If you accidentally put washing machine cleaner inside the washer without removing your towel, don't worry; it can be easily resolved. Follow these steps to safely address the situation:
Turn off the washer: Immediately stop the washing machine to prevent the cleaner from circulating and potentially damaging your towel or the machine.
Remove the towel: Open the washing machine door or lid and take out the towel. Check if any of the cleaner has come into contact with the towel. If it has, consider rinsing the towel thoroughly under cold water to remove any residue.
Check the manufacturer's instructions: Read the label or instructions on the washing machine cleaner to see if it is safe for fabrics or if there are any specific steps to take if it comes into contact with clothes. Some washing machine cleaners are safe for fabrics, but it's essential to confirm this.
Run an empty cycle: To ensure the washing machine is thoroughly cleaned of any remaining cleaner, run an empty cycle with water only. This will help rinse away any residue and flush out the cleaning solution from the machine.
Clean the detergent compartment: If you poured the cleaner into the detergent compartment, make sure to clean it thoroughly to remove any leftover cleaner. You can use a damp cloth or sponge with water to wipe it clean.
Rinse the washer drum: After running the empty cycle, you can wipe the inside of the drum with a damp cloth to ensure any residual cleaner is removed.
Air out the washer: Leave the washing machine door or lid open for a while to allow any remaining fumes or odors from the cleaner to dissipate.
Re-run the rinse cycle: To be extra cautious, you can run an additional rinse cycle with water only to ensure all traces of the cleaner are gone.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the situation without any lasting damage to your towel or washing machine. Always be cautious when using cleaning products in or around your washing machine to prevent accidents like this from happening in the future.