Washing drop cloths - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Robie · 04-07-2006, 09:50 PM

Just wondering if the cloth type can be washed and dried. I usually shake them out and hang them on the clothesline but they have seen some drywall dust over the years and need a good cleaning.
Will they survive a washer and dryer or just rotate them out for new ones?

**ProWallGuy** · 04-07-2006, 10:05 PM

I'm not sure I know what 'cloth type' is.

Mine are made of lightweight canvas, and I throw them in at the laundromat often. Doesn't hurt them a bit.

Robie · 04-07-2006, 10:11 PM

Yeah, I guess it would be considered lightweight canvas. They are the beige colored ones S&W sells.
Thanks.

**ProWallGuy** · 04-07-2006, 10:39 PM

Yeah, those should wash fine. I throw a cup of bleach in with them, brightens them up.

Rich Turley · 04-07-2006, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProWallGuy

Yeah, those should wash fine. I throw a cup of bleach in with them, brightens them up.

Ditto, but be sure to do it when the wife is gone!

Rich

painterofeveryt · 04-08-2006, 06:38 AM

do you use the dryer also ? or let em air dry ?

**slickshift** · 04-08-2006, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich Turley

Ditto, but be sure to do it when the wife is gone!

Ha ha
Yeah I did it a few times when she was gone
Then I couldn't wait so I asked if she thought it was OK
She said fine, just throw you work clothes in after
?
To sop up any paint crumbs?
?
Hey, if that works for her then fine

(whatever you do, DO NOT tell her that you bought the washer so you'll wash what you want in there....she'll never do another item of your clothing ever again

)

**slickshift** · 04-08-2006, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by painterofeveryt

do you use the dryer also ? or let em air dry ?

Yeah a little in the dryer, then air dry
I really don't trust heating up all those solvent stains
Paranoid?
Prolly
But no dryer fires yet

**Teetorbilt** · 04-08-2006, 08:50 AM

I've always washed mine and thrown them in the dryer. Ol'#2 doesn't mind. You can throw reasonably clean roller covers in there too, makes them good as new.

phinsher · 04-08-2006, 10:20 AM

We use the laundromat, their machines and much heavier than the one I own.

firemike · 04-08-2006, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phinsher

We use the laundromat, their machines and much heavier than the one I own.

Same here. The heavy duty washers can take a bigger load, and they dry much faster.

A painter friend has on older washer he picked up for nothing that still works, has it hooked up next to his good one in the basement, uses the old one for his tarps, the wife uses it for rugs and such, and saves the good one for the clothes that way. I's like to do that as well, but don't have the room right now.

trumps101 · 04-08-2006, 07:37 PM

I have been washing them for years ..I used the family washer untill the kids broke out in a rash from the paint, chemical and what not.
Now i have one in the garage for paint rags and canvas..