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How do you clean a washing machine from oil paint, etc
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Message
Posted
Hi, I put my oil paint-stained cloths in the washer on a 90° programme and saw oil paint leftovers afterwards. I wiped everywhere but it still smells like oil paint inside. What can I do to be a 100% sure that my washer is cleaned? This post will probably make many people laugh, but I am very new to painting in oils. I was reading until now that washing oil paint-stains in the washer is not a good idea and that cloths could even combust if there is an in-built dryer!
Another question that I have is about how you dispose of oil paint-stained paper (when cleaning your brushes whilst painting, for example) and Sansodor? Many thanks!
Posted
Major problem! If it’s gone dry on the drum no solvent will touch it… but it actually shouldn’t really be that much of an issue as it won’t or shouldn’t come off on your washing.
Put a couple of dummy washes through the machine to get rid of any oil paint odour.
Alternative is a new drum!
I get through a lot of oily sheets of strong kitchen roll, frankly it all goes into the refuse bin, you could burn it I suppose!
Posted
There are some very good washing machine cleaners in the supermarkets , try one of them to remove the smell. I know that the deal with the after effect of very greasy overalls that have gone through the machine, but as Alan said if its set hard nothing will shift it . Good luck hope it work out ok.
Posted
Try a saucer of white vinegar left in your washing machine it absorbs smells. I had an oil leak by my boiler…my sense of smell is very limited but everyone else could smell it. The vinegar worked with that. I also have a pull on sort of thingy I with long sleeves used just for painting in . I bought it several decades ago and now it is an abstract painting in itself. Have never washed it.
Might frame it one day. You could burn smelly paper , I just fold mine into two and bin it.
