Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Boyfriends work clothes are ruining my washing machine.,

58 replies

Sickofit189 · 17/12/2023 14:35

I’ve been washing his “work clothes” in my brand new machine for a little over 2 years and since I’ve been pregnant I’ve been furious that everything I wash after I’ve washed his ends up grey and stained. Even when I clean the machine out it always leaves my clothes DISGUSTING. For reference he won’t ask his boss for work overalls and works with Bakelite & other toxic oils. I told him on Friday I’m not washing them anymore as it’s ruining my machine and my clothes and today Sunday he says “can you wash my work clothes then please” and I said no I told you to sort out going to a commercial laundrette over the weekend and you didn’t.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 17/12/2023 14:44

Do you have any of those big washing machines/tumble dryers near you that you find in petrol stations/other convenience stores? Dh used them when he had to wash the rugby teams muddy kit and I didn't want it in my washing machine

Mihawk · 17/12/2023 14:47

It sounds like you're in a frustrating situation. It's understandable that you don't want your washing machine and clothes to be ruined by your boyfriend's work clothes. It's good that you've communicated your concerns to him and set boundaries around washing his clothes.

If he's not willing to wear overalls or find a solution that doesn't involve washing his clothes in your machine, then it's important to stick to your boundaries and not wash his clothes. It's not fair for him to expect you to continue doing something that's causing damage to your property and belongings.

You could suggest that he find a commercial laundrette or another solution for washing his work clothes, such as hand-washing them separately. It's important for both of you to find a solution that works for everyone involved.

In the meantime, you could try using a stain remover or pre-treating his clothes before washing them to help prevent the stains from transferring to your other clothes. You could also consider washing your clothes separately from his to avoid any further damage.

tescocreditcard · 17/12/2023 14:47

Yes I think the answer is for him bro use the launderette.

AlisonDonut · 17/12/2023 14:48

Yes do stop washing his clothes and let him go find a solution.

TurnthePotatoes · 17/12/2023 14:51

Well done for having a spine OP. I can guarantee within days of having to wash his own clothes a work overall will magically appear.

Sickofit189 · 21/12/2023 08:10

@Mihawk Hiya. His getting new work overalls. He had a hissy fit at work because I emailed his boss explaining why he needs them and I don’t have an industrial machine at home lmao.

OP posts:
Sickofit189 · 21/12/2023 08:12

@TurnthePotatoes yes you are right. These comments really helped me understand my request wasn’t “controlling” or “abusive” but reasonable & of course his getting work overalls when he returns after Xmas. He hasn’t asked me since 😂😂

OP posts:
Candycurrantbun · 21/12/2023 08:13

Sickofit189 · 21/12/2023 08:10

@Mihawk Hiya. His getting new work overalls. He had a hissy fit at work because I emailed his boss explaining why he needs them and I don’t have an industrial machine at home lmao.

You emailed his boss?

NeverDropYourMooncup · 21/12/2023 08:18

Candycurrantbun · 21/12/2023 08:13

You emailed his boss?

He was acting like a child in refusing to ask for overalls, after all.

Candycurrantbun · 21/12/2023 08:21

NeverDropYourMooncup · 21/12/2023 08:18

He was acting like a child in refusing to ask for overalls, after all.

I'd be bloody furious if my DH emailed my boss.

inappropriateportioncontrol · 21/12/2023 08:27

Is anyone thinking "gosh,people using the laundrette machine after said boyfriend's clothes would have a nasty shock"
And are the overalls never going to be washed ?

mewkins · 21/12/2023 08:29

Sickofit189 · 21/12/2023 08:10

@Mihawk Hiya. His getting new work overalls. He had a hissy fit at work because I emailed his boss explaining why he needs them and I don’t have an industrial machine at home lmao.

Fair play to you!

Amberlady · 21/12/2023 08:30

But what’s going to happen with his overalls ? They’ll need washing.

DidIMakeaMistake · 21/12/2023 08:31

Why couldn’t he ask his boss for overalls? Pretty bad emailing his boss tbh

MinervatheGreat · 21/12/2023 08:35

Tell him to ….
Pre soak his stuff in a large bucket or container seated in the bath for a while prior to washing. This will loosen most of the dirt.

Dunk them up & down to get the worst of the soiling off. Change water as necesssry until u are satisfied it’s running clear enough to use machine.

Old fashioned method but might help keep peace between you? He must take personal responsibility for this. You are not a household appliance. 😉

UnaOfStormhold · 21/12/2023 08:46

What other household chores are you taking on for this prince among men? And what does he do in return?

bellac11 · 21/12/2023 08:47

Sickofit189 · 21/12/2023 08:12

@TurnthePotatoes yes you are right. These comments really helped me understand my request wasn’t “controlling” or “abusive” but reasonable & of course his getting work overalls when he returns after Xmas. He hasn’t asked me since 😂😂

Your request wasnt abusive or controlling but emailing his boss was

FaiIureToLunch · 21/12/2023 08:49

You really need to steep them first that’s mental. You can’t chuck them straight in!

FaiIureToLunch · 21/12/2023 08:49

Plus emailing his boss is massively overstepping jeez

2jacqi · 21/12/2023 08:49

@Sickofit189 there is actually a business in my area which only washes horse coats, dog coats, dog beds and things like that. loads of horses here so it does a roaring trade. he needs about three or four boiler suits so he can save them up in a special bag and take them all at once to commercial launderette

CurlewKate · 21/12/2023 08:50

@Candycurrantbun "I'd be bloody furious if my DH emailed my boss"

Not as furious as I'd be if my DH expected me to wash his work clothes-even if they didn't have potentially toxic substances on them!

brickastley · 21/12/2023 08:50

Why can't he wash them in his own machine?

inappropriateportioncontrol · 21/12/2023 08:51

Pre soak his stuff in a large bucket or container seated in the bath for a while prior to washing. This will loosen most of the dirt.

Dunk them up & down to get the worst of the soiling off. Change water as necesssry until u are satisfied it’s running clear enough to use machine.

Old fashioned method but might help keep peace between you? He must take personal responsibility for this. You are not a household appliance

absolutely this I was wondering why soaking wasn't an alternative to ruining the next persons clothes at a laundrette.

Oliotya · 21/12/2023 08:52

Sickofit189 · 21/12/2023 08:10

@Mihawk Hiya. His getting new work overalls. He had a hissy fit at work because I emailed his boss explaining why he needs them and I don’t have an industrial machine at home lmao.

That's absolutely nuts. You cant email his boss. That's so inappropriate.
You should have just stopped washing his stuff, he'd soon figure it out.
But really dirty stuff needs a 3 step wash - rinse, hot wash, machine clean.

HardcoreLadyType · 21/12/2023 08:53

Yes, overalls will be cheaper for the boss than buying you an industrial washing machine!