Quick Answer:
If you see an oily film forming in the washer drum or floating on the incoming water, stop the cycle and check the water supply right away. The film can come from oil or grease introduced into your plumbing, a problem with the water source, or residue left in the machine. Do not run the load until you confirm the cause and the water is clear.
Why This Happens
An oily film in laundry water usually comes from one of three places:
- Contaminants in the supply water — for example, motor oil, oily runoff, or a failed connection that allowed oil into a private well or supply line.
- Residue inside the washer — leftover fabric softener, laundry additives, or previous loads with heavily soiled oily rags can leave a film.
- Plumbing or supply-side problems — backflow from nearby work, a faulty pressure relief device, or cross-connections with non-potable lines.
Two common comparisons homeowners mention are a **Soapy feel after smart shutoff trip** and when tap water has a **water leaves rainbow film** appearance; those clues can point toward detergent or oil contamination respectively and help narrow the source.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Stop the machine and pause the fill
Immediately cancel or pause the cycle. If the washer is mid-fill, pause the washer mid-fill and inspect inlet water in a clear cup. Note color, sheen, smell, and whether the film floats or mixes in.
2. Turn off the washer water supply and avoid further washing
Shut the cold and hot water valves at the machine or the household supply valves. Do not continue the wash — transfer of oil to clothes will cause staining and make cleanup harder.
3. Check other faucets
Run a cold-water tap (utility sink or outdoor hose) briefly and collect a cupful. If the oily film appears at more than one fixture, the issue is likely with the supply (municipal or well). If it’s only at the washer, the problem is probably within the appliance or its hoses.
4. Inspect hoses, filters and screens
- Turn off supply, disconnect inlet hoses, and look for oily residue on the hose ends and inlet screens. Clean or replace screens that look clogged or contaminated.
- Check for signs of backflow or connections to non-potable lines near your water supply.
5. Rinse the washer if contamination appears limited to the appliance
If only the washer is affected and inlet water is clean at other taps, run an empty hot-water cycle with a washer cleaner or a normal amount of laundry detergent to help remove residue. Repeat rinse cycles until water runs clear.
6. Capture a sample and alert the right people
If oily water shows at multiple fixtures, collect a clear sample in a sealed container and contact your water utility if you’re on municipal supply, or a well contractor and lab for testing if you use well water. If you smell fuel or a strong solvent, leave the house and call your utility or emergency services as advised.
What Not to Do
- Do not wash clothes in oily water.
- Do not try to clean large amounts of oil out of plumbing with gasoline, solvents, or other flammable cleaners.
- Do not ignore a persistent odor of fuel or solvent — that could indicate a hazardous contamination and needs professional handling.
When to Call a Professional
- The oily film appears at multiple taps across the house.
- You notice a fuel or chemical smell with the water.
- Cleaning the washer doesn’t remove the film, or you find contaminated inlet screens or fittings you can’t safely access or replace.
- You use well water and suspect contamination — have the well inspected and water tested.
Safety Notes
- Wear gloves and eye protection when handling oily water or cleaning the washer. Avoid skin contact.
- Keep children and pets away from contaminated water and any stained clothing until it’s washed in clean water or discarded if heavily contaminated.
- Do not mix household chemicals like bleach and ammonia or bleach and vinegar when cleaning — that can create dangerous fumes.
- If you detect a strong petroleum smell, ventilate the area and contact professionals; do not use appliances that could create sparks until the source is identified.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why did this start suddenly?
Often a new source of contamination (recent mechanical work, spills, or a failed hose/connection) or a change in water source causes a sudden oily film. - Will an empty hot wash remove the film?
It can help if the issue is residue inside the machine, but it won’t fix supply-side contamination. - Is the water safe to use for bathing or drinking?
If you see an oily film or smell fuel, do not drink or bathe in the water until the supply is tested and cleared by a professional or utility.
Related Articles
If you’re troubleshooting a similar symptom, these guides may help:
For the full directory, see Oily Sheen, Slick Feel, or Soapy-Like Water.