How do I get the smell out of washing machine after washing tea towels were mistakenly soaked in white spirit. White spirit is the base for nail varnish remover and is used to clean paint brushes etc. It has a very strong smell and is very difficult to get out of any material, although it doesn't stain. The smell lingers for ages. I usually throw the cloths away once used with white spirit but this time I decided to wash them and I can't get the smell out of the washing machine. Everything washed since has a taint, even when using a fabric softener.
Try adding white vinegar and baking soda and send the machine through several cycles. This may work. (05/20/2003)
I echo the vinegar (it's great to use instead of fabric softener on your clothes as well). You might try it with washing soda as well. Not the same thing as baking soda. I wonder if borax might help....hmmm. (06/10/2003)
By Jessica
Hi - I have just done exactly the same thing!! My washing machine reeks! Can you tell me if either of the suggestions worked, or if you found a different solution that did the trick, or is it off to the launderette for me?
Thanks
(04/16/2004)
By Clox
Please can someone tell me if the white vinegar and baking soda works? I just did the same thing last night!!! Now we have a load of laundry that smells of white spirit. (01/17/2006)
By Sandra
I'm an appliance repair technician. The only thing that we have found that takes that mildew or fungus smell from washers is a citrus based cleaner called "PUREWASH". It's not sold in stores - - only available at a website- www.smellywasher.com / it works great! We buy it in bulk! Our customers love it! (09/04/2006)
By motsbc
I just removed the smell out of mine after reading this thread...
First I got some zip ties and was able to make a trap with the hose right before the drain, and 2, I ran a cleaning solution thru the washer on a full cycle...
1 litre vingear
1/8th bottle super mildew remover (spray type)
1/4th med box of baking soda
Ran this on cold/cold setting. Then ran a quick rinse cycle of just plain cold water. Worked a charm! :D (09/21/2006)
By GUEST
Motsbc is right. That "purewash" works great! It not only cleaned my washer but it made all my towels and cottons smell new again - and it only takes a tablespoon per load! (11/10/2006)
By emmy
Our 13 year old Kenmore top load washed just started emitting a dreadful vomit-like smell. Coincidentally, we've experienced "brown water" on several mornings recently, which the City Water Sewer Administration has told my husband is "nothing to worry about."
Any ideas? Hot water and bleach have not helped.
(05/08/2007)
By Mississippi Mama
Our 13 year old Kenmore top load washed just started emitting a dreadful vomit-like smell. Coincidentally, we've experienced "brown water" on several mornings recently, which the City Water Sewer Administration has told my husband is "nothing to worry about."
Any ideas? Hot water and bleach have not helped.
(05/08/2007)
By Mississippi Mama
I have the horrible mold smell on days when we've done a high volume of laundry. The clothes stunk and felt brittle even when we used softener.
I tried vinegar and baking soda, but still was not thrilled with the results.
I then went back to 20 Mule Team BORAX and have the quality of my laundry back. Smells fresh and, with softener, the clothes are once again soft.
I want to do a comparison with that PUREWASH and the BORAX to see what the difference is.
(07/07/2007)
By Klean Klothes
Washing machine odor is caused by fungus that comes from overuse of detergent and fabric softener. I used a cleaner called "purewasher" to get rid of the fungus that causes washing machine smell. It also gets rid of mildew smell from towels and clothing! It's been months and the smell hasn't returned! (08/04/2007)
By emmygal
Can someone please tell me where to get this purewash. I have looked everywhere and I just need a website or something. If I take the time to wash one more load and it stinks I am going to yank this washer out and throw it in the yard. It is the worst thing to go to work smelling like you haven't washed your clothes in a year and the corporate environment frowns upon that. (09/05/2007)
By devan
Purewash can be ordered at http://www.smellywasher.com. I just ordered some and am in the process of trying it. I'll post more when I know the results. (09/07/2007)
By erika
Thanks for your recommendation of 1 litre vinegar, 1/4 box of baking soda, and 1/8 bottle of mildew remover on a cold/cold setting. This worked beautifully. I had tried purewash. I tried bleach. I tried 40 oz vinegar. None of these three solutions worked on my front loading washer. Your vinegar/baking soda/mildew remover combo with cold settings did the trick. You saved my wife and I a lot of frustration. Thanks again. (10/08/2007)
By Eric Davis
I used white vinegar, about half a litre the first time, then a full litre the second time. The smell has now gone! Thanks! (10/08/2007)
By Yvonne Mackey
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