Carly Findlay

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Coke is my washing machine miracle – it de-greases clothes and the machine.

February 7, 2016 Carly Findlay 3 Comments

red Coke cans, with the text Coke is my washing machine miracle

 

If you’ve been reading my Facebook page for a while, you’ll be aware that I (understandably) whinge a lot about the way my paraffin ruins my washing machine (and sometimes my clothes).

The paraffin soaks the fabric – especially sheets and the clothes I wear directly on my skin – and then clogs up the washing machine when I wash them. I’ve had four machines in 13 years. The front loaders’ seals broke because of the heat from the grease warping them. Warranties wouldn’t cover them, even with medical certificates. When I wash clothes, I wash Adam’s separately to mine, but his still ends up greasy. He says, no more sorries.

Earth Choice laundry liquid, Coke, Morning Fresh dishwashing liquid, Sard degreaser

Now, I don’t want to speak too soon but I think I’ve found a miracle degreaser for my clothes and the washing machine. Coca-Cola! Just regular, none of the diet, zero or green stuff.

Ada, a mum of a child with Ichthyosis recommended it, and I gave it a try on my pyjamas, denim and sheets last weekend.

I used about a cup of Coke in addition to sensitive washing powder (I use OMO sensitive powder, or Earth Choice sensitive liquid), a big squirt of dishwashing liquid (I use whatever brand is tough on grease) and a little Sard Wonder degreaser powder. Sometimes I use Lectric Soda instead of degreaser – it removes grease too.

I poured the coke directly in the drum as the water was running. I washed on a hot cycle. And my washing came out less oily than it’s been in a while. The Coke left no stains or stickiness.

my freshly washed pyjamas - lime green singlet, floral pants, purple jacket

I also cleaned my washing machine with two cups of Coke and a dishwasher tablet on a hot cycle and as a result, there was no residue in the tub.

Goodness knows what Coke does to us when we drink it though!

I am so thankful to Ada! It’s a miracle!

Here’s more info on the way Coke cuts grease.

DeDe has great advice on managing Ichthyosis and washing machines and so does Courtney.

Got any washing machine tips for me?

(Image descriptions: top picture – red Coke cans, with the text ‘Coke is my washing machine miracle’; second picture – Earth Choice laundry liquid, Coke, Morning Fresh dishwashing liquid, Sard degreaser; bottom picture – my freshly washed pyjamas – lime green singlet, floral pants, purple jacket.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Related

ichthyosis, Uncategorized

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    February 8, 2016 at 11:09 pm

    My only advice with a front loader is to replace the rubber seal with a silicone one – more expensive, but it won't warp from the grease!

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  2. FlutistPride says

    February 9, 2016 at 5:50 am

    This is an epic lifehack!

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Trackbacks

  1. Chats on BBC Ouch and In Sickness and in Health podcasts says:
    June 24, 2017 at 8:20 am

    […] (This is how I wash my clothes in fizzy pop, if you’re wondering.) […]

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The material on Tune into Radio Carly is copyright. The writing in this blog is by Carly Findlay unless otherwise stated. Most photos in this blog are by Carly Findlay unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without permission from Carly Findlay. This blog represents my personal opinions and experiences. It does not reflect those of my employers'. The information I provide about ichthyosis is mostly based on personal experiences. Please seek medical advice or counseling before trying any new treatments I've written about. Where stared, I use affiliate links on this blog. By clicking them, I receive a small percentage of the purchase.

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