We got a HE inverter front loading washing machine as it saves water electricity and detergent. Since it uses so little water, it needs to be 'washed' every month. Soap scum tend to get clogged much easier for the HE machine. I have never owned a HE front loader prior to this.
 |
| The HE front loading washer. |
The machine needed to be washed. I have not washed it for one year.
How to wash?
I went to a hardware shop nearby my place and was recommended this.
This was to be poured into the drum directly and washed in the highest temperature.
Worst. Mistake. Ever.
My whole house smelt as though it got 'nuclear bombed' AND 'atom bombed' AND 'torpedoed' by artificial fragrance. I choked and started tearing. Joel who has never been affected by smell said that both his ears and neck felt like they were breaking out in hives. He started itching.
We opened all the windows and switched on all the fans in full blast.
The smell left the house but the laundry room was a disaster. It smelt like a chemical perfume factory. I wanted to cry. My laundry room is just next to the kitchen. And I spend almost all my time in the kitchen. By the end of the day, the smell would permeate the whole house again.
My mouth started to burn. I started to feel ill. I swallowed two Piritons that day to be on the safe side.
Every load of laundry after that smelt of that horrible toxic fragrance smell.
I tried baking soda.
It didn't eradicate the smell.
I couldn't wear my clothes as they were saturated with the chemical perfume smell. It made me very ill.
WHAT TO DO????
And then the voice in my head said, "Vinegar".
I bought this from the hardware store:
Of course I had reservations regarding vinegar as vinegar has always been my worst enemy. Highest in salicylates.
Shockingly, this vinegar wasn't pungent. And I wasn't sickened at all by the smell. I had no reaction.
I poured 400ml into the washer and set it to the highest temperature. And I did this three times.
Hallelujah.
All hail Lord Vinegar. Praises be heaped upon Lord Vinegar.
The toxic fragrance smell was gone.
I then washed my clothes with the vinegar in the highest temperature. The sickening fragrance smell was gone!!! I then washed my clothes in my usual fragrant-free detergent. They all smelt normal again.
What a great relief!
This was a pricey lesson as the Tide machine washer cost RM60+ per box. I cannot exchange it as I've used one sachet. Hmmmmm.... I wonder who would want it. Hehe.....
For future washings for the machine, vinegar will be used as the tub is now so clean and fresh. And the clothes look bright and clean again. Smells great too.
Thank god for Lord Vinegar! Long live Lord Vinegar!
