Washing prints in washing machine

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retinax

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A wild idea... but a washing machine is a drum processor with automated washing programs. Could one wash prints in one? Granted, the water used may be a lot for RC prints, but maybe not too bad for fiber. Occurred to me when I was thinking how one could use the drum from a washing machine as a developing container-why not leave it in place? Has anyone tried it or heard about the disaster so brought about?
 
The washer would destroy the prints. During the wash cycle, the machine violently agitates its contents. This helps get clothes cleaner and removes soap in the fabrics during the rinse cycles, but would tear apart prints.


Also, a washer dumps and fills with water a couple times in order to remove soapy water, and it spins rapidly after the final dump to get the clothes less damp before they go in the dryer. All this would severely damage a print.
 
Chriscrawfordphoto said:
The washer would destroy the prints. During the wash cycle, the machine violently agitates its contents. This helps get clothes cleaner and removes soap in the fabrics during the rinse cycles, but would tear apart prints.


Also, a washer dumps and fills with water a couple times in order to remove soapy water, and it spins rapidly after the final dump to get the clothes less damp before they go in the dryer. All this would severely damage a print.
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Mine is not too violent really. During wash, it spins perhaps 40 rpm. Or course the prints would need to be fixed to the walls like in rotary processor. The final spinning with high speed can be turned off. I 'll need to observe how violently and from where the water goes in. It's just an absurd thought experiment, but your concerns haven't convinced me to abort it yet:)
 
Scapevision said:
ever left a paper note or receipt in the pocket? :rolleyes:
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Ever put a paper note or receipt in the washing tray? Wouldn't fare much better.
Seriously, it's just a brainfart, I only slept 1.5 hours last night, boosts creativity in the wrong way, but you should try harder to take my mind off of it!:rolleyes:
 
I don’t let the water run constantly when washing my prints. I fill up the tray and let it sit. I wash three or maybe four 8x10 at a time. Only change the water maybe half dozen times. RC paper is what I use and I find it doesn’t need much washing, as it’s mainly for the silver gelatin on front, not the paper as it has the coating. Fiber based it’s another story which I rarely use anymore. I do have a print washer I sometimes would use when I was in business. It will accomodate up to a 24x30. I sometimes would use it (the tank) to mix up chemicals as I would have d-76 for 10 gallons. Lots of 2 liter empty soda bottles used!
 
Erik van Straten said:
The question is: why? Much simpeler to wash the prints in a tray with a flushing hose.

Erik.
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This could work for pretty large prints if the ridges inside the machine don't crease them. Oh wait, I'd still need a large tray to develop :bang:
Ok maybe I'll go back to the original idea and take the drum out of a washing machine, one day, when I have the space to store it.
 
The “Hand wash” / “Wool” mode is not very strong. And skip the centrifuge phase in the end. Might worth a try.
 
I think it would work just fine. People wash all manner of things in those machines. Wool sweaters on hot (always good for making doll sweaters), prescription medications, the cat (some require dry cleaning though). In fact, you can even have a drink, chat up a chippie, have an Igor burger, and do your print washing and drying at Igor's Bar and Laundromat In New Orleans. This was my go to place nearly 50 years ago, and like most everything in this city, it's still there, and you can do all this 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. None of this namby pamby last call business, or closing for the holidays.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKCIFJ_7Eww
 
My mother in law would fill her washer part way with water, drop her cat in and close the lid. Not enough water to drown the critter, and she wouldn’t run any cycles. The cat came out grouchy but clean!

I rinse my prints via a garden hose under a tree or other landscaping that needs watering. Kill two birds with one stone sorta thing.
 
JoeV said:
My mother in law would fill her washer part way with water, drop her cat in and close the lid. Not enough water to drown the critter, and she wouldn’t run any cycles. The cat came out grouchy but clean!

I rinse my prints via a garden hose under a tree or other landscaping that needs watering. Kill two birds with one stone sorta thing.
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My cat would have murdered you in your sleep for that. He held grudges and was very, very spiteful and VERY LARGE.




chris-simba-crop.jpg
 
This could be the start of something creative. Why not add stones for a stone wash? Should give an interesting texture to the prints. After all, if it works for jeans, why not? Each print could be a unique work of art, worth more than a regular print. Similar concept to what Banksy did with the auction.
 
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