tbh I actually put him in the water, but I felt mean saying that. I put him in and sometimes he chooses to stay for a few minutes, but I can't remember a time he's gone in by choice. I am just super paranoid about my snakes having good sheds ever since I had 1 bad experience with a bad shed (my first one ever when I was really inexperienced about humidity control)
Also, holy crap about the washing machine :o
I actually soak my snakes when they are close to shedding, maybe it is wrong to do... I am just never want them to have a bad shed (and they never do) but if I am hurting them I will stop!
I soak them in warm water for 10 minutes a day when they are in shed... shallow water in my bathtub