R.N.
I've read that liquid fabric softener can be the culprit. You might try doing a week's worth of laundry with no type of softener at all--liquid or sheets--and see if the problem clears up. I use liquid softener and did experience the problem with my old top loader, but haven't had it yet with my front loader. Of course my front loader is only 2 months old so the problem may still resurface. I do dilute my liquid softener quite a bit--I use Downy, and I fill the cap to the lowest line (least amount), pour it in the reservoir, and then fill the reservoir up the rest of the way with water. Good luck!