Category: Laundry

This question was submitted by Tammy;
A pen got into the dryer how do I remove the ink?

A Forum expert had the same thing happen to him.
Tools:
Clean dry cleaning rags

Multi-use solvent.

Technique:

1. Shut the dryer off. The heat will set the ink stains.
2. Using a clean dry cleaning rag, wipe as much ink off as possible.
3. In my case there was an extreme amount of ink and I wiped what I could. I used a large towel and poured a mixture of warm water and dish soap on the towel and placed it in the drum in an attempt to have some of the ink soak into the towel. I had marginal success with that, however I was able to get some off especially where there were large ink amounts.
4. Then I used a multi-use solvent which is designed to break down gum, glue, ink etc. Caution:  Solvents are flammable.  Be sure the dryer is cool and your working area is well ventilated.  Pouring the multi-use solvent onto a clean dry white cleaning rag wipe the ink off the drum of the dryer.
5. The biggest problem I was having was ink under the agitators (usually plastic). The ink on the plastic came off well with the solvent, however ink had pooled under the agitators. I poured a general purpose cleaner along the edge and a fair bit of ink came out. I did not pour the solvent since I did not want to much flammable material to be used.
   6. Take your time and use lots of rags always pouring the solvent on them and removing as much ink as possible.
   7. Now I had so much ink that I eventually used paint thinner to remove more ink. Now paint thinner is also very flammable so I used with caution. I did not nor would I recommend running the dryer for at least 24 hours, waiting for all the vapor to dissipate first. This is why I did not pour the solvent directly into the drum.
   8. Now all this took some time and effort and after it was all done I did not even get 100% of the ink removed only about 70% so I was a little frustrated. After about 24 hours I ran the dryer only on air fluff to be sure there was no vapor. And I washed and dried some work clothes to absorb any ink that may not have come off.
   9. It has been a couple months now and it looks like a little more ink has come off but I have seen absolutely no ink on any clothes. To summarize be patient and realize that it probably will not be perfect and you will have to live with some ink stains on your dryer drum but overall it will have no impact on your dryers performance. I will NEVER again forget to remove my pens from my pocket (I hope) this was one tough job. Good Luck

Caution: DO NOT USE A SOLVENT IF YOUR DRYER IS GAS POWERED call a professional to turn the gas off and service the dryer.

Here is a tip submitted by Patty:

My brother got a red wine stain on a very expensive cotton sweater.

Thedrycleaners could not remove it. My mother (80 years old) took it outusing “Efferdent” for dentures and cold water. She soaked it (I’m notsure how long). Then washed in cold water as usual.

I have a white crocheted mantel scarf (doily) which has been discolored by building a fire in the fireplace. How do I get the stain out of the scarf? Half of it is white and half of it is yellow.

Here is some info for cleaning of soot/fire/smoke damaged items:

Shake off excess soot (if any) outdoors.

Launder in washing machine using a heavy-duty phosphate-based detergent or heavy-duty liquid as recommended by manufacturer, one cup of water conditioner, and 1/2 cup of all-fabric bleach. Use water setting appropriate for the fabric. Air dry.

Inspect for smoke odor. Repeat as necessary. Three or four washes may be needed for cottons and cotton blends.

Good luck

Cleaning Vomit act fast!!

Vomit contains acids which can and likely will permanently damage many fabrics.  The most basic tip which my Mom taught me decades ago is to use cool water to rinse out organic stains like, blood, vomit or urine.  Heat will set the stain.

• First remove any large chunks etc. Yes, I know that sounds gross, but whenever you are removing any stain blot or scrape off as much as you can before trying to remove the stain with any cleaning technique.
• Organic stains can often be removed by just soaking and agitating in cold water before washing. Soak in cold water using a detergent or enzyme presoak product for about 30 minutes. Soak old stains for at least several hours.
• Launder in warm (not hot) water, rinse, and inspect. If stain remains, soak an additional 30 minutes, then rewash. (Never put a stained fabric in a dryer. The heat from the dryer will likely set the stain.)
• If color stain remains, launder using chlorine bleach if safe for the fabric, or with all fabric bleach. Always check for colorfastness first.

“My white clothes look dull and dingy. Most of the labels say “NO Chlorine Bleach” – is there another way to whiten them?”

There are many reasons for whites to become dull. A very common factor is hard water. The trace elements in the water can prevent soap from lathering properly and the residue can leave a dull or gray appearance. Check with your local utility to see if this is a concern. For slightly hard water, it is possible to overcome the problem, by simply adding more detergent.

You can try an all fabric bleach (Bleach for un-bleachable), or an oxygen bleach, but always test for color fastness on the clothing, and add the bleach to the soap and water, BEFORE adding the clothing. Even these ‘safe’ bleaches can cause damage if poured in concentrate, directly onto wet clothing.

You might also try soaking in a solution of water and lemon juice overnight before washing. Then add this soak water into the wash water with the regular detergent when washing.

The final tip would be to hang these articles to dry in the sun. The sun is an excellent natural bleaching tool, which can actually even lighten some stains to the point they are invisible. The other huge benefit of air drying, along with the fact it is free, is that stained clothing will not have the stain ‘set’, whereas a tumble dryer gets so hot, that the stains are baked into the fibers.

Here is a question from Shannon:

“When I wash a load of dark clothes, all the darker clothes end up with white marks on them. If I rub the clothing with a wet washcloth the marks go away almost completely, but this is not a good solution. What’s causing these white marks and what can I do about them?”

Thanks for your question, I believe what is happening is the laundry detergent you are using is not dissolving completely.

This can happen when you are using cool water which is usually the case when we are washing dark clothes. The trick is to start the washer put in the detergent and let the water fill up and then put in the clothes. This way the detergent has a better chance at dissolving.

Also most detergents are best used in warm water since most powders dissolve better in warm water. You could also try a liquid detergent in which case the technique I described above is still recommended.

To remove alcoholic drinks or wine, first read and follow the care instructions and any warnings on the garment label.

• Launder with detergent in hottest water safe for the fabric. Do not use soap (bar, flake, or detergents containing natural soap), since soap could make the stain permanent or at least more difficult to remove.
• Soak tough stains for 30 minutes in 1 quart of warm water and 1 teaspoon of enzyme presoak product.
• To remove old or set stains may require washing with bleach that is safe for the fabric.  Always check for colorfastness first.
• If all the sugars are not removed from the fabric a brown stain will appear when the fabric is heated in the dryer or is ironed, as the sugar is carmelized.

For tough Red Wine stains refer to “dye stains” for further help.

General Information
Washing machines and dryers only need a couple of basic cleaning procedures. Always follow the manufacturers recommendations when cleaning the lint filter or under the agitator.

Technique:
If gum or grease deposits onto the interior try to rub off with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Failing that, applying a small amount of degreaser or gum dissolving chemical onto the area affected should loosen the deposit. Never use abrasive cleaners or pads and always rinse completely.

Of course dryer lint screens must be cleaned before each load to ensure drying efficiency. For a more thorough cleaning, mild detergent and water works well. Completely dry the lint filter before using. For deposits on the dryer interior, usually caused by melting items from pants pockets, use a mild detergent or stain specific cleaners very sparingly. Afterwards wipe again with a damp cloth and let the interior dry. Do not use abrasive cleaners.

Dryer vents and pipes need regular cleaning to ensure full airflow. Often it is a simple procedure to remove the pipe and clean it out. A vacuum works well. Be sure to re-attach the pipe securely. If you are in doubt consult an appliance expert.

Use mild detergent and a damp sponge or cloth to clean the outside of the unit.

This question was submitted from Sam.

“I would like to know if there is a cheaper way of getting babies nappies clean, other than Napisan – something that is kinder to the nappies and baby?”

A strong product like Napisan is not necessary in all cases if the nappies are not allowed to dry.

Try these techniques :

Try a bucket with a laundry booster (one with enzymes) mixed with water. Pour this rather disgusting mix directly into the wash and launder with regular detergent or the booster.

I did it this way for our first child. The enzyme breaks down the organic wastes and it cleans up nicely when laundering. The booster I used was Borax but there are many kinds.

Experts normally recommend using a bleach to disinfect which is a good idea – pouring a cup into the wash is fine. If you are concerned about residual effects of soap and or bleach, rinse the wash once after washing.

All this is dependant on the time you have. We started with all the good intentions in the world but by the time our second child arrived we reverted to the earth destroying disposable nappies.

This question was submitted by Dixie:  “How do I clean an old strawberry daiquiri stain off a white cotton shirt?”

It was rather involved to try to get an answer that might work. And I do mean might, because if your daiquiri wasn’t a virgin, the alcohol makes it all the more difficult. First off, don’t wash in hot water, and don’t heat dry. This sets the stains so they will be there permanently.

As obscure as it seems here we go:

Be sure the fabric is durable, and will not be damaged by boiling water. Test a shirt tail for colorfastness (white should be OK) and for durability by dipping into boiling water. If the fabric shrivels up into a crumpled wrinkled mass do not proceed. If the stains are dry, moisten them with glycerin. Take the stained area and stretch it over a large pot or strainer. Secure with an elastic band or two. Put the shirt and pot in a tub or laundry sink just  in case you may spill any water.  Boil a kettle of water, and from a couple of feet above, slowly pour the water through the stains. I know I just told you not to wash this article in hot water, but by doing this the water is passing through and taking the contaminants with it, as oppose to sitting in hot water stewing.

• If any of the stain remains, cut open a lemon and rub the lemon on the stains, then hang to dry.
• If the stain remains mix some white vinegar and water 1:2, and apply that to the stains, then hang to dry.
• If the stain remains soak in a digestant for 30 minutes, launder as you normally would in cold water, and hang to dry.
• If the stain remains wash in a bleach solution as directed by the manufacturer, and hang dry. Do not dry this article in the dryer until you are satisfied with the appearance of the stained area (because that is the way it will stay, forever).
• If the stain remains make a big daiquiri and soak the entire shirt so it is red, and consider buying a new white shirt!!