Cleaning rags are not all equivalent: a cloth used with soapy water may wash normally, while one soaked with solvent, oil, fuel, or certain chemicals needs different handling. Before putting rags together in a washer, know what substances they contain.
Sort rags by what they absorbed
Separate dusting and mild-cleaner cloths from rags containing grease, paint, solvent, pesticides, or biological contamination. The product label indicates whether residue may be laundered, needs special disposal, or should not enter a household washer.
Do not mix incompatible chemical residues
A rag containing bleach should not be mixed with acidic or ammonia-based residues. If you do not know what a cloth contains, keep it separate until the substance is identified or disposed of according to local guidance.
Oil-soaked rags can create a fire hazard
Some finishing oils and combustible products can generate heat as they oxidize or dry. Do not pile them together or put them in a hot dryer; follow the product instructions and local rules for safe storage and disposal.
Launder ordinary household rags only when appropriate
For ordinary household soil, use the cycle and temperature appropriate for the fabric and contamination. Clean the washer afterward if residue remains, and do not reuse a cloth that retains a strong chemical odor after laundering.
Sources
- American Cleaning Institute — Cleaning Tips — Household cleaning methods, product use, dosing, and material compatibility.