Putting clothes covered in sawdust directly into the washing machine is generally not recommended. Sawdust can create several issues if not handled properly in the laundry process:
Clogging the washing machine: Sawdust is fine and can easily clog the drains, filters, and other parts of the washing machine. This may lead to reduced water flow, drainage problems, and potential damage to the machine.
Staining other clothes: Sawdust particles can adhere to other clothes in the same load, causing staining and making the laundry less effective.
Damage to the washing machine: If sawdust accumulates in the washing machine's internal parts, it may lead to mechanical issues and affect the machine's performance.
To safely wash clothes that are covered in sawdust, follow these steps:
Shake or brush off excess sawdust: Before washing the clothes, shake or brush off as much sawdust as possible to minimize the amount that enters the washing machine.
Pre-rinse or pre-soak the clothes: If the sawdust is stubbornly sticking to the clothes, consider pre-rinsing or pre-soaking them in a sink or tub to remove as much sawdust as you can.
Use a garment bag or pillowcase: Place the sawdust-covered clothes in a mesh garment bag or pillowcase and secure it with a knot or tie. This will help contain the sawdust during the washing process and prevent it from spreading to other clothes.
Shake off again before transferring to the machine: Just before adding the garment bag or pillowcase into the washing machine, give it another gentle shake to dislodge any remaining loose sawdust.
Clean the washing machine afterward: Once you've finished washing the sawdust-covered clothes, it's a good idea to run an empty cycle with hot water and detergent to clean out any remaining sawdust particles in the machine.
By taking these precautions, you can avoid potential damage to your washing machine and prevent sawdust from affecting other laundry items in the same load.