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5. WASHING GUIDE
5.1. Sorting and preparing your
washing
•
Sort the washing by type and care symbol (see chap-
ter 5.4: International symbols for care of textiles): nor-
mal wash for strong washing that can resist energetic
wash and spin; delicate wash for delicate washing that
should be treated more carefully. For mixed loads
composed of articles of different types of fibers,
choose a program and temperature suitable for the
most fragile fiber.
•
Wash white washing and color washing separately.
Otherwise, the white washing may be colored or look
gray.
•
New clothes very often have too much color. Prefera-
bly wash new clothes separately for the first time.
Respect "wash separately" and "wash several times
separately" care instructions.
•
Empty pockets and spread out the washing.
•
Take off all loose buttons, pins and hooks and eyes.
Close zip fasteners, tie knots in laces and straps.
•
Turn clothes made of several layers of textiles (slee-
ping bags, anoraks, etc.), colored hosiery and wool
and textiles with add-on decorations, inside out.
•
Wash small delicate items (socks, tights, bras, etc) in a
washing net.
•
Treat curtains with special care. Remove curtain hooks
and put net curtains in a net bag or a sachet.
5.2. Washing load depending on the
nature of the material
The quantity of washing that you put in your drum must not
exceed the maximum capacity of your washing machine.
This capacity may vary depending on the nature of your
textiles. Reduce the quantity of washing if it is very dirty or
if you have terry cloth type materials.
Not all textiles have the same volume and the same water
retention capacity. This is why in general the drum should
be filled:
•
completely, but without excessive pressure for cotton
and linen, and for mixed washe,
•
half full for treated cottons and synthetic fibers,
•
about one third full for very delicate articles such as
net curtains and wool.
For a mixed wash, fill the drum as required for the most de-
licate material.
5.3. Detergents and additives
Only use detergents and additives suitable for use in a
washing machine. Read the manufacturer's instructions
and respect sections 2.1 and 3.2.
Powder detergents can be used without restriction; liquid
detergents should be poured either in the proportioning
bowl directly in the drum, or in the wash compartment pro-
vided that the washing machine is started immediately;
detergents in tablets or doses must be put into the wash
compartment of the detergents dispenser in your washing
machine.
The quantity of detergent to be used depends on the
amount of washing to be washed, the hardness of the wa-
ter and how dirty the washing is.
If the water is soft, you can reduce the doses slightly. In-
crease the doses slightly if the water is hard (it is recom-
mended to use a water softener) or if the washing is very
dirty or stained.
You can ask the water distribution company in your region
or any other competent authority to find out the degree of
hardness of your water.
