problem with 'ing' :|

[lindadanca]

Hello,

I would like to ask about 'ing'.

washing :a noun
wash :a noun
But,

Thanks for washing or thanks for the wash or thanks for the washing.

Are the meanings of them same?

[5jj]

'Washing' is not normally used as a noun, except when it means things that have been, or are going to be, washed', as in 'It's started to rain; I must bring the washing in'.

'Wash' can be a noun, as in, 'My shirt needs a wash'.

Thanks for washing my clothes. 'Washing' is the gerund form of the verb 'wash'.
Tom is in the kitchen; he is washing the dishes. Present progressive of the verb 'wash'.

*Thanks for the wash. This is an unlikely sentence. You seem to be thanking someone for giving you a wash, i.e. washing you.

*Thanks for the washing. This is also an unlikely sentence. You may be thanking someone for (doing the) washing, i.e., washing the clothes.