Tragedy to Triumuph: A Vintage Washer Bedtime story

My sister Peggy gave me a tablecloth stained with mildew, asking me if I could get it out. The stain was in three sections, and had turned black. The cloth is gold lamee, or some such fussy thing: it is ribbed, and the thread atop each rib sparkles. It is her favorite table cloth.

I said, "Sure, I'll get it out." Little did I know.

First, a nice bath in powdered Tide HE and ammonia, in the WP Portable, narrow tub--lots to clothes-to-agitator contact. If you fill the tub, and turn the dial to the knits cycle, the washer will keep washing indefinately when you do this. With the knob pulled out, in the "ON" position, you slowly advance the wheel or dial--not the knob!-- past off and as you approach the 8 minute mark, just before the 8 (max wash time), the machine will start to agitate, and the dial will stay there until you advance it. This does not work on any other cycle, only Knits.

I went biking for an hour and a half as the table cloth was gently surging; when back home, drained and spun, and hung in the sun, no rinse. The stain was still there. Left it in the sun for the rest of the day and evening and the following morning. Still there, one patch covering about 3 inches square, the other two stains, about an inch and a half each. In the sun you could see that the mildew had overtaken the fibers.

Next was a diluted Clorox bath, standard dose 3/4 cup and another dose of Tide HE Powder. Another hour and a half wash and an overnight soak. Next morning, after an energetic morning swim in the lake, rushed up the stair to the deck where the WP sits all summer, drained'er and spun her. In the glare of the morning sun the stain looked weakened, so I rinsed and hung the table cloth. Alas, in the light of sunset, the stain was still there unchanged. Oh well. Sometimes you lose.

The next day I tried lemon juice and sunlight, not bothering with the salt which, together with the other two, works wonder on rust stains. Failure.

That night somewhere around page 28 or so of Robert's Bendix Manual Scan, I was riveted to the stain removal chart. It said that some deep mildew stains are IMPOSSIBLE to remove, so I felt comforted in the knowledge that if those Home Ec. wizards at Bendix can be stumped by a stain, who am I to complain. But they DID suggest Hydrogen peroxide as the anitdote to mildew.

The next afternoon around 1:30, I placed the stained portion of the table cloth over a small glass deck table, and poured hydrogen peroxide over the stain and for good measure squirted some Great Value Dishwasher detergent over the peroxide and scrubbed with a small scrubbing brush.

When I came home from biking, there it was, as bright and black as ever. After dinner, I brought the cloth into the garage to meet Mother Blackstone. Her directions demand that you fill the machine and begin agitation BEFORE adding laundry. She pulled that lamee/brocade, or whatever it is, down and under so fast, quicker than a frog tongue yanks a bug out of the air. The wash was for the full 15 minutes in Tide HE, no spin, (she won't do that right now) a cold overflow rinse, and a "DRY" in the Unimatic.

The stain was gone. I thought I was was seeing things, or, better, not seeing what should be right in front of me. The turnover of the light tablecloth pulled through the Blackstone turbulence was something to see. Furious comes close. Would another machine have done the job, or was it the last chemical treatment that did the deed.

Cameraless at present, I'll post an oldee of the odd-ball thing that killed the stain.

This post was last edited 06/24/2010 at 23:04


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Post# 444263 6/24/2010 at 22:39 (5,047 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)
Checkrate/Likes My sister Peggy gave me a tablecloth stained with mildew, asking me if I could get it out. The stain was in three sections, and had turned black. The cloth is gold lamee, or some such fussy thing: it is ribbed, and the thread atop each rib sparkles. It is her favorite table cloth. I said, "Sure, I'll get it out." Little did I know. First, a nice bath in powdered Tide HE and ammonia, in the WP Portable, narrow tub--lots to clothes-to-agitator contact. If you fill the tub, and turn the dial to the knits cycle, the washer will keep washing indefinately when you do this. With the knob pulled out, in the "ON" position, you slowly advance the wheel or dial--not the knob!-- past off and as you approach the 8 minute mark, just before the 8 (max wash time), the machine will start to agitate, and the dial will stay there until you advance it. This does not work on any other cycle, only Knits. I went biking for an hour and a half as the table cloth was gently surging; when back home, drained and spun, and hung in the sun, no rinse. The stain was still there. Left it in the sun for the rest of the day and evening and the following morning. Still there, one patch covering about 3 inches square, the other two stains, about an inch and a half each. In the sun you could see that the mildew had overtaken the fibers. Next was a diluted Clorox bath, standard dose 3/4 cup and another dose of Tide HE Powder. Another hour and a half wash and an overnight soak. Next morning, after an energetic morning swim in the lake, rushed up the stair to the deck where the WP sits all summer, drained'er and spun her. In the glare of the morning sun the stain looked weakened, so I rinsed and hung the table cloth. Alas, in the light of sunset, the stain was still there unchanged. Oh well. Sometimes you lose. The next day I tried lemon juice and sunlight, not bothering with the salt which, together with the other two, works wonder on rust stains. Failure. That night somewhere around page 28 or so of Robert's Bendix Manual Scan, I was riveted to the stain removal chart. It said that some deep mildew stains are IMPOSSIBLE to remove, so I felt comforted in the knowledge that if those Home Ec. wizards at Bendix can be stumped by a stain, who am I to complain. But they DID suggest Hydrogen peroxide as the anitdote to mildew. The next afternoon around 1:30, I placed the stained portion of the table cloth over a small glass deck table, and poured hydrogen peroxide over the stain and for good measure squirted some Great Value Dishwasher detergent over the peroxide and scrubbed with a small scrubbing brush. When I came home from biking, there it was, as bright and black as ever. After dinner, I brought the cloth into the garage to meet Mother Blackstone. Her directions demand that you fill the machine and begin agitation BEFORE adding laundry. She pulled that lamee/brocade, or whatever it is, down and under so fast, quicker than a frog tongue yanks a bug out of the air. The wash was for the full 15 minutes in Tide HE, no spin, (she won't do that right now) a cold overflow rinse, and a "DRY" in the Unimatic. The stain was gone. I thought I was was seeing things, or, better, not seeing what should be right in front of me. The turnover of the light tablecloth pulled through the Blackstone turbulence was something to see. Furious comes close. Would another machine have done the job, or was it the last chemical treatment that did the deed. Cameraless at present, I'll post an oldee of the odd-ball thing that killed the stain. This post was last edited 06/24/2010 at 23:04

Post# 444265 , Reply# 1 6/24/2010 at 22:46 (5,047 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)
Checkrate/Likes *She doesn't look like much,* the fins are diminutive, but the secret of her power may be in the increasing width of her column.

Post# 444267 , Reply# 2 6/24/2010 at 22:47 (5,047 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)
Checkrate/Likes *Blackstone to the rescue!* Persistance and ancient washer technology win the day. Congrats on a job that even that Stewart 'lady' would have given up on... RCD

Post# 444268 , Reply# 3 6/24/2010 at 22:49 (5,047 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)
Checkrate/Likes *And of course, an old favorite* gives a hint of her power.

Post# 444272 , Reply# 4 6/24/2010 at 23:09 (5,047 days old) by whirlaway (Hampton Virginia)
Checkrate/Likes This post has been deleted by the webmaster.

Post# 444273 , Reply# 5 6/24/2010 at 23:10 (5,047 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)
Checkrate/Likes *Hey Andy* You mean Martha, of course. I started liking her when the patriarchy singled her out for jail while they all went free. Glad you think it was the Blackstone, too. It was clearly there, unchanged, before the turbulence, and vanquished afterward. Honest to Aworg.

Post# 444275 , Reply# 6 6/24/2010 at 23:23 (5,047 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)
Checkrate/Likes *Whirlcool, What a nice thing to see just before bedtime* I can't drink yet, finally getting over a year long bout of a really debilitating neuro-chemcal imbalance caused by a prescription drug. Thank you, you anal opening. "How much" manners "do you" have?

Post# 444276 , Reply# 7 6/24/2010 at 23:42 (5,047 days old) by Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
Checkrate/Likes *Just ignore him Mike* You mean Whirlaway Mike, not Whirlcool, in your post btw. I will not stand for posts that insult individual members directly, ever.

Post# 444279 , Reply# 8 6/24/2010 at 23:47 (5,047 days old) by alr2903 (TN)
Checkrate/Likes Mickey, it was whirlaway, not whirlcool, that posted. I was for sure your story would end with the tablecloth still stained. Good for you. I am thinking the sunlight treatments helped you out along the way, no doubt the Blackstone churned out the last of the muck. arthur/alr2903

Post# 444284 , Reply# 9 6/25/2010 at 00:08 (5,047 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)
Checkrate/Likes *Love your story.* I am fascinated that the Blackstone didn't pull the item out of shape and damage the threads. I would never dare wash any brocades and lamee items on regular speed.

Post# 444314 , Reply# 11 6/25/2010 at 04:39 (5,046 days old) by mixfinder ()
Checkrate/Likes *We've All Come This Far* Mike, I look forward to your stories and pictures envious of all you're able to accomplish breathing life into those amazing machines. Its kind of like PeeWee's Playhouse of Bakelite. There's a comfort in so much shared history, genuine care for each other and dose of imbalance that brings us closer. I am still waiting for more full load pictures of the mighty Norge beating the bed linens silly with the squlirt, blurp of the holey high vane agitator while eddies of HE swirl at the outer edges.

Post# 444321 , Reply# 12 6/25/2010 at 05:00 (5,046 days old) by Gyrafoam (Wytheville, VA)
Checkrate/Likes Yes, those Blackstone agitators could really create good roll-over with those little fins!

Post# 444368 , Reply# 13 6/25/2010 at 10:01 (5,046 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)
Checkrate/Likes *Hi guys.* Thank you Robert, I wish I had stayed up to watch you working your magic at midnight. Bobbie, whirlcool, I apologize for mistaking your good name. Hope your Easy Spins are doing fine. Arthur, I hear ya, Man. I never thought the stain would yield after the Bendix book said some mildew stains are impossible to remove. Darren, you're too funny. The frog on the bug is the only thing not true in the story. Only time-lapsed photography can catch it, way too fast for the eye. Imagine an agitator that really went so fast. Olav, thanks, it was challenging to get that story told and printed by bedtime. My Blacky has only the one speed; she's 52, I think. Steve, you know first hand how agile they are. Kelly, I didn't know you liked the Norge so much. Happy to oblige in the future. Many thanks to you wonderful gentlemen: both the night owls and the morning larks, for turning a tragedy into a triumph.

Post# 444307 , Reply# 10 6/25/2010 at 02:32 (5,046 days old) by aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa)
Checkrate/Likes *She pulled...So fast quicker then a frog yanks a bug out of* What a great story only you can describe agitation like that way to funny Mike ! That was great ! I'm glad the stain finally came out with all of that effort. I would love to see the Blackstone in person someday guy, have a good one. Darren k.

Post# 444369 , Reply# 14 6/25/2010 at 10:05 (5,046 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)
Checkrate/Likes *Olav* single speed

Post# 444370 , Reply# 15 6/25/2010 at 10:12 (5,046 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)
Checkrate/Likes *Darren & Kelly* eye candy

Post# 444376 , Reply# 16 6/25/2010 at 10:27 (5,046 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)
Checkrate/Likes *Peggy* said that the table cloth looks brand new, and she couldn't believe the stain came out. When I told her how, she said what a story it will make for your washer buddies. INDEED ;-D

Post# 444402 , Reply# 17 6/25/2010 at 11:35 (5,046 days old) by retropia ()
Checkrate/Likes *Inspiration* I have some "permanent" mildew stains in an old dishcloth, and I'm tempted top try the hydrogen peroxide to see if that works. I don't have a Blackstone, so I'll have to make do with the washer I've got! Congratulations on vanquishing the stain.

Post# 445230 , Reply# 18 6/28/2010 at 11:07 (5,043 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)
Checkrate/Likes *Hi Doug, Thanks!* Boost up the power of the HP with a dose of DW jell and a quick stiff brushing. Let me know how it goes. You can always mail the cloth to me, if you don't get the stain out; then we'll know if it is the Blackstone. It would be fun and exciting to do that. Hope to inspire people to play around with their dials and report what they find. See what else is possible in cycle manipulation. The WP trick only works if you have reached the selected water level first, before you maneuver the dial. I'm calling it the Infinite Wash cycle.

Post# 445249 , Reply# 19 6/28/2010 at 12:17 (5,043 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)
Checkrate/Likes *Hey, Doug...* I hear Michael is taking in laundry for the 'Blackstone treatment'. Perhaps you should enquire as to his rates... RCD

Post# 445253 , Reply# 20 6/28/2010 at 12:49 (5,043 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)
Checkrate/Likes *Lunch time chuckle and gas* Andy, I did not need my belly to wiggle when it is full of luncheon delights. But thank you just the same for your wonderful high comedy, and now, still laughing, gas and indigestion. LOL

Post# 445294 , Reply# 21 6/28/2010 at 16:29 (5,043 days old) by Blackstone (Springfield, Massachusetts)
Checkrate/Likes *Petticoat* You have to get one of these items... instant delicate cycle.

Post# 445309 , Reply# 22 6/28/2010 at 17:06 (5,043 days old) by mixfinder ()
Checkrate/Likes *A Date that Delivers!* That you for the Norge teaser. You know how to keep me longing.

Post# 445822 , Reply# 23 6/30/2010 at 11:56 (5,041 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)
Checkrate/Likes *Now there is a skirt I'd like to wear ;->* Fred, did any of those petticoats make their way to Maryland? Great shot: at first it looks as if you are in sitting the chair, your face behind your arm and the petticoat. And then, NO, it's the chair and Fred's arm, but not Fred. Very smart. Kelly, how about a quiet, peaceful action shot, a Norge at rest, soaking on OFF.

Post# 445823 , Reply# 24 6/30/2010 at 11:58 (5,041 days old) by mixfinder ()
Checkrate/Likes *So This is How it Unfolds* You're going to make me beg, aren't you? I'm not a good whiner, more of the give'm a chance and then walk away type. For you, the world.....

Post# 445826 , Reply# 25 6/30/2010 at 12:04 (5,041 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)
Checkrate/Likes *But you wanted the Norge Hi-vane and I have the paddler* See

Post# 445828 , Reply# 26 6/30/2010 at 12:06 (5,041 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)
Checkrate/Likes *Out* See

Post# 445831 , Reply# 27 6/30/2010 at 12:16 (5,041 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)
Checkrate/Likes *Is this the one you mean...* The Norge inside the Speed Queen?

Post# 445832 , Reply# 28 6/30/2010 at 12:19 (5,041 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)
Checkrate/Likes *The slits* shooting

Post# 445939 , Reply# 29 6/30/2010 at 21:43 (5,041 days old) by duet83 ()
Checkrate/Likes Congratulations on the stain cleaning. And thanks for the advice on various techniques. The sun can do natural wonders, especially in conjunction with other additives. Beautiful machines.

Post# 446158 , Reply# 30 7/1/2010 at 18:09 (5,040 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA)
Checkrate/Likes You like to comment on my live shots of running machines and I'll return the favor right back at you. Nice pictures of machine violence against dirt... LOL! RCD

Post# 446212 , Reply# 31 7/1/2010 at 20:59 (5,040 days old) by mixfinder ()
Checkrate/Likes *Younger Model* Mike, you might need to trade me in for a younger model. I think I'm losing my marbles. I would have bet money the Norge had a thick vaned agitator with wings and a lint filter. Image my chagrin to have been so wrong in front of so many people and the embarrassment it brings you to be associated with a dunderhead. I am so sorry. However, how much more surprising is it to see the meek little post with the red top and know that underneath lay the vanes of vengence.

Post# 446326 , Reply# 32 7/2/2010 at 11:10 (5,039 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)
Checkrate/Likes *"I would have bet money the Norge had a thick vaned agit* Kelly, no dunderhead, you're talking about a later model found in the automatics, the famed burpolator; but more to the point, there is a Norge conventional with three high vanes, no filter though, and I have yet to see one. Eric, thanks. If you lay the fabric in the sun, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the rust spots, sprinke with salt--sea salt, here, but I'm sure Morton's will do--and then go for fishing or for a stroll, when you come back, they're gone like magic. It's been so long, I've forgotten where I learned it. Andrew, don't encourage me, but it is the 4th, so how would you like a few washer fireworks, in a little while.