Okay, so my girlfriend just sanded and stained our kitchen table we got off of Craigslist. Awesome. The only problem is that she used minwax oil based stain, and then put the rags in the washing machine. Now, the whole machine smells like crazy. I’ve run like four empty loads with soap only today, and it still smells bad. I’ve been afraid to put any clothes in there, because I think they might be ruined. The machines are brand new stacked, high efficiency LG front loaders. I know that once a month you are supposed to run some kind of special cleaner through there, will that help? I’m tempted to run paint thinner through it, but I think that’s probably going to damage the rubber seals, and may be a fire hazard? Any ideas would be much appreciated. I just spent like 1600 on these machines and they were delivered three days ago. I really really don’t want to have to trash the machine.
Here is the stuff they use
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Might be worth a try.
Could also try adding some vinegar.
I would run hot water only cycles with soap, do not let it get to rinse.
Let it drain and then rerun a hot cycle.
Would not hurt to add a kettle of boiling water once the unit is half full, trying to get a nice high temp to help clear the residues out of the machine. You did not say if it was top or front load, probably cannot do it with a front load.
You may also want to put a couple white rags in when running just to make sure it is not leaving marks on anything.
Putting baking soda, activated charcoal or ground coffee in a tray in the unit may also absorb the vapors. Just do not forget to remove the tray before trying it.
If you do get the smell down to a minimum leave the door open for a few days.