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How to Get the Smell of Grout Sealant Out of the Washer

Many grout sealants contain chemicals that have strong odors. Depending on the sealant formulation, the odors may dissipate after you apply the sealant, or you may continue to smell them as the chemicals in the sealant break down over time. Strong smells in your washer after cleaning sealant-stained clothing or rags usually occur because heat, moisture and detergent react with and break down sealant chemicals, releasing the odors into the air. Get rid of the smell using household supplies to get your washer back to normal.

Things You'll Need

  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Bleach
  • Melamine resin foam eraser
  • Citrus-based cleaner (optional)
  • Lint-free microfiber cloths
  • Detergent (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn on the exhaust fan, open any windows, and wait an hour. Then, check if you still smell the sealant in the washer. Sometimes, the odor is only in the air after you wash laundry. You may find that the washer smells fine and doesn’t need extra cleaning.

    • 2

      Run a rinse cycle in your washer with 1 cup of white vinegar. The vinegar breaks down any odor-causing substances and deodorizes. Once the cycle ends, run a second rinse cycle to remove any residue from the washer.

    • 3

      Run a wash cycle with 1 cup of bleach if the vinegar doesn’t cut through the odor. After the cycle ends, rinse the machine, and then smell the interior.

    • 4

      Dampen a melamine resin foam eraser with vinegar or a citrus-based cleaner, and gently scrub the entire washer drum if you still smell grout sealant to remove any particles potentially still on the drum. If you have a washer with one or more dispenser drawers for detergent or bleach, remove the drawers, scrub them with the eraser, and then return them to your machine. Run a hot water wash cycle, followed by a rinse cycle.

    • 5

      Wipe the seal gasket on a front-loading washer and the areas where the gasket and the door meet with a lint-free microfiber cloth dampened with laundry detergent or a citrus-based cleaner if you still smell the sealant. When finished, wipe the area again with a cloth dampened with water only and no detergent.

    • 6

      Dry all washer surfaces thoroughly after you're finished cleaning to remove moisture. If you have a front-loading washer, dry around the seal gasket and between it and the door. In addition, leave the washer door open when it's not in use.

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