1.
dishes to wash; dirty dishes
dishes, pots, and utensils that need to be washed
洗い物がたまっている。
The dishes have piled up.
食後の洗い物をする。
To do the dishes after eating.
洗い物は食洗機に任せている。
I leave the dishes to the dishwasher.
洗い物が多いと面倒だ。
It's troublesome when there are a lot of dishes to wash.
2.
laundry; clothes to wash
clothes or items that need to be laundered
旅行から帰ったら洗い物がいっぱいあった。
When I got back from my trip, there was a lot of laundry.
洗い物は週末にまとめてやる。
I do the laundry all at once on weekends.
SENSE 1 - DISHES:
- More commonly used for dishes
- 洗い物をする (to do the dishes)
- 洗い物が溜まる (dishes pile up)
SENSE 2 - LAUNDRY:
- Also used for laundry, though 洗濯物 is more specific
RELATED WORDS:
- 皿洗い (dishwashing)
- 洗濯物 (laundry - more specific)
- 食洗機 (dishwasher)
HOUSEHOLD TASKS:
- 洗い物をする (wash dishes/laundry)
- 洗い物を片付ける (put away the washed items)