My washing machine smells like a moth ball...What in the world!!!

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Yes I shop at thrift stores--I have done so for a few years.

I found a lovely dress and sweater yesterday. They did not smell like moth balls.

I washed both of them together with no other clothes and holy heck if my washing machine doesn't smell horrendous! I just rewashed them again with a pre-wash and it is just finishing up the spin cycle right now and the smell is just emanating from the machine.

How do I fix this and how on the world does something stink up the washing machine like that when it doesn't smell like that before the wash?

 

[SandrA9810]

There might've been something sprayed on top of it, like frebreeze. I'd try doing a few empty loads with vinegar, then letting it sit open for a while. There really shouldn't be anything to hold the smell in the washer after it's been cleaned.

As for the clothes... maybe a bit of sunshine and fresh air can help get the smell out.

 

[Gigi22]

You can spray the clothes with a solution of about 2 c. water, a T. of alcohol (vodka/rubbing alcohol), and about 1 tsp. liquid fabric softener. You need to test the fabric to make sure it won't stain first. Hang the clothing up, spray, let dry. Repeat as needed. If the clothing is lined, you also have to spray the lining.