Rolaids, which are antacid tablets commonly used to relieve heartburn and indigestion, are not likely to cause significant damage to clothes or a washing machine if they accidentally go through the laundry. However, it's essential to remove the Rolaids from the clothes and the washing machine to ensure proper cleaning and prevent potential issues. Here's what you should do:
Remove Rolaids from Clothes: If you discover Rolaids tablets in the laundry, take them out of the clothes before proceeding with the washing process. Leaving them in the clothes can lead to residue or staining on the fabric.
Inspect the Washing Machine: Check the washing machine's drum and any compartments where the Rolaids might have ended up. If you find any tablets, remove them before running the washing machine again.
Rinse the Clothes: If the clothes have visible residue from the Rolaids, consider rinsing them thoroughly under running water to remove any leftover antacid.
Run an Empty Rinse Cycle: To be extra cautious, you may run an empty rinse cycle in the washing machine to ensure that any remaining Rolaids or residue is flushed out.
Check for Stains: After washing the clothes, inspect them for any stains caused by the Rolaids. If you notice stains, treat them with a stain remover before drying the clothes.
It's worth noting that Rolaids are generally made of calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide, which are common antacid ingredients and are not known to be harmful to washing machines or fabrics. However, you should still avoid letting non-laundry items like Rolaids, coins, keys, or other small objects go through the washing machine regularly, as they can cause other issues, such as damage to the machine or clothes, clogs, or unwanted residues.
If you are concerned about the impact of Rolaids on your specific washing machine or clothes, it's always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines or contact their customer support for further advice.