Why are some of my clothes coming out of the washer with light red stains on them?

Question

In almost every load at least one article of clothing gets ruined. It comes out with stains on it even though there are no clothes that color. Even in all white loads things come out with these stains!! I've tried adding vinegar and it doesn't seem to be working.

Answer 1

Are these rust stains - from fresh water coming directly through your water pipes or hot water heater?

If it's not the usual which is an ink pen left in a pocket or something thrown in with the soap maybe it's caused by old galvanized housepipes and pieces of rust is entering your wash or rinse water?

Answer 2

Because something red has bled onto them.  Wash your reds seperately until you figure out which item it is, then keep it seperate until it has run out of bleed.