Am I the only one with this problem?
11-04-2015, 10:11 AM
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Southington, CT
Posts: 819
I used to have a GE washer, top loader with a 'filter tray'. It was THE BEST machine I've ever used. Unfortunately it died a few years ago (I'd had it for about 40 years-they just don't make things like they used to LOL but I do still have the dryer). The filter tray in the top would catch everything that went through the washer as the water would recycle and go into the filter. I had to empty it often, but never had an issue with the drain clogging. They don't make these machines any longer. Never keep the good products; just sell us junk. So any others I'd make, yes, they'd get their first wash in the large machine at the Laundromat. You're lucky you didn't have to call a plumber.
11-04-2015, 10:34 AM
#42
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Snowy Minnesota
Posts: 1,378
That would be me. When I returned to take the quilt out of the dryer, a plumber was hard at work snaking the drain. I sneaked the quilt out as inconspicuously as possible.
11-04-2015, 12:22 PM
#44
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Va.
Posts: 5,753
I've only made 2 rag quilts and it didn't occur to me they could cause problems. I must have gotten lucky because they both got washed in my front loader and dried in my dryer no problem. The flannel that I used was pretty tightly woven, so it probably didn't shed nearly as much as a homespun would. Also, I used rag snips and snipped the fabric after it was sewn rather than die cutting with a rag die and then sewing. Don't know if that would make a difference or not.
11-04-2015, 01:31 PM
#45
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,074
The laundromat was on my way to the grocery so I stopped to ask. The owner of the laundromat here said there was a 'grinder' on each machine drain, like the food grinder on a dishwasher. The industrial machine has a powerful grinder so even stuffing from toys or pillows won't clog that up. He said the commercial washers come with those on it now anyway. He said he hasn't had a clogged drain since he put the new washers in. My next washer will be a commercial one for sure. Doesn't cost that much more then a regular one. He said he would order it for me when I got ready for it.
11-04-2015, 03:15 PM
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Moira, NY
Posts: 520
I washed a couple of rag quilts in my washing machine, but until this thread, I did not know what clogged up my washing machine outlet drain. I will remember this for the next time, because I had to go and borrow a snake to unclog it.
Thanks for the information.
Cathy
Thanks for the information.
Cathy
11-04-2015, 03:34 PM
#47
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 3,254
I have washed rag quilts in my front loader without any problems, too. And dried in my drier, no problem. I guess we should "knock on wood" 
No problems with my front loader and dryer;I didn't do anything special and they handled them fine. I was quite surprised, and relieved! Now all these comments have me thinking it was just a lucky "one off" for me and I'm wondering if I'll be so chirpy about it all the next time around!!!!
11-04-2015, 07:42 PM
#48
Super Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Rocky Mountains
Posts: 1,866
If it's a smallish quilt you can wash it in a zippered pillow case. You can also try a mesh bag. with the pillow case, it will take several washings because there's not as much agitation. I would never try it in a domestic front loader. not enough water or agitation.
11-04-2015, 07:51 PM
#49
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,430
When I made a Raggy Jacket, I dampened it and then took it out in the yard and shook the daylights out of it and then brushed it for a long time. I then washed it in my top-loading machine. However, when I dried it, I stopped the dryer frequently, cleaned the filter well, and continued until the jacket stopped losing lint. Took a long time, but I have washed and worn it since with no problems.
11-05-2015, 03:50 AM
#50
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Tippy-top of a ridge in WV
Posts: 6,355
I would never attempt to wash any rag quilt in my home washer, no matter the make or model. I made quite a few some years back and they all went to the Laundromat for washing, then took them home and shook them vigorously and then into the dryer.
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