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Detergents
Any of the modern, commercially available detergents made for
use in domestic washing machines may be used.
The type of detergent used depends on the type of fabric and soil-
ing.
The various types of soiling are:
Dirt,
e.g. dust, soot, sweat, organic stains, etc.
Stains which respond to bleach,
e.g. red wine, fruit, veg-
etables, etc.
Protein stains,
e.g. blood, milk etc.
Detergents are available in the following forms:
Powder detergent,
with bleaching agent
Liquid detergent,
without bleaching agent
Colour-safe detergents for delicate fabrics and
coloureds,
without bleaching agent and often also without
whiteners.
Detergents for wool,
without bleach or enzymes, which will
not damage wool fibres.
Detergents for net curtains,
with optical whiteners and sub-
stances which prevent the curtains from yellowing in sunlight.
Water softening agents
to reduce the hardness of tap water.
Bleaching agents or stain removing salts,
for concentrat-
ed use on stains or as an additive with bleach-free detergents.
Pre-treatment agents,
for removing stains prior to washing.
Fabric softeners,
to eliminate static charge for synthetics and
to make fabrics feel soft.
Starches and dressing agents,
to make garments hold their
shape and make them easier to iron.
Dyes and colour removers
may be used in the washing
machine only if indicated on the product pack.
Choice of
detergent
