laundry detergent in steam cleaner - help

dada44

Someone used my steam cleaner without my permission. They mixed laundry detergent with the cleaner. Once I realised this I immediately emptied it out and washed it out. The only thing ia, the area where I washed it out - really smells strong - and it gives me a tummy ache. It has rained in the area of my drive, and I have washed it, but it's not doing much after a few days.

Likewise, when i hold the cap of the steam cleaner, my hands get very sticky all over.

I am guessing that the laundry detergent was not designed to be heated to the point where it turns into a gas/water vapour. Does anyone have any remedies that may get rid of the smell? Or any health information?

My worry is the next time I use the steam cleaner, there will still be fumes of the detergent.

cattie

You could try using a strong diluted solution of white vinegar and heat up the cleaner as usual then leave to cool and empty and see if that does the trick.

keystone

or you could just give the person who "borrowed" it then misused and abused it the bill for a new one.

Cheers