Washing filthy work clothes - tips?

[PourquoiTuGachesTaVie]

Dh has recently changed careers and is now working as an apprentice mechanic. He's wanted to do this for a long time so I'm very pleased for him but I don't think the washing machine is impressed.

His work clothes are disgusting, so much so that they need to go in the washing machine on their own (lesson learned after I couldn't get the smell of diesel out of my own clothes for quite some time!)

However I just thought I'd ask on here for any tips from people in/with relatives in similar professions.

Are there any particular washing powders/products you would recommend? And how do you keep your washing machine clean?

Any other tips would be appreciated too. Thanks.

How do his work mates wash thier clothes? He should ask them, or does he work in the 1950's?

I try to avoid touching his work clothes at all when they're dirty so don't worry he will be washing them himself. He also irons, cooks and sews better than I do so I have nothing to complain about on that front.

He asked me to ask on here because I'm always going on about how mumsnet knows everything.

He's also pretty sure most of his workmates don't wash their work clothes (which he agrees is skanky) and he thinks the ones that do get their mums/partners to do it from discussions with them.

Could you soak them overnight so they are not so dirty when you put them in the machine.

One of my sons works for a utility company and he gets vouchers to have his stuff cleaned professionally.

Soak clothes in water with some vanish powder, then hot wash with more Vanish powder and plenty of biological washing powder.

Do his work clothes once a week, so just one load of filthy work clobber.

Once that wash is done put a bag of soda crystals in the drum of the machine and put on the hottest wash available plus add lots of water via the soft dispenser so it is half way up the door.

Should keep the machine clean.

Rub Swarfega into the worst diesely bits then wash in a non-bio 60 wash.

No vouchers or anything like that available unfortunately, it's a small independent garage. I believe there may be a tax rebate available if you have to wash your own work clothes so we're looking into that.

Thank you all for the tips, much appreciated. I'll show dh when he gets home.

Diesel smell stays around for ages - DHs clothes had to stay out of house if poss as they contaminate everything.

Don't wash too hot with bio powder - it will stop it working.

As much time as possible on the washing line was my favourite trick to get the smell out.

Can he wear shorts & tshirt under overalls which get washed less frequently?