Getting ink, wax, or dye on your washer or dryer drum can be a frustrating situation. These substances can leave stubborn stains and residue that are difficult to remove. With some cleaning products and techniques, you can get your washer or dryer drum looking like new again.
Assess the Stain
The first step is to assess the extent of the staining. Check to see if the ink, wax or dye has soaked into the drum surface or if it is just surface residue.
- For surface stains, cleaning products and scrubbing should do the trick.
- If the substance has penetrated into the drum, more intensive cleaning methods may be required.
Also note the type of stain – is it ink, crayon, wax, hair dye, fabric dye? Identifying the stain will help determine the best cleaning method.
Try a Drum Cleaner
There are commercial cleaners made specifically for washing machine drums that can help dissolve and loosen residue. Look for a cleaner that works on multiple stain types like ink, wax, grease, minerals, etc.
Apply the drum cleaner liberally to the affected area. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub away the stain. The cleaner will break down the stain’s bonding. Rinse thoroughly.
For tough stains, reapply the cleaner and let it soak longer before scrubbing again. The cleaning agents in these products are designed to penetrate and lift stains without damaging the drum surface.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
For a non-toxic cleaning option, make a paste with baking soda and vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda liberally on the stain. Spritz with vinegar and let the mixture bubble and fizz on the stain for a few minutes. The acid in the vinegar will react with the baking soda to help break down the stain.
Use a stiff brush or plastic scraper to scrub the paste into the stain. Rinse thoroughly with water. The abrasiveness of the baking soda combined with the acetic acid in vinegar make an effective stain cleaning duo.
Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) is formulated to lift tough stains like ink and dye. Make a thick paste with the oxygen bleach and just enough water to make a spreadable consistency.
Apply the paste to the stained areas of the drum, allowing it to sit for at least 30 minutes. Scrub with a brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly. The oxygen in this type of bleach helps breakdown pigments in inks and dyes.
For extra cleaning power, let the paste sit overnight before scrubbing and rinsing. This extended soak time allows the bleach to fully penetrate and lift the stain.
How to Remove Ink, Wax or Dye From Washer or Dryer Drum
For ink, wax or dye that has penetrated into the drum surface, more intensive cleaning methods may be required to lift the stain. Here are a few intensive stain removal techniques:
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser – These melamine foam cleaning pads have a gentle abrasiveness that can scrub away stubborn stains without damaging surfaces. Dampen a Magic Eraser and rub it over stained areas. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.
- WD-40 – While not marketed as a cleaner, WD-40 is great for dissolving wax, adhesive residue, crayon and other oil-based stains. Spray WD-40 directly on the stain. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes. Wipe clean with a rag. Scrub with a brush for tough stains.
- Heat – Heating up wax or crayon stains can help melt and lift them away. Use a hair dryer on the hot setting to soften the wax residue before scrubbing. Caution – too much heat can damage the drum surface.
- Solvents – Chemical solvents like acetone, rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover can dissolve residues left behind by inks, dye, wax and adhesives. Use solvents sparingly and rinse immediately since they can also damage the drum surface if left too long.
How to Prevent Staining
To help minimize staining in the future:
- Empty pockets before washing to remove pens, crayons, chapstick etc.
- Pretreat or hand wash items that may bleed dye, like new brightly colored clothing.
- Avoid washing candle drips or wax paper in the machine – the heat can melt wax which sticks to the drum.
- Take care when using hair or fabric dye – immediately rinse any spills on the washer surface.
- Use a stain stick or prewash on oily stains like makeup to prevent them from spreading in the wash cycle.
With the right cleaning methods and preventive care, you can keep your washer or dryer drum looking fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get old stains out of a washer drum?
For tough, built up stains in the washer drum, use a pumice stone to gently scrub away residue. The abrasive texture helps scour the drum surface without damaging it. An oxygen bleach paste left to soak overnight can also help lift old stains before scrubbing.
What removes ink stains from dryer drums?
Isopropyl alcohol is highly effective at removing ink stains from dryer drums. Apply the alcohol to the stain, let it soak for 10 minutes, then wipe clean and rinse. Repeat as needed for stubborn stains. Avoid using alcohol on plastic drums, as it can damage the surface.
How do you clean wax off a washing machine drum?
Heat is the easiest way to soften and melt wax off the washing machine drum. Use a hair dryer on a hot setting to heat the wax, then wipe it away with paper towels before it cools and hardens again. An all-purpose cleaner can also help break down wax residue when scrubbed into the stain.
Why is there a black stain in my washing machine?
Black stains in a washing machine are usually caused by mold or mildew. This growth can occur from leaving the washer door closed between cycles, allowing moisture to build up. Scrub the black stained areas with bleach or an oxygen bleach cleaner to kill and remove the mold.
How do you remove dye that has stained a washer drum?
Dye stains can be tricky, but chlorine bleach is an effective remover on washer drums. Make a paste with bleach and water, apply it to the dye stain and let it sit for up to an hour before scrubbing and rinsing. Be sure to rinse thoroughly as bleach can damage the drum if left too long.
What is the best thing to clean the inside of a washer?
The best cleaners for washing machine interiors are machine/drum cleaners that penetrate and dissolve residue. Look for a cleaner that removes multiple stains like dirt, soap scum, minerals, grease, wax, etc. After applying the cleaner, use a soft brush or plastic scraper to scrub away buildup for a thorough clean.
Conclusion
Removing ink, wax, dye and other stubborn stains from your washer or dryer drum is possible with the right cleaning methods. Assessing the stain and using targeted treatments like drum cleaners, solvents and abrasives can lift and dissolve residue. Preventing stains by pretreating laundry and taking care with dyes and wax will also keep your drum fresh and clean. With some elbow grease and stain-fighting cleaner, you can erase tough stains from the washer and dryer.