Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of distilled to clean the washing machine?

Marcos · 3 Jul 2006 at 19:14

You know this trick:

Washing machine smells
Washing machine smells can be caused by a build up of grease (see above). They can also be caused by chemicals or substances introduced from the laundry. To get rid of washing machine smells, try pouring a cup full of distilled vinegar into the soap dispenser drawer while it is filling up on a hot wash. Don't put any washing in, just let the machine go through the full cycle. Repeat if necessary. This is a well known tip. Vinegar has amazing properties and uses

I don't know vinegars, but i only have balsamic vinegar. Does anyone know if balsamic would do the job?

Scuzi · 3 Jul 2006 at 19:33

Balsamic vinegar stinks quite bad, I wouldn't put it anywhere near my washing machine however a nice salad would be more suited

I think you should use normal malt vineger. Get some from the shop, it's only a quid or something.

SourChipmunk · 3 Jul 2006 at 19:36

Why not use liquid chlorine bleach? Vinegar is going to make quite a stench (possibly toxic) if not completely rinsed before adding detergent.

Bleach for the win.

edit: just spoke to the wife. She said an ammonia-based cleaner (window cleaner) works the easiest (spray on, wipe off), but be sure to wash a couple loads with just detergent before adding any bleach -- ammonia and bleach actually creates harmful fumes.

basmic · 3 Jul 2006 at 19:47

/awaits "ask Basmic" jokes :rolleyes:

G|mp · 3 Jul 2006 at 19:48

Ask Basmic

Cybermyk · 3 Jul 2006 at 19:48

Distilled vinegar is very strong. I think it's used for pickling but not for cooking.

I've never had a problem with a smelly washing machine btw. I guess I'd use bleach too.

Freefaller · 3 Jul 2006 at 19:51

Balsamic Vinegar is far too expensive and nice to be used for cleaning! Use standard white wine or malt vinegar - the cheap stuff if you have to. Or else just use a detergent - it's far easier.

VIRII · 3 Jul 2006 at 19:55

Freefaller said:
Use standard white wine or malt vinegar - the cheap stuff if you have to. Or else just use a detergent - it's far easier.

Cheap bottle of Bordeaux should do it

Freefaller · 3 Jul 2006 at 20:00

VIRII said:
Cheap bottle of Bordeaux should do it

Why not use an expensive one?

VIRII · 3 Jul 2006 at 20:01

Freefaller said:
Why not use an expensive one?

Pretty much any French wine will work I'd think

Save the Spanish for drinking

A.N.Other · 3 Jul 2006 at 20:04

VIRII said:
Pretty much any French wine will work I'd think
Save the Spanish for drinking

Austrailan / californian F T W imo. I rarely drink stuff from the continent - and least of all French :rolleyes:

Back on topic ...
Personally, I'd use bleach. Although I can't say I've encountered the problem myself.

VIRII · 3 Jul 2006 at 20:09

On Topic - my Wife bought some "homebase washing machine cleaner" - seems to have done the job.

Freefaller · 3 Jul 2006 at 20:22

Heathens

There are tablets that you can put in and do an empty cycle which is quite a corrosive substance (the name eludes me for now) but cleans the insides really well. However it's a bit of a water waster as you have to do an empty rinse. Have you checked the filter or the drain to make sure that it's not clogged up?

Scuzi · 3 Jul 2006 at 20:24

Freefaller said:
Heathens

There are tablets that you can put in and do an empty cycle which is quite a corrosive substance (the name eludes me for now) but cleans the insides really well. However it's a bit of a water waster as you have to do an empty rinse. Have you checked the filter or the drain to make sure that it's not clogged up?

*Jingle*

WASHING MACHINES LIVE LONGER WITH CALGON!

*/Jingle*

JRS · 3 Jul 2006 at 20:27

A.N.Other said:
Austrailan / californian F T W imo. I rarely drink stuff from the continent - and least of all French

Your loss. Personally, I wouldn't drink Aussie or Californian wine unless I really had to, French and Italian reds are far superior.

As for cleaning washing machines - as Freefaller posted, there are tablets you can use. Balsamic would definitely be a no-no

kibblerok · 3 Jul 2006 at 20:38

surely Barry Scott has something for this household problem

Freefaller · 3 Jul 2006 at 20:46

Scuzi said:
*Jingle*

WASHING MACHINES LIVE LONGER WITH CALGON!

*/Jingle*

haha - nah that's for hard water isn't it?

I think I'm thinking of ascorbic acid or something like that (it's not ascorbic acid as that's for getting rid of organic matter... I just wish I could remember what it was.