Washing Machine smelling of diesel

getcarter

Help, my husband had an accident at work and sprayed diesel all over himself, he washed the clothes in the machine and now both clothes and machine stink. I daren't wash any more clothes until I lose the smell and the pile is mounting. What do you suggest?

Carter:eek:

daisyroots_2

Why not try one of those washing machine cleaners you can buy in packets from most supermarkets (Waitrose do it, but I bet others do too) ? You pour the powder in and run the machine empty. While you're out buying it, perhaps run the machine on an empty cycle - no detergent, nothing, should help. Then follow instructions on the packet of dishwasher cleaner. Good Luck

pnq06

I agree either get a proper machine cleaner or I use bleach in a cycle or 2 alone if mines a bit pongy

lil_me

http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/usage_2.html#cl_q1
Warns also do not use normal bleach in the machine. Aswell as damage it can do to parts it may also effect further wash loads.

A service (or maintenance) wash involves putting the washing machine on the hottest wash with only the detergent inside - and no laundry. If you normally use a washing machine detergent that doesn't contain bleach, then buy some detergent that does, and use it for your maintenance washes. This will help kill off bacteria and prevent black mould and grease. Tip: Look for something like, "bleaching agents" in the ingredients. Don't put actual bleach in the washing machine).
Another idea is to use some Soda crystals, which are renowned for dissolving grease and pour them into the drum. Put the washing machine on with no clothes in on a hot wash.

I would go with a service wash, as hot as possible, usually machines have a 90 setting. As it's grease I would personally put soda crystals in (if you don't have any they are under 60p a bag in most supermarkets) I do service washes regular on mine but tend to use them as a dishcloths wash aswell.

getcarter

Hi, I've tried hot service washes, soda crystals, washing powder and even a bit of washing up liquid (scary bubbles). What about bi carb - would that do anything? Also I've got dishwasher cleaner tablets, could I use them?

Carter

woofwoofwoof

We had a thing like this last week in our house - oil on Jeans and someone used white spirits to get the oil off (worked ok) but then when the jeans were put in the machine it ponged of white spirit. I put a good squirt of bleach (been using it for years in machine and no damage so not sure about lil-me's advice) put the machine through a 95degree wash (the hottest there was), then put it through a 60degree wash and then did the next couple of loads of white towels, just in case there was any bleach left. Got rid of the smell, although the electricity bill took a small whack

lil_me

I'm not saying it would definately damage the machine, but would not recommend using it to someone without stating it could, as commented on an experienced engineers web site. I have used it in the past myself years ago but would not recommend someone to use something if it may cause further damage. Not money saving if it costs them more.

What you need is something to break down the grease, I would suggest another boil wash with either a larger amount of vinegar or soda crystals.

I've used that site for a while now, I am sure if you contacted him directly he may also be able to offer further advice, he's saved me a fortune in the past.

cazgordo

Orange oil cleaner is pretty good at disolving diesel, the active ingredient is what they use to clean out tanks in the oil industry. Maybe try a fairly concentrated dose of that if you have some?
Caz

Zed42

Hmmm, this may be a way too obvious comment .. so gloss over if you wish ... but have you cleaned the filter out, have you wiped over the seals?

I find that all sorts get to lurk there .. and all add to the fragrance ...

Andy_ArT_Trigg

This is also worth a try -

Get rid of washing machine odours using vinegar

White distilled vinegar has an array of uses. For bad washing machine smells, try putting half a cup of white distilled vinegar inside an empty machine and put it on a boil wash. Because the first bit of water goes into the sump hose and is sealed off, I recommend that you wait until the washing machine has been filling for about 30 seconds and then pour the vinegar into the soap drawer to let it wash down into the machine. I've had reports back from people that this does actually work.

janeym8

i often have this prob-son is an apprentice mechanic. the only thing i find helps is just running through a few washes until smell goes-ive tried most of the suggestions above.
i often see, when there is a thread about cleaning washing machines,to clean out the filter but -ok im stupid-where are the filters on washing machines?

janey xxx