, um, no.

[AnyDream]

Instead of sorting my washing by darks vs lights, I sort dark vs gives fluff&light colours together. Keep the "gives fluff" clothes out of the washes with the "gets fluff" clothes (mostly dark clothes). Works a treat.

The other thing to note is that Choice magazine did extensive laundry powder testing and they found that you pretty much only need to use half a scoop of all the super concentrated ones. I've been washing with half a scoop for a couple of years now and it's true. We also use white vinegar instead of softener, works the same & leaves no gunk behind. Might help if some of the linty effect you're getting is actually detergent/softener residue.

Other trick - chuck em in the dryer on low for an hour to get the fluff off.

[Astrid]

My machine has a Dark cycle, works pretty well so far.