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?