30
Detergent and Additives
The choice of detergent
depends on:
•
type of fabric (cottons, easy care/
synthetics, delicate items, wool).
Note:
Use only specific
detergents for washing wool;
•
colour;
•
the wash temperature;
•
degree and type of soiling.
Remarks:
Whitish residues on dark fabrics
are caused by insoluble water
softeners used in modern
phosphate-free powder
detergents. If this occurs, shake
or brush out the fabric or use
liquid detergents.
Use only detergents and
additives specifically produced
for domestic washing machines.
When using descaling agents,
dyes or bleaches for the pre-
wash, make sure that they are
suitable for use in domestic
washing machines. Descalers
could contain components that
can attack parts of your washing
machine.
Do not use any solvents (e.g.
turpentine, benzine). Do not
wash fabrics in the machine
which have been treated with
solvents or flammable liquids.
Dosage
Follow the dosage
recommendations on the
detergent pack. They depend on:
•
degree and type of soiling.
•
size of wash:
full load: follow the detergent
manufacturer's instructions;
half load: 3/4 the amount used
for a full load;
Minimum load (about 1 kg):
1/2 the amount used for a full
load;
•
water hardness in your area
(request information from the
water company): Soft water
requires less detergent than
hard water.
Notes:
Too much detergent can result in
excess foam formation.
The cleaning effect deteriorates.
If the washing machine detects
too much foam, it may prevent
spinning.
Insufficient detergent may result
in grey laundry in time, and also
calcifies the heating system,
drum and hoses.
WATER HARDNESS CHART
Water hardness
CHARACTERISTICS
GERMAN
°dH
FRENCH
°fH
ENGLISH
°eH
1
2
3
4
soft
medium
hard
very hard
0-7
7-14
14-21
over 21
0-12
12-25
25-37
over 37
0-9
9-17
17-26
over 26
Set the hardness in your house to the water hardness level. Move the hardness pointer sideways to the desired
position.