Cleaning shop rags...

[Ken]

I don't have access to an old washing machine as some of you do, but I want to clean my red shop rags seeing as how they're new and haven't been cleaned before. How do you guys clean your shop rags? I also have several pairs of "Mechanix" gloves that I want to clean as well. I know there are services available for that, but I don't have enough to justify the expense.

So what does the "little guy" do? :confused

If solvents are involved, then disposal is an issue - don't want that! :nono

 

[JonM]

A midnight run to the local laundromat maybe?

 

[bossvette]

A midnight run to the local laundromat maybe?

that will work, some even have washers set aside for "work clothes", I take mine to work and trade them in for clean ones

 

[Ken]

I understand what Craig is saying, but Jon, I tend to be a little more considerate of others, if I read the implication behind your statement correctly.

 

[JonM]

I understand what Craig is saying, but Jon, I tend to be a little more considerate of others, if I read the implication behind your statement correctly.

Then clean the damn washer out when you finish...:L

or get one of these...

 

[Ken]

I use that for making music! :L

 

[JonM]

Kens family reunion photograph

I use that for making music! :L

 

[Ken]

Remember Jim Kweskin's Jug Band? :L

 

[Rain]

Hmmm,
no folks from Mississippi in that pic..
I only see guns.. Most of my kin are holding a gun and a bible when their pics are taken!

 

[corvettecrazy]

I take all of my shop rags and throw them in the washer. Along with some liquid detergent. They fade a little but come out pretty clean. And I've never had my mom complain about a dirty washer so I guess it doesn't leave much behind.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

I put the dirty rags in a bucket. When they accumulate enough, I through in some laundry detergent, fill it with water and take a broom handle to swish them around until clean. Pour out the dirty water, add some clean and repeat a couple of times until the water is clear.

 

[BarryK]

i usually just wait until the pile of dirty rags and towels is large enough to make a medium load and throw them into our regular washing machine by themselves with the regular liquid washing detergent. Afterwards they go into the dryer WITHOUT any of those dryer softner/anti-static sheets.
I can deal with a little bit of static cling on the rags because otherwise the dryer sheets leave a little residue on the rags that can cause smearing when wiping down the car.

 

[Ken]

Just to clear things up here, I'm talking about really greasy, oily, and dirty shop rags, not just rags with some polish or dirt on 'em.

Bob, you're idea sounds good, but I wonder what the strongest detergent is that I could use. It's gotta be a strong degreaser.

 

[Grizzly]

I've done them in our home machine for years. Just use Tide and hot water for the wash and rinse and do it twice. I hang them on a line to dry. The only times I got in trouble was not using Tide or not using hot for the rinse. The grease made a greasy ring around the top of the washer tub when I used warm or cold for the rinse. I guess it just set up when it got cold. Wash greasy shop rags seperately from the ones I used to wash and detail the car.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Just to clear things up here, I'm talking about really greasy, oily, and dirty shop rags, not just rags with some polish or dirt on 'em.

Bob, you're idea sounds good, but I wonder what the strongest detergent is that I could use. It's gotta be a strong degreaser.

Laundry or dishwasher detergent works well because its formulated not to bubble up.

 

[Tom Bryant]

Tide is good. Hot water is a must. The really dirty ones get run through twice. Check your washer tub for the above mentioned greasy ring before doing your white dress shirts..

As for the pile or bucket of greasy rags in the garage be aware that they can and often do spontaniously combust ruining many a car guy's day, not to mention turning his pride and joy a crusty black color....garage and sometimes house too. That is why repair garages and industrial shops are required to put all didrty rags in a covered container. One of those small size galvanized garbage pails with a tight fitting lid is a good thing to use for your shop rags.

If you don't use a covered pail it is better to leave them laying all around the shop than in a pile or open pail.

Tom

 

[JohnZ]

I pitch the really dirty ones and buy a roll or two of twelve occasionally when I go to Murray's - they're cheaper than marital grief over fouling the washing machine