To think that it is simply common sense to separate whites from coloureds?

[HecateTheCrone]

and NOT something a man of almost 50 would need to be sat down and given instructions on?

It has never ever occured to me that Himself does not do this. Ever.

I have wondered why all of a sudden, my bras go grey or the kids' pe tops go grey.

I've blamed the washing powder, the machine, poor quality clothing...

But today I find out that when Himself bungs a load in the washer, he just grabs whatever is in the washing basket and lobs it in

My last white bra is now disgustingly grey.

I mean, when I do the washing, I separate it. He has walked into the kitchen before and found me sitting on the floor putting the dirty clothes into piles - wtf did he think I was doing that for?

It honestly never occured to me that he is the reason I have dirty grey manky bras and that a grown man would need washing lessons.

AIBU? Naive? Thick?

Stream, that is very sweet. I love the fact that DHs think we have these mystical powers. Like knowing when nappies need changing, when family birthdays requiring a card are going to happen etc.

To be fair though, his arcane DIY knowledge and keeping track of bin day never ceases to impress me.

Oh crap, we sound like a couple from the 50's

My MIL has three laundry baskets marked 'darks' 'whites' and 'coloureds'. the first time I saw it I allowed myself a little giggle (knowing MIL is in no way racist, just hadn't realised)

I did then point it out to her and she made a new sign

I came to this thread
Expecting strong racism.
Such mundanity.

Definitely common sense but not in DHs world either. He does do it - reluctantly - but only because I have taught him to

BUT - recently I was chuffed to get my usual washing liquid on a BOGOF, and was pretty pleased about it, until I found that DH has used three quarters of a bottle on two washes!!!! Apparently he'd put the clothes in, sloshed some directly on top, and then added generous capfuls into the washing machine drawer ......

phew, for a minute there I thought this was a blast from S Africa's past.

As for oh's not quite getting how to do the washing.. so that you say oh for goodness sake I may as well do it myself

Would never let DH wash mine or the kids clothes did it once and he put a new dark green top in with a load of whites I went nuts at him.

several people have said that now. It honestly never occured to me! I mean, it's washing! I'm starting to wonder if maybe I should ask HQ to change the title for me!

Oh no. there will be no "leave it to me, you useless fecker darling" from me. I'm not that dim

I have invested in a "lights" and "darks" washing basket with separate compartments :) best purchase ever!!

I also make sure I bleach the machine after doing DHs work clothes, or EVERYTHING comes out grey for the next week... (very dirty job...)

I never separate stuff out, I just shove in whatever's on top of the Matterhorn of washing. My whites are fine :)

(I also wondered whether this was about South Africa back in the 1980s)
DH thinks that all the rules I have re whites/light coloured/dark coloured and wool/silk are daft. He used to go to the launderette and shove the lot in together in the far off days before we were married. Of course everything came out fine .... [hmmm]
He says that it is all too technical for him. He can't do the front of the washing machine but can plumb it in, diagnose faults etc.
He does iron all his own shirts, so I'm not completely living in the 1950s.

I dont seperate you would have to do too many loads of washing and it wastes the electric. It doesnt affect your clothes though.

don't whites look grubby washed with darker things?

I seperate stuff, always have as that's what I learned when I was a youngster. Reading through this, is it true you don't have to seperate any more? Looks like I need to catch up on washing technologyQ

And for the record, in our house it's my DW who wouldn't have a clue how to turn the washing machine on, let alone set the programme. .

I appreciate that it's not in anyway cool but I just love the whole washing thing. The sorting into white/dark is only the beginning [also have a red/pink wash] Do you folks have enjoy- a regime for pegging on the line?

I wouldn't want anyone to interfere with my analmeditative routine.

Me too siobahn bright blues and greens i put together too if I have enough

You all must have loads of washing. I probably only do about 2 loads a week for all my family. So no need to seperate as its a waste. Whites dont come up grubby either ime

I've never separated whites and coloureds - and don't have a problem with grey whites (but only white stuff are DD2 vests and DD1s polo shirts)

Yup, reds/pinks are definitely separate!

I separate darks/lights/whites etc.
DH sorts washing into piles but his system does not appear to be based on colour or tone. Possibly items are sorted according to whether they have sleeves or legs.
I remain mystified.

What a disappointing thread. I was looking forward to a debate on the merits of segregated drinking fountains at the OP's local park...

I'm quite proud of my DH . He now understands about colour sorting, towels have no conditioner, bedding on 60 and even understands about he need for cold wash for stains.

Shame he still doesn't know which bottle is detergent and which is conditioner and regularly mixes them up

just asked ds 16 how to do washing - he passed the test