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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Aibu to not want dp to wash his overalls in the washing machine?

72 replies

Dollslikeyouandme · 02/01/2014 19:30

Ok need to know if in being stupid here.

Won't say what he does or it would definitely out me.

But he works in very dirty places most days, and gets covered in shit, literally.

Today for example he's told me he's been in a big tank which was completely covered in rat shit, and he got covered in it. And he said he hopes he doesn't get ill. And no he doesn't get any special particular protective clothing.

I don't want these washed in the machine with our clothes towels and tea towels.

Aibu?

OP posts:
HoHoHopelessAtNamingBabies · 02/01/2014 19:32

Yes and no. Fair enough not to want them washed with your other things but what's the alternative to him using the machine? Better that than hand washes in the kitchen sink or bath!

Shitehawke · 02/01/2014 19:33

Can he buy a second hand machine to have in the garage? Or make him wash them all on one day, then boil/bleach the fuck out of it afterwards???

frankie4 · 02/01/2014 19:38

Why can't he wear overalls over his clothes? I would buy him overalls to wear that can be washed once or twice a week. And then maybe do a 90 degree wash after to clean the machine out.

Original poster
Dollslikeyouandme · 02/01/2014 19:39

Well, we don't live together at present and he's only washed them here on occasion, but he's moving in end of the month so don't want to start making him unwelcome before he's even moved in, but at the same time don't want to contaminate (possibly ott) all my washing.

Not sure how bad this really is. I'm considering options.

OP posts:
BuffyxSummers · 02/01/2014 19:41

If you don't do it on 90 degree washes, then your stuff will get contaminated. Yanbu to worry about it. I don't know what you can do though. Second washing machine? Tbh though you're going to get contaminated by wherever he works by touching him and him being in your house anyway so might now be worth worrying about.

Original poster
Dollslikeyouandme · 02/01/2014 19:42

Frankie they do go over clothes and he has one pair for each day so once a week wash should be fine, but they are quite big so a couple of loads at least.

Would a 90 empty cycle afterwards be sufficient?

OP posts:
Artandco · 02/01/2014 19:44

I would just put them in by themselves on 90 degrees, then wash machine on empty cycle with detol after

Original poster
Dollslikeyouandme · 02/01/2014 19:45

Feel a bit bad moaning about it when he's been working in it.

Second washing machine is a good idea but not sure where I could put it.

And yes I go in his work van etc so probably already covered in whatever he's been working in.

OP posts:
AnUnearthlyChild · 02/01/2014 19:47

If he is in that kind of environment, his employer should be providing ppe (protective equipment) and they should be arranging for washing of the overalls themselves.

Definitely DO NOT do em in your machine. Bleaurgggh.

cariadmawr · 02/01/2014 19:49

Ds1 works in construction and is disgusting coming home every couple days work basket is washed I put them with.disinfectant and clothes wash on quick wash then normal 60 degree wash again with more clothes liquid and disinfectant then another empty wash to clean my machine after .
Is but pain but got to be washed I just think at least he has a job so dirty clothes are part of that .

Climbingthewalls12 · 02/01/2014 19:49

My OH washes his ropes off his boat in my machine, it always makes the most ungodly sound.

Original poster
Dollslikeyouandme · 02/01/2014 19:51

Totally agree unearthlychild. But they won't, and he won't ask.

Technically he isn't 'supposed' to be in that kind of environment, he isn't a rat shit cleaner, but the type of places he gets sent on jobs are 99% filthy places.

They only gave him a first aid box for his van 6 months ago, despite him regularly getting burnt and cut to the point he has permanent scars.

OP posts:
TwoCatsInTheYard · 02/01/2014 19:51

www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/relief-tools.htm

Slightly off topic, but he may be liable to some tax relief on laundering work clothing.

mrsjay · 02/01/2014 19:51

he should get coverall over alls why doesnt he get provided with those ? anyway when my husband plumbed (is that a word) I just used to bung the clothes in the machine it all gets washed make sure you use biological washing powder you can wipe out your machine afterwards with detol if you are worried and do a 90 wash as somebody ^^ said he needs to buy himself disposable paper overalls too and he can just bin it

Binkyridesagain · 02/01/2014 19:53

From a DH who works with shit. YANBU, his employer has a duty to provide suitable protective clothing/ equipment.

Tank cleaning, known dirt jobs, he should have waterproof disposable overalls and not be expected to go home in shit covered clothing.

Also if he is washing his own company provided clothing than he can get a bit of money back off the taxman.

It is highly unlikely that washing the clothing in your machine will cause you any health issues though.

formerbabe · 02/01/2014 19:53

YANBU...it sounds like a health hazard if its rat faeces. But like others said, if he does, I would run the machine afterwards on empty at the hottest temperature.

Binkyridesagain · 02/01/2014 19:54

His employers have a LEGAL duty to provide PPE, whether they want to or not. If they refuse then you report to HSE.

WillYouDoTheFandango · 02/01/2014 19:55

YANBU. DP works on disgusting tankers and his employer takes his overalls to an industrial cleaner to be washed. Our machine gets clogged enough just washing his normal clothes.

mrsjay · 02/01/2014 19:55

has he had a tetanis (sorry spelling) shot the work sounds disgusting when my dh was in revolting places he had a hepititas (sp) and a tentanis (S) shot

coralanne · 02/01/2014 19:56

Can't he just leave them at work and take them to a Laundromat once a week?

revivingsnowshower · 02/01/2014 20:05

I agree he should have proper protective clothing for dirty jobs. Tell him to request that and if he doesn't get anywhere go to h.s.e. Its not worth getting sick. In the mean time I would soak the clothes overnight in a tub of disinfectant, rinse well then add to machine. This will also help to get them clean.

jazzandh · 02/01/2014 20:05

If I had to do this, I would get a large plastic bin (like a dustbin) and overalls would be chucked in with a load of napisan to soak. then washed when convenient on a hot wash. Bin could be kept outside with a lid on....

If napisan is good enough for laundering dirty nappies then I am sure it would cope with most other types of muck.

having said that, I certainly agree that his workplace should be providing some better protection.

Original poster
Dollslikeyouandme · 02/01/2014 20:06

No he hasn't had a tetanus. I'm starting to get a bit angry now as his work break so many rules, and they don't give a toss. He wouldn't say anything, I've just mentioned this to him and he says everyone's the same and has to bring them home. I'm starting to think now about all the times he's come back with headaches and a tight chest from breathing in crap and he hasn't got any protective mask or anything.

The least that they could do is provide cleaning for his overalls.

I didn't want to push it as he just said he can go to launderette so I suggested that he can claim tax back for washing expenses.

OP posts:
revivingsnowshower · 02/01/2014 20:07

If you want you can also wipe out the machine with disinfectant and do a 90 wash with a bit of disinfectant or bleach afterwards.

mrsjay · 02/01/2014 20:07

oh god sake where does he work is this company legit they should shit (pardon the pun) he needs a mask