washing clothes

[Fishmeister]

I have managed to wash some clothes with some rags that smelled of Diesel! How do i get rid of the smell? I have washed them all twice now, but no good! Do i also need to put something in the washing machine to avoid other items becoming contaminated?

[vxx]

I would leave them to air outside for a few days and then rewash.

[Fishmeister]

Thanks, i have tried that, the smell seems to intensify with drying! I have washed a few towels on a very hot wash to try to get rid of the smell in the machine, which seems to be working, but the original clothes still smell!

[mimififi]

try running your machine with some washing soda crystals and washing powder with no clothes in first.  See if the smell goes from the machine.  Then wash the offending garments with the same mixture.  Soda crystals are a grease remover so they might do the trick.  You could try washing them a few at a time so that they've got lots of space to move around in the soapy water and get a really good rinse. 

[mrfixit99]

I also created this problem for myself. Reading on the net it seemed any of the fruit based cleaners should help - Orange Glo being most recommended. Local supermarket didn't have any but it did have a Finish Orange dishwasher cleaner ..... I am happy to report that this added to the wash water on a 90 degree empty was cycle and I now have a diesel free washing machine. I used the whole content of a 250ml bottle - it works!