You ladies are all so smart!!!

I use them and have never had a problem. The cost can't be much, some time you just have to foget about cost and look at the benefits.

Thank you for the heads up. also the bag idea!!!

wow that is good to know .. thanks for sharing about the colorcatchers.. I will be sure to put them into a bag for the washer-good idea whether one has a top loader or a front loader.

Great information. I do use them - but always check to find it - of course that could be too late - so I'll start pinning them.

Hmn, if dye is a problem, then wash the new clothing or fabric separately in cold to warm water and add white vinegar to the rinse to set the colours. It saves time, money and the environment!

Wow! I've used these before and never even thought about having trouble like that. I'll be more careful. Thanks for the heads up

My husband used to pin his socks together in pairs before he threw them in the wash. One of his safety pins opened up and got caught in the pump on our front loader. Repairman got it out. Safety pins no longer go in our washer! The mesh bag sounds like a good idea for the color catchers.

I use the color catcher that you can use 30 times and looks like a terry wash rag. Have had no problems whatsoever. Have the little gauge on the box marked at 15 quilts done now - also I have a top load machine. I have a tendency to get underwires caught in mine. So embarrassing when the repairman says "I found your problem." So now I have a nice, no problem washer and saggy boobs!!!!!! I just consider the trade-off. Edie

Love the ideas around cc. I wouldn't have dreamed they could cause the trouble they do. And, I also have a front loader which has been a great machine. Twice I've opened the cleanout valve on the front bottom and done my own repairs (lots of dog hair from carpets and clothes really will clog faster than a cc.)
The only thing I DON'T like about my front loader is that when I'm going to felt something, it would seem the top loader would be a better bet for deep hot water soaking. Anybody have any experience with that one?

Thanks for sharing this tip. "Ounce of prevention..."

I'm not sure what cost you think can't be that much; just to come to the house a repair service can cost 100 and that's not with the work being done. Even though I have a warranty, they still give you the bill but mark it paid and trust me it would have cost me a few hundred dollars, so I don't know about you, that is alot of money that I don't have. There would be no benefit with that one. That's why I posted this; no ones saying quit using the color catchers. They work great; just take measures to protect your washer just in case.

Hmmmm I very seldom use them but come to think of it I do not think the last one was ever found. I will have my DH look.

For the smell you can either get the stuff at the store to run thru the washer everyone in a while or what I find that works better is cheaper and I don't have to waste a whole washer load of water to do it. I put vinegar (white or cider) in your bleach area and run it thru with your clothes about once a week. I normally have at least one load of baby clothes each time I do laundry so I use the vinegar with it because it brightens and freshens the clothes and takes care of my washer as well. I don't have any problems with oders. I can't leave the doors opened because my cat thinks it's her "cat cave" when I do and she'll be in there sleeping and then I have to clean out the cat hair.

Thanks for the idea of the mesh laundry bag. So simple and useful idea!

Thank you for posting the warning. I had no idea.

I don't get the point of tearing them into 1/4s.[

Thanks for posting this. I'll be pinning mine to a fabric from now on even though I don't have a front loader.

Thanks for the info. I've never thought about it. Will use a mesh bag.

i have washed my lingerie in mesh bags for many years now so no lost underwires. there is also another cure for saggy boobs..... it involves a doctor and a coupla of snips. i got my funds set aside for the day when...:D

I also love my front load washer. When I bought this machine the dealer advised me not to use color catchers. Keeping the washer clean eliminates any odor. The only problem I have found is that I cannot dye fabric in this washer as it does not use enough water.

Thank you for sharing this information. We will be buying a new washer soon and this is something I had not thought about. I am sure there are other small items such as hankies, ribbons, fabric belts and such that might also be a problem.

Good information, I have a front loader washer and love it, but I have to keep the door open and wash it out often,
the machine smells, the gasket around the door and drum the say causes it. I use white vinager in it and wash with to clean.

Placing them in one of the lingerie laundry bags is also a great way to prevent their going into the drain or pump of the washer. I do this with the "footies" I put over my toes when I wear open heeled walking shoes.

Nancy

Thanks for the info--good idea about the lingerie bag.

Thanks for the "heads up". We have a front loader and haven't had any problems, but will take precautions from now on.

This is an awesome idea! Thanks for sharing this tip!

I prewash all fabrics but never thought about the threads getting into the dryer vent. I'd better check that tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestio.

That's what they recommend on the box for front loading machines. I think it's a good idea for all kinds of washers.

I've started using the color catchers placed in a nylon mesh bag with a zipper closure. It still works and I don't have to worry about it getting into the pump or having a pin get caught and rip my quilt.

I bought a new washer dryer set and selected the top loader. It does not have an agitator and swishes the clothes one way then another. Each setting has a different swish. I bought it because it had a hand wash setting. I wash all my fabric on that setting. No more tangled threads or raveling of the fabric. I can wash fat quarters, and even charm squares and no tangled mess of strings. I don't prewash that much but the handwash is perfect for washing finished quilts. I don't know how it spins the water out but nothing is pushed flat to the sides or bottom of the drum unless I use the sheets and towel setting. It has a setting for most all washable items. It cost more then the front loaders I looked at which surprised my DH. I looked and I can't see any place a small item can get out of the drum into anything. Just tiny holes in the drum.

Be careful; if you look inside of a front loader that's all you can see. I couldn't believe it do I looked and couldn't figure out where small things could get out like that. I do remember years ago it happening to a friend who had a top loader as well. I'd say you could be right but why take the chance and just put them either in a mesh bag or pin them to a washcloth or other rag while it washes. Better to be safe than sorry. Congratulations on your new purchase though, I was so happy when I got mine and still am after two yrs.

I have a great appliance repairman and I don't hesitate to call him. I think DH keeps him on retainer. LOL.

I did a post on this months ago because ago. I put mine in mesh bags. They are not sold in most European countries becasue of the clogging.

I know you did. I saw it and only used a color catcher once after that and pinned it to the fabric. Only I didn't know that it was already too late; there was already one in my pump. That is why when I had it happen I wanted to bring it up again and I pointed out that it had been mentioned before. Color catchers work great but now I pin them to an old wash cloth and run them thru. Thank you for the orginal post. I'm happy that my post is still going after a few weeks. Its good to get the word out. I had a really hard time being without my washer for about 2 wks and also my daughter brings hers over to do. When I finally got it fixed I thought I'd never get the laundry caught up between me, her and her two kids.

You're better off to treat your fabrics or finished quilt with Retayne. This removes excess dies and sets the remaining colors. It takes about 1/4 cup per quilt, wash in hot water, rinse and future washing can be done in any temperature water. Makes it a no brainer for a gifted quilt that you won't be able to control how it is treated.