Can I Wash My Catalog Tote with Chocolate on the Handle?

[wadesgirl]

I got chocolate all over the handle of my catalog tote. Can I wash this in the washer? Or do I have to hand wash? I figured maybe in the washer but not in the dryer because of the window but I cannot find the information any where!

 

[janetupnorth]

I'd probably hand-wash to be safe.If you use cold water and a gentle cycle so it doesn't agitate too much and no dryer, you could probably put it in the washer. (Just cautious about warping or breaking your plastic with heat or movement).

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

I'd hand wash. The handles should dry quickly. Just set it on the counter and soak the handles in a soap and water solution, then towel dry. It should dry by air.

 

[RebelChef]

If you haven't already tried to wash it, put it in a plastic bag and refrigerate it for a while to let the chocolate harden. Then scrape it off with the blunt side of a butter knife or a stone scraper. You want to get as much off as possible without damaging the fabric. Then wash it with the warm, soapy water.

 

[RebelChef]

If you use cold water and a gentle cycle so it doesn't agitate too much and no dryer, you could probably put it in the washer. (Just cautious about warping or breaking your plastic with heat or movement).

I wouldn't suggest machine washing it but if I did, I would use warm water. The cold will make the plastic more brittle so more likely to crack. Warm water will keep it pliable.

 

[wadesgirl]

If you haven't already tried to wash it, put it in a plastic bag and refrigerate it for a while to let the chocolate harden. Then scrape it off with the blunt side of a butter knife or a stone scraper. You want to get as much off as possible without damaging the fabric. Then wash it with the warm, soapy water.

It's pretty well dry, it happened last week! I haven't had any time to mess with it yet.

To make it worse, I got cool whip all over my conference bag from last year. I carry my catalogs, door prizes, flip top chart in it. The lid for the cool whip got knocked to the floor last night (got to love little girls trying to help you in the kitchen) and all over my bag, my pants, the floor! Now I have another bag to clean.

 

[janetupnorth]

I wouldn't suggest machine washing it but if I did, I would use warm water. The cold will make the plastic more brittle so more likely to crack. Warm water will keep it pliable.

Good point - I was thinking avoid warm because MY warm water cycle tends to be VERY hot which would potential melt.

I'd just hand wash then...best to be safe!

 

[janetupnorth]

If I can make you feel not alone, I just realized I got tomato sauce on my conference 2008 bag strap!!!! That is getting hand washed...

 

[wadesgirl]

I knew I couldn't find the lid to throw it away but didn't bother looking on the floor until I went to get the catalogs out of the bag! There was cool whip every where!