Q. Recently (the last two weeks) we’ve noticed an odor when the washing machine is running. This odor is then left on the clothes. We have two washers and dryers next to each other. One is a stack (electric) for work clothes and the others are stand alone with a gas dryer. There is also a sink in the immediate area too. Again the odor only happens when the laundry is being done. After seven years, this began two weeks ago and only the laundry is affected. Could it be the trap? Should I have it snaked?
MATT, from Dedham
A. The discharge (from either or both washers) is a black hose that runs from the bottom of the washer to a standpipe next to it. Since the washer discharges while operating, check that standpipe and the hose, and make sure the trap is full and working. If the trap is open (not full of water), water gushing down the pipe will cause sewer gases to rise. If you don’t find anything amiss, have an appliance company make a house call.
Q. I bought some painted wood vanities six months ago, built by a cabinet maker. Now I see what I think is the color of the wood bleeding through the paint, or might it be the paint is wearing off? What can I do about it?
IRRITATED
A. Chances are the wood is pine. I think a primer was not used, and pine often bleeds through the paint, not as knots, but as long streaks. It is resin leaching the color of the wood through the paint. Also, in some cases the paint was purposely removed at edges and other “wearable’’ parts of the wood, giving an antique look. In both instances I think you should contact the cabinet maker, and make these corrections: Sand the finish, apply a latex enamel undercoater or a stain-killer primer such as Kilz, and finish with two coats of a latex eggshell finish paint. The distressed finish (as the antique look is called) can be primed and painted.
