Is it possible to get cologne smell out of clothing? I kind of "inherited" a half-dozen nice sweaters that reek of perfume, and I'm allergic as well. I've tried mucho baking soda and soaking in the wash machine; haven't tried vinegar yet; past (somewhat related) threads suggest Ozium and Synthrapol, but they're really not for this purpose.
posted by Shane on Oct 5, 2009 - 11 answers

How can I inexpensively stop my washing machine from melting my ice cubes without burning my house down? [more inside]
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! on Sep 17, 2009 - 13 answers

Is there some practically compelling reason to get a much more expensive front loading washer? I see top loading Energy Star rated washers for around $350; the cheapest front loader starts around $600. [more inside]
posted by raikkohamilonso on Sep 17, 2009 - 34 answers

I know that if a Chapstick goes through the wash, it will stain my clothes, but could identical stains be indicative of a washing machine malfunction? The stains in question look just like baby-oil stains, not grease or motor-oil. The research I've done so far suggests that a washing machine seal break or leak would result in a dirtier type stain, more grease-like. We don't use any kind of fabric softener or dryer sheets, so I've ruled those out. Thanks in advance!
posted by Tim McDonough on Jul 13, 2009 - 4 answers

Help me troubleshoot the semi-new (and non-operational) washer in our apartment building. [more inside]
posted by proj on Apr 19, 2009 - 6 answers

Was that a helicopter in my kitchen? No. It was the washing machine. Um. Help? [more inside]
posted by greekphilosophy on Apr 1, 2009 - 11 answers

What function does this button on the washing machine in my new apartment have? [more inside]
posted by A Kingdom for a Donkey on Jan 19, 2009 - 16 answers

Remember those egg-shaped handle-powered washing machines that were advertised on infomercials in the '90s? Has anyone actually used one? Did it actually work? And in these electricity-conscious, water-saving times, has the concept of a human-powered hand-washing machine evolved into something a bit, well, less daggy? [more inside]
posted by [ixia] on Nov 1, 2008 - 11 answers

So my washing machine doesn't spin during the spin cycle anymore, but all other cycles and functions work fine. What does that mean? [more inside]
posted by xbonesgt on Oct 17, 2008 - 7 answers

Should I buy a mini washing machine similar to these? [more inside]
posted by ghost of a past number on Sep 11, 2008 - 3 answers

The communal washing machines in my apartment building are worthless. They don't remove any sort of stain or spill, regardless of solubility or severity. When I remove the wet clothes from the washer, nasty stripes and splotches of lint cover my clothes (especially obvious on darks). Is there a specific complaint I can make to my landlord, or should I just give up and go to a laundromat? [more inside]
posted by sararah on May 9, 2008 - 18 answers

I have a silly problem. I have lost quite a few things in my apartment, and need help getting them back. [more inside]
posted by frobozz on Feb 20, 2008 - 20 answers

Please help me find some ecofriendly options to deal with limescale in washing machines. I live in quite a hard water area. I can actually see bits floating about in a glass of water. They are not bubbles. They are not nice either. :D [more inside]
posted by Solomon on Jun 2, 2007 - 6 answers

Please help me find a second-hand motor controller for my Fisher & Paykel Smartdrive MW512 washing machine. [more inside]
posted by flabdablet on Mar 29, 2007 - 5 answers

What to do about a scratched laundry tub? [more inside]
posted by clarkstonian on Jan 28, 2007 - 11 answers

Laundryfilter: Emergency washing machine help, please! I've got something stuck in my washing machine pump-- is there any way to get it out? [more inside]
posted by WidgetAlley on Jan 10, 2007 - 6 answers

A treasured white T-shirt (with logo) has gone from bright white to dull blue thanks to an errant blue T-shirt... [more inside]
posted by badlydubbedboy on Aug 8, 2006 - 6 answers

Can anyone recommend any guidelines or specific household appliances (eg fridge, freezer, washing machine, sofa and bed) that are reasonably environmentally friendly and affordable (in the UK)? [more inside]
posted by badlydubbedboy on Jun 22, 2006 - 2 answers

Someone who shall remain nameless put my Sandisk Cruzer Mini USB drive through the washer. It's one of the groovy ones with rubberised slipcases, and it's still working. What are these things made of? Will it rust? [more inside]
posted by Happy Dave on Jan 16, 2006 - 12 answers

What's the best method for removing human semen stains from dark cotton bedsheets? Very hot washing machine cycles don't always work. Thank you.
posted by PenguinBukkake on Jan 3, 2006 - 24 answers

My washing machine's spin and dry cycles shake the whole house. The neighbours have now complained. Does anyone have any good ideas or experience of damping vibration, particularly in the case of a washing machine? I was thinking of putting a blanket under the machine but I'm not sure how effective that will be. Suggestions welcome! [more inside]
posted by nthdegx on Nov 4, 2005 - 16 answers

How do I get the "slush" from a (clean) disposable diaper out of my front load washing machine? [more inside]
posted by frecklefaerie on Jun 12, 2005 - 5 answers

We just ran my cell phone through the washing machine, accidentally, of course. Is there any hope of reviving it? How?
posted by pjhagop on Oct 24, 2004 - 11 answers

It seems like at least once a year my washing machine starts leaking where the hot and cold water hoses screw into the back of the machine. This time it leaked for at least a few days before I caught it, leaving water spots on the ceiling downstairs. I usually take the hoses off and replace the washers in the ends of the hose. Anyone have any better ideas or is there anything I can do so they never leak again?
posted by ttrendel on Jul 7, 2004 - 7 answers