The story is very sad.
I used a Mammut Revelation (9.2) wiht a standard ATC once and it was enough to convince me that these ropes (1/2 or single) with smaller diameters than say 9ishMM required a specialized device like a reversino or bugette.
-r
I never recommend putting human excrement in the washing machine... oh you meant the rope...
I've washed ropes in front loader machines using one of the commercial rope treatments. I've heard stories of people using Woolite. No personal experience.
-r