Y'know how you can bung lego in the washer, in mesh bags so it doesn't end up in the filter...

[lucysmam]

Do you reckon you could bung plastic beads in there?

I've been given a load but they're sticky, presumably from little hands touching/using them.

Wouldn't it be easier/safer to stick them in a sieve to rinse out? Beads sound much more likely to escape the mesh, plus they are smoother than Lego bricks so don't need that extended wash.

You could try putting them in a pillow case and tying it up with an elastic hair band, I use this method for washing things with beads or sequins so that if any fall off I can catch them and sew them back on again.

Put them in the feet part of a pair of thickish tights and tie/knot the whole thing fairly well? Don't know if this will work or not though it's just a random thought