How to Clean Detergent Stains from Appliances

Many detergents contain colorful dyes to make the solution more visually appealing. If the laundry detergent bottle leaked onto the washer or dryer, chances are there is a colorful stain you are having trouble removing. Try one or all of the cleaners listed below to remove the stain.

• Oxygen bleach¹
• Rubbing alcohol²
• White vinegar³
• Baking soda⁴
• Hydrogen peroxide⁵
• Acetone
• Paint thinner⁶

1. Red dyes are usually more difficult to remove than other colors.² However, oxygen bleach, such as Oxi-Clean, can sometimes clean away even the red stains. Sprinkle the powder on a damp sponge and scrub away the stain.
2. Soak a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and wipe away the detergent stain. If the stain is not immediately lifted, allow the alcohol to soak for several minutes.
3. Vinegar is effective on many kinds of stains. Make a solution of one part vinegar in two parts water and sponge the vinegar onto the stain.
4. Baking soda can be effective for removing detergents from appliance surfaces. Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and clean the stain until removed.
5. Combine equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide with water and sponge the stain with the solution.
6. Soak a cloth with acetone nail polish remover and use it to wipe off the stain. If the stain does not wipe off right away, it may help to lay the cloth over the stain to soak for a few minutes.
7. As a last resort, wipe paint thinner on the stain. Paint thinner can remove most dye stains. However, you may want to test this on a small, hidden area first to be sure the paint thinner won’t damage the lacquer on the appliance or cause any other adverse effects.
8. Once you have removed the stain, wash the area with soapy water to remove any residue from the cleaning solution.

• If the stain is still there, try using diluted household bleach. However, first check the detergent label to make sure the detergent does not contain ammonia; bleach mixing with ammonia causes a toxic gas to form. If the detergent doe not contain ammonia, soak a cloth with the diluted bleach solution and lay the cloth over the stain.⁷ Use caution to avoid getting the bleach on your clothes and consider testing a small, hidden area on the appliance first to be sure the bleach will not cause any adverse effects.

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