How to wash my Husband's work clothes, Metal work?

Question

My husband is in steal fabrication. He gets little metal shards in his clothing all the time (grinding dust, drill shards). We just switched from renting his uniforms to buying them. So now I have to worry about my washer getting the shards in the pump or where ever else they may travel.

Is there anyway to safe guard against this, or should we just pack them up and head to the Laundry mat?

My machine is a Front loader if that matters.

Answer 1

The laundry mat seems to be your answer for just you husbands uniforms. Figure the cost against the uniform service. I know the cost is tax deductable for either if uniforms are required for work.

I also suggest, the use of an apron at work which will really help on the amount that gets into your uniforms.

I use a ferrier apron when doing drilling welding or any pipe fitting. I use two kinds. one is leather welding apron

the other is denium ferrier apron that has a bibb front and wrap around legs that latch with velcro. I use this one when I have to climb all over equipment.

Answer 2

do you have a shower?

rinse the overalls in the shower before washing them.

give them as much agitation as you can, without risking metal in your hands.

metal shards will not damage the drain plug.

else, its a trip to the laundry

Answer 3

when i was growing up in the 70's im almost 40 but any way my mom purchased a used ringer type washing machine. she used purex laundry soap with 20 mule borax.she also put 3 heavy magnet( i dont know what they came out of on the out side of the tub they where round and donut shaped). (she would in her terms let them knock for 2 hours when she would let the water out there would be metal shavings stuck to the sides of the old washer where the magnets where. then she run them through the ring. then clean the shavings from the inside . rinse cycle (water hose) to fill it back up and let them wash  let the water out until there was no more dirt then  she boiled corn starch pour that in  then put them through the ringer into a metal tub that had a mrs. bluens rinse in it then back to ringer then hung up on the clothes line and they would be so stiff. then she would have to iron all that.  (note we had that darn thing till i was in high school  and i got a part time job and that christmas i bought her  one from the sears. my we where behind the times but then  things where  kinda tough(we lived in the sticks and the nearest town was 40 miles away) hey sometimes country is not so bad it helps you to be thankful for what you got. ( so little lady drop them suckers off at the cleaners cause it just causes more work for you and they only charge about 1.00  in some places per union form and they'll  make them look new)  by the time you figure the cost of water ,electric, soap, degreaser , and most of all your time then possible having some one work on your washer) it cheaper to send them to the suckers to the cleaners. well good luck. and if that dont work  tell him to laundry them him self but don't use your washer. lol    

Answer 4

I would go to the launderette.  The metal bits could damage your machine/pipes.  I think you may have to sneak into the launderette with them as well in case you are noticed.  I know in UK launderettes they always have a sign saying no work overalls (coveralls) for this reason.  

Answer 5

I also work in a factory, to extend the life of the washer I would use a laundry mat. see what the cost is versus renting them and go from there.

Answer 6

oh man, it's jobs like that that make you wish they had washers and dryers at work!

i'd say run a load weekly at the laundromat. much safer than having metal bits in your regular laundry. even with a rinse, you can't be sure you're getting them out. and then you're just adding to the water bill anyhow.  

Answer 7

My husband is a machinist as well.  My washer is old as the hills or him, whichever and so far so good.  I have him put his clothes in a special container (we use a cardboard storage barrel)  when removed before he goes into the house. (I don't like stains on my furniture or carpet) then I shake them good in the garage, if you can use your trash receptacle.  Then put them through one wash with 1/4 c. spray and wash and I use a squirt of dawn detergent but a degreaser of some kind is necessary.  This helps remove embedded pieces as well.  Then a regular wash with vinegar rinse, helps the smell too.

I would ask the provider of the uniforms what they do, there will be someone who can tell you and the mat idea is great as well but until then, shake, wash twice and watch when you take the clothes out of the washer because those little pieces of twisted metal from drilling and etc. are not easy on feet.  I've done this for almost 45 years, have only had 3 washer's in that time.  Maybe I have just been really lucky.  I have had more problems with little socks getting in the pump than the metal.  Oh and wipe the tub out with white vinegar before your next load, no carry over staining.  Good Luck.  Great occupation, pain in the butt for the keeper of the house.  lol