Washable Pee Pads

[Yorkiemom1]

Does anyone wash their washable pee pads in one of these HE washers? I have been doing mine by hand...spray them off with chlorine solution, let them soak in a wash tub of Gain + Bleach overnight, rince them in clear water rinse and then dry them in my dryer (the old dryer).....I wonder if they can be done in my new huge machine.....sure would simplify life around here, but I CERTAINLY do not want to ruin my new machines! Being very careful not to overload it!!

[107barney]

Yep, I've been washing in my HE washer for five years. I use HE detergent and 1/2 cup of borax and they come out great. I don't think you need to do all that soaking and elbow grease. I would definitely use Affresh tablets in your washer about every 4-6 weeks to remove suds. I've killed two HE washers with suds. But not because of pee pads, just clothing.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by 107barney

Yep, I've been washing in my HE washer for five years. I use HE detergent and 1/2 cup of borax and they come out great. I don't think you need to do all that soaking and elbow grease. I would definitely use Affresh tablets in your washer about every 4-6 weeks to remove suds. I've killed two HE washers with suds. But not because of pee pads, just clothing.

What do you mean you've "killed 2 machines w/ suds" -- do you mean you used regular laundry detergent or such? Why, btw, do HE machines require special soap, btw?

[maxdog]

Since they use less water to clean your clothes, they require a soap that does not make as many suds. All brands carry them.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

What do you mean you've "killed 2 machines w/ suds" -- do you mean you used regular laundry detergent or such? Why, btw, do HE machines require special soap, btw?

The first HE machine I had, I used HE detergent but I used more than was needed and the second machine I didn't clean with the tablets. The current machine works great, I use Tide for HE (unscented) and the borax and then I use the Affresh tablets about once a month to remove the soap residue. The biggest issue with these machines is that the hose sits underneath and can build up gunk so I had this one checked and the guy changed the hose and did basic maintenance. He said it looked good. I also think the technology is better, I had the first HE washer 15 years ago when the technology was new.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by 107barney

The first HE machine I had, I used HE detergent but I used more than was needed and the second machine I didn't clean with the tablets. The current machine works great, I use Tide for HE (unscented) and the borax and then I use the Affresh tablets about once a month to remove the soap residue. The biggest issue with these machines is that the hose sits underneath and can build up gunk so I had this one checked and the guy changed the hose and did basic maintenance. He said it looked good. I also think the technology is better, I had the first HE washer 15 years ago when the technology was new.

I always see that "HE" detergent, but never really understood it. I will probably buy a new w/d within the next few years and it's just all so beyond me, all these choices. Are all front loaders HE, btw?

[Yorkiemom1]

Originally Posted by 107barney

Yep, I've been washing in my HE washer for five years. I use HE detergent and 1/2 cup of borax and they come out great. I don't think you need to do all that soaking and elbow grease. I would definitely use Affresh tablets in your washer about every 4-6 weeks to remove suds. I've killed two HE washers with suds. But not because of pee pads, just clothing.

This is super!!! I know you cant wash waterproof mattress protectors and plastic rain coats, but I just cant imagine not being able to wash padds.....people use those under patients, and I know they dont do all that I am doing to get them clean and smelling great....

And where do you get these Affresh tablets? I am using the Tide HE pods, and I also have Tide Boost pods that I THINK act like a borax to brighten colors and whiten brite whites...? Your borax is powder or does it come in pods too.....I have a HORRIBLE addiction with SUDS and FOAM....I MUST see tons of it or it just isnt getting clean....I love the pods because I drop in one pod, put the clothes in close the lid, set the machine, and leave the room.....I "see" the suds in my imagination so I am happy!

Also......do you use dryer sheets in your dryer? Another addiction.....wonderful smells!!! I love to take my clothes/sheets/towels out of the dryer and bury my face in them and smell those GREAT scents! Thank God I do not have to go through my life with solutions that have no smell or are fragrance free!

[joyce evans]

Oh my all that work you do...I use washable potty pads and have an HE. I wait until I have at least 3 dirty pads and I use bleach too! I usually do a pre-soak and extra rinse (via washing machine) and sometimes wash them twice. I follow up by washing doggie blankets or beds and then clean up rags and then my hubby's dirty socks. Then I wash my stuff. Just don't use too much bleach regardless of what kind of machine you have. When I replaced my old machine with the new HE the delivery guy from Sears told me I used too much bleach!

[Yorkiemom1]

Originally Posted by joyce evans

Oh my all that work you do...I use washable potty pads and have an HE. I wait until I have at least 3 dirty pads and I use bleach too! I usually do a pre-soak and extra rinse (via washing machine) and sometimes wash them twice. I follow up by washing doggie blankets or beds and then clean up rags and then my hubby's dirty socks. Then I wash my stuff. Just don't use too much bleach regardless of what kind of machine you have. When I replaced my old machine with the new HE the delivery guy from Sears told me I used too much bleach!

Oh boy!!!!!!!!! This also sounds super!~ I am trying to use everything in those pod things in order to keep me from using too much of everything!!! I have all my doggie blankets, those are easy to wash without any problem....I try to do all the family clothes first, then towels, then sheets.....the last things I do are doggie stuff.....then I do a "tub wash" cycle....I have way more than 3 pee pads to do...I have probably closer to 24/day....I change out crate pee pads twice a day, plus anytime they happen to make a mess on the pad that they would be walking/laying in.....so, yes! my whole world is dogs and washing and pee pads!!! So I am always actively looking for shortcuts having to do with cleaning, that will make my life easier! I am glad to hear that pee pads can be washed in these washing machines!!!

[Nancy1999]

Urine is a relatively sterile liquid, unless your dog has a bladder infection, and there is no need for all the bleaching. Most pads you buy say no bleach and no fabric softener, as it keeps the pads from becoming less absorbent over time. High efficiency washers should always be used with compatible products, those that don't suds too much. The suds aren't what clean your clothes anyway, but people like suds for some reason. I can't imagine all the extra work you've been going through.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Urine is a relatively sterile liquid, unless your dog has a bladder infection, and there is no need for all the bleaching. Most pads you buy say no bleach and no fabric softener, as it keeps the pads from becoming less absorbent over time. High efficiency washers should always be used with compatible products, those that don't suds too much. The suds aren't what clean your clothes anyway, but people like suds for some reason. I can't imagine all the extra work you've been going through.

Agree! Hot water and soap along with a natural product like Borax goes a long way toward keeping things very clean and smelling fresh.

[Yorkiemom1]

I use bleach on everything! ....it is a mental thing, like the "suds" thing! Have never used Borax except to make ant/roach bait....I will explore using it in my laundry!

[CoopersMom89]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

I use bleach on everything! ....it is a mental thing, like the "suds" thing! Have never used Borax except to make ant/roach bait....I will explore using it in my laundry!

Borax is great!! I use it when I make homemade laundry detergent Never heard you could use it to make ant/roach bait.

[SophieKatesMom]

I wash my T Bumpkins pads in an HE machine. I use HE detergent and Borax (love me some Borax) and also a little distilled vinegar. They come out clean and fresh and looking new.


I also clean my machine about once a month with the Tide Washing Machine cleaner.


So far no odors and Sophie Kate likes a fresh clean pad (girl is picky and does not like used pads at all).

[Cat2861]

I have a HE Maytag Neptune washer & Maytag Neptune Drying Center that I have had since 2005 and I can use any detergent in it. I too use the Tide Machine Cleaner once a month and I have never had any issues and it still washes like it is brand new. I also wash my TBumpkins pee pads in it with a Tide pod, Vinegar and Borax and they come out great!. I hope this helps!