9 Washing tips
9
Washing tips
9.1
Fabric care symbols
To wash items correctly, please follow the fabric care symbols on the labels of the wash
items.
9.2
Washing detergent
The wash temperature selected should agree with the recommended temperature range
of the washing detergent to ensure the washing detergent is at its most effective.
9.3
General tips
▪
Wash white and coloured textiles separately.
▪
Empty pockets and turn inside out. Remove any foreign objects (coins, nails, paper
clips, etc.).
▪
Empty and brush out pockets of work overalls worn in the metal industry (metal shav-
ings can damage the washing and cause rust stains).
▪
Fasten duvet covers and pillow cases; close zips and hook and eye fasteners; fasten
cloth belts and apron ties.
▪
Wash smaller items (e.g. nylon tights, belts) and items with zips and hooks in a wash-
ing net or cushion cover.
▪
Remove stains before washing using a suitable stain remover.
▪
Pre-treat heavily soiled areas (collars, cuffs, etc.) with soap, special detergent or
paste.
▪
For normally or heavily soiled washing, select the additional
pre-wash programme
or select a heavier degree of soiling.
▪
Wash woollens and other textiles with the
fabric care symbol using the
Hand
wash programme only. Use detergent suitable for woollens and delicates.
▪
Textiles that are covered in animal hair, such as dog or horse blankets, should be
brushed out before washing.
9.4
Net curtains
If washing curtains made from mixed or man-made fibres:
▪
Ask the retailer whether the curtains are machine washable and, if so, at what water
temperature.
▪
Fill the washing drum only a quarter full.
▪
Tie up metal rollers and plastic sliders using an open weave fabric.
▪
Use a mild detergent (use sparingly due to foaming).
▪
With older, faded curtains, the material is weaker and may be easily damaged if ma-
chine washed.
9.5
Energy and water economy
General tips
▪
Wash cotton textiles with the
40
or
60
fabric care symbol together in the
pro-
gramme for optimal energy efficiency.
▪
The most efficient programmes in terms of energy and water consumption are gener-
ally those that wash at lower temperatures and longer duration.
▪
Use the maximum wash load capacity of the particular programme.
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