Tvyek Wash Help Please

**taylo** · 03-22-2012, 21:50

Sooo.... I cut out a 11x7 hex tyvek tarp today. I got some JRB Grip Clips on the way for all the tie outs. But it needs to be washed first... its too stiff and loud as heck right now. Hand crumbling helps alot, but I don't have time to crumble the whole thing by hand.
Sooo.... for those who wash tyvek, should I use my home top loader machine, or take it to a laundromat and use a big front loader? I can just see the looks on peoples faces when I go cramming this tyvek in the laundromat.

Thanks for any info. I'm pretty pleased with how it has turned out so far. I just dont want to ruin it now.

**DemostiX** · 03-22-2012, 22:52

It's only Tyvek, and your home top loader is probably like you, strong but gentle. My understanding is that you're trying to tumble it softer by delivering a zillion wrinkles. So, do what you can't do at the laundromat: Fill the tub, set it agitating, and as soon as the cycle ends, go back to the beginning before it drains and let it agitate some more.....and some more..... and some more. You never have to change the water.

Added: Anyway, there is this new generation of High Efficiency (HE) top loaders without an agitator in the middle. I wonder if they demand a relaxation of the stigma.

**JohnSawyer** · 03-23-2012, 00:33

What he said... NO SOAP!

when I did mine, I did it on large, so there'd be lots of room for it to tumble. I also pulled it out (get ready to get wet) and put it back in to ensure it got even wrinkling...

**Cranky Bear** · 03-23-2012, 08:03

One more thing to add to what has already been said, use "COLD" water, not hot, not warm, but "Cold"!

Many (well only a couple) failed experiments happened until I learned this funny fact!

**taylo** · 03-23-2012, 09:29

Sooo.... Does anyone have an actual experience with Tyvek in a home top loader? Or is a front loader better?

**Amelander** · 03-23-2012, 09:32

I washed mine at home. Top loader. Cold water. No soap. Worked like a charm.

**enyapjr** · 03-23-2012, 10:19

I've washed Tyvek at home in top loader - but NOT an 11' x 7' sheet! (at most a small tent footprint/ground cloth size - less than half of yours)...
I suggest first 'stuffing' it into your washer just to see if & how it will fit - it should have enough room to move around slightly in the washer while being agitated...
Personally, I would probably go to a laundromat if I were doing your 11' x 7'...

I agree with the previously mentioned repeating wash cycles - untwisting/manipulating/turning/reorganizing it - and only using cold water and no soap - the last 2 not from personal experience, only by listening to others horror stories! BTW, I love the tag line from another HF member (can't recall whom at the moment) - "Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement."

**taylo** · 03-23-2012, 11:22

Thanks for the input,
I think I'm just going to let it break in naturally with repeated use. I imagine a few setups and take down will wrinkle it up just fine. I'm very leary of using my washing machine.

**HappyCamper** · 03-23-2012, 11:28

I washed one the size of a tent footprint in my top loader. Worked great. I would put your bigger size in and give it a try. 11 x 7. Isn't that the size of a small blanket? Top loader designed to handle that. Heck a load of towels is heavier and bulkier than that tyvek. IMHO.

**Cranky Bear** · 03-23-2012, 11:29

You could always hand wash it! Use a large trash can n fill'er up with cold water, dunk 'n' wring, dunk 'n' wring! Do this till its soft enough for ya, then hang to dry!