This letter/enquiry from last weekend's Sunday Times amused me.
I recently bought a couple of pairs of Summer shorts, and as I always do, I put them directly into the washing machine. I always wash new clothes before I would dream of wearing them.
I took off the price tag, etc, and threw them in the machine as they were. And just as the writer of the letter observed, they emerged 'inside out'; both pairs!
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I'm not the type to write Mr Angry, or even Mr Pleasant letters to The Times, but in this case I did offer some pretty obvious advice.
Of course you turn your pants inside out before washing, then if the theory is correct, they should emerge the right way round. Simple.
However, the 'why' question is still something of a mystery.
I don't know about that, but why is it that when you eat an orange that has just one pip, the pip is always in the last segment?
ReplyDeletePlease don't confuse matters; inside-out pants are complicated enough.
DeleteWhy is there always one teaspoon in the bottom of the sink after doing the washing up?
ReplyDeleteThere should be a public enquiry about teaspoons.
DeleteWill return when someone gives you the answer, along with the answer to why you lose only one sock in the washing machine. And where the hell does it go
ReplyDeleteEvery time I open the washing machine there is a lone sock inside. I'll send it to you.
DeleteThe lost socks transform into new lives as Tupperware lids without matching bowls.
DeleteI have a drawer of lids without bowls but also one bowl with no lid. Don't know how that happened.
DeleteThere is an odd sock heaven - did nobody tell you local alien?
ReplyDeleteWe have a drawer full; all odd.
DeleteAt least they went up there and not elsewhere. I have a Tupperware bowl without a lid full of odd socks. I use them for dusting.
DeleteSome washing machines are better at turning clothes inside-out than others. Built-in at assembly stage?
ReplyDeleteThey never mention it in the official booklet.
DeleteI often wonder why everything manages to get inside the duvet cover.
ReplyDeleteThere's always a lump in the corner of our duvet; usually under my chin. Unless, of course I put the duvet in myself!!!
DeleteI'm absolutely with you on that one, Rachel, and if anyone knows the answer I'm sure that person will make a lot of friends.
DeleteThe secret of life!
DeleteTurn the duvet cover inside out and remove accumulated fluff from the corners before washing.
DeleteI was writing my comment at the same time as you, Cro, but published just after. The idea of you putting the duvet in yourself seems like a physical unlikleyhood.
ReplyDeleteA rarity; but when I do do it, I sleep much better.
DeleteI have tried the reversed suggestion, in the past, and surprisingly, the items did not turn right side out. I have found that if there are buttons or zippers, that closing them before throwing into the wash, the items will likely stay right side out. Underwear, on the other hand, will remain inside out, no matter what you do to it, with the exception of tying each item into a knot before washing. Ugh!(no, I do not do this, but it seems it is the only thing that could work) Ranee (MN) USA
ReplyDeleteRae; this is a subject that requires serious study by the world's greatest minds. Little point us trying to solve the problem.
DeleteI blame Imogen Rubinstein from Cornwall.
ReplyDeleteShe's an innocent party. I can't even remember what she was moaning about.
DeleteFor some reason, I remember seeing a video about this once. It is because that is the way the item is originally sewn together - inside out. So that is its original natural state. At least I think that is what I remember that the video said! Don't know if it is true!?!
ReplyDeleteLaundry is complicated. When cottons are mixed with synthetics things stick together and even sometimes one item inside the other. Where do all the missing sox go?
ReplyDeleteI have little experience with duvets, but what I have deduced is that tucking the duvet into the cover goes much easier if you are a giant with long arms. It looks easy enough, but I never managed it unassisted.
ReplyDeleteMy question: how do elastic elastic strapped items get tangled around my agitator or other clothes?
ReplyDeletePants in my washing machine do not turn inside out and nor would cotton shorts. One sleeve of a shirt always seems to do the inside out trick though.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and responses brightened up my breakfast - it certainly is a puzzle!!
ReplyDeleteTink; I think we'll leave the subject there. All too headache-inducing.
DeleteOh what a hysterical post with even funnier comments. Thanks Cro, for instigating this. I only ever find the washing ends up inside a duvet cover. And only when I get to the washline1 Thanks for the laugh. Jo
ReplyDelete