How to Wash Overalls in a Washing Machine

Whether you are a working man or just a little cutie trying to stay cute, those overalls are going to need washing sooner or later. The straps on adults’ overalls often get so twisted during the wash that one wishes she had just used an old fashioned washboard instead. Your appliances are also murder on the straps, which are almost always the first things to wear out on your overalls. This article will show you how to save time and prevent wear, extending the life of your overalls until they are so soft you could wear them to bed.

Steps

1. Wash alone or with “like” clothing. It’s best to wash adults’ overalls alone, especially men’s. However, it is okay to wash just a few items with the overalls, like blue jeans. You don't want to wash anything (with the overalls) that can get twisted up with the straps, like women’s long sleeve shirts or kids’ blankets. Think similar clothing, minus the twisty-ness. Just do the denim and canvas stuff together.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


2. Fasten the straps to the bib. If you didn’t know already, the bib is the top front part with the breast pockets. Go ahead and fasten both straps before you wash. This will help keep them from twisting up during the wash.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


3. Use twist ties to keep the straps fastened. This step will reapportion years of your life in the long run. Don’t skip it. Take the 20 seconds to use a couple twist ties on the fasteners to make sure they don’t come loose. If your washing machine is worth its salt, it will undo those straps in a heartbeat and tie them in a sheet bend unless you prevent it. All it takes is two twist ties and a few seconds of patience.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


4. Empty the pockets. Overalls have more pockets than pants. The bib has a wallet pocket and a watch pocket. Kids put rocks, candy, and bugs in these. Men put cell phones and small tools in them. Women defy the laws of purse-space, so when it comes to bib pockets, the sky is the limit. Make sure all the pockets are empty.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   


5. Move the strap adjusters around. You’ve probably got them just the way you like them, but if you move the adjusters up or down on the straps occasionally, the straps will last longer.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Depending on the adjusters, you may be able to leave them a little loose, too. The straps wear out fastest around the adjusters, over the course of numerous wash and dry cycles (not to mention being out in the elements if they are work clothes). Moving them distributes the wear and tear of washing. This is the same idea as rotating tires. You know about rotating your tires, don't you?
   
   
   
   

Tips

• If you wash your overalls alone or in a light load, use about half the detergent called for and less water.


• Leave the straps fastened and twist-tied to the bib when you throw them in the dryer. This will cut down on some of the racket, but you're still going to hear them.

Warnings

• The paper-type twist ties will deteriorate a little, but the dryer filter screen will catch the fallout.


• Plastic-type twist ties will hold up in the wash, but may or may not melt in your dryer. Use with caution.

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