Washings

Washings is the plural form of washing, referring to the act or process of cleaning with water, the water used to perform cleaning, or the resulting liquid and residues. The term appears in household, industrial, scientific, and environmental contexts.

Domestic washing covers laundering fabrics, dishes, or bodies using water and detergents. It can be done by hand or with a washing machine, with cycle type, temperature, and detergent formulation chosen to suit material and soil level. Wastewater from household washing is usually treated or recycled where possible, and considerations such as energy and water use influence modern practices.

In mining and mineral processing, washing uses water to separate valuable material from less desirable material. The process produces slurries and waste streams, sometimes referred to as washings, and is often part of ore processing and ore beneficiation. In archaeology and sedimentology, washing describes rinsing sediments through sieves or washing screens to recover small artifacts or grains; the resulting material may be called the washings.

In chemistry and laboratory practice, washings are liquids that rinse solids, apparatus, or organic phases to remove impurities. After extraction, the organic layer is often washed with water or brine; the combined liquid is the washings, while the dried solid remains.

Environmental and regulatory aspects emphasize treating wash water to remove detergents, salts, and contaminants. Proper management reduces pollution and helps protect water quality, with practices varying by sector and local standards.