Click on the images below to find more infos on laundry steps.
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Just like everything else in life, laundry works best with a little preparation. Here then, are a few helpful tips to remember as you toss your dirty clothes into the washing basket...
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When sorting laundry there are some basic steps which should always be followed:
When you have a wash-load with mixed temperature and agitation garments you must select the lowest recommended temperature and agitation programme for the whole load.
Whenever you use a special method to remove stubborn stains, or have doubts about the colour of your fabrics it is advisable to test for colour fastness. Some dyes may only stay fast for a limited number of washes so they may suddenly start to run, particularly if there’s prolonged contact between the fabric and stain removal agent or washing solution.
To test for colour fastness:
1. Apply warm water to an inconspicuous part of the garment, such as the inside of a hem.
2. Place the damp fabric between two pieces of white cloth and press with a warm iron.
3. Examine the pieces of white cloth. If no colour has been transferred, the dye is fast and you can go ahead with your washing process.
4. However, if the colour has been transferred the dye is not fast, so extra care should be taken.
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It can be tempting to put too many garments in the washing machine, but this will lead to problems.
Over-loading doesn’t allow clothes to tumble properly in the drum, thereby reducing the agitation. This will lead to reduced cleaning performance.
Over-loading also reduces the space in the machine, preventing powders from dissolving properly. This will increase the chances of powder residues, bleach damage and poor performance.
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Always remember to follow the fabric care label on your garments and when washing a mixed load always choose the lowest temperature and agitation setting.
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Wash water temperature directly affects cleaning and creasing. The correct choice of water temperature can also minimize dye transfer from unstable colours. Check your garment care labels for recommended wash temperature. If care label advice is not available, use the following as guide: Hot Water provides the quickest and best cleaning. Use it for sturdy whites, colour-fast pastels and light prints, cloth nappies and similarly soiled baby items; heavily-soiled work and play clothes. Warm water cleans, whilst minimizing dye loss and helps reduce creasing in the washer. Use it for permanent press, all colour-fast dark or bright colours, synthetics made of nylon, polyester or acrylic and washable woollens. Cold water may help protect sensitive dyes, minimize washer creasing and save hot water. However, it doesn’t clean as well as warmer temperatures. Use it for bright red and orange dyes that release colour without losing intensity; lightly-soiled fabrics and removal of some protein stains such as blood. Cold water is excellent for rinsing all loads, regardless of the washing temperature.
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When the wash cycle has finished, the garments should be removed and dried as soon as possible. Leaving clothes damp can lead to problems such as bad smells or even mildew. Drying hints:
Another good laundry habit is to wipe the inside of the machine after use and even leave the door open for a while, to allow the inside of the machine to dry out. This will help to prevent bad smells and mildew forming in the machine.
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