Washing clothes may seem like a simple task, but there are many factors to consider to ensure that clothes stay clean and do not become damaged.
It’s important to know which types of fabrics can be washed together and which cannot, which detergents work best for specific types of stains, and how to best care for your clothing to ensure it lasts longer.
This article discusses various washing and maintenance tips that can be useful for people who want to wash and maintain their clothes properly.
From sorting clothes to choosing the right washing cycle and drying clothes, these tips will help keep clothes clean and extend their lifespan.
Whether you are new to the world of washing clothes or just looking for new tips to improve your laundry routine, this article will provide useful information to help you wash and maintain your clothes.
Also read: how to wash bamboo clothes
Contents:
Basic knowledge about washing clothes
When it comes to washing clothes, it is important to know some basic principles to ensure that the clothes come out clean without being damaged. Below are some important aspects of washing clothes that one should know.
Types of detergents
There are different types of detergents available in the market such as powder, liquid and capsules. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages and can be used for different types of fabrics.
For example, powder detergents are better suited for white clothes, while liquid detergents are better for colored clothes.
Capsules are easy to use and are especially suitable for small washes.
Washing temperatures
The washing temperature is an important aspect to keep in mind when washing clothes. It is important to choose the right temperature depending on the type of fabric and the degree of dirt.
In general, cotton fabrics can be washed at higher temperatures, while synthetic fabrics should be washed at lower temperatures to prevent shrinkage and deformation.
Select washing programs
There are different washing programs available on washing machines, such as short wash programs, intensive wash programs and delicate wash programs.
Each program has its own specific purpose and is suitable for different types of fabrics and dirt levels. It is important to choose the right program to get the clothes clean without damaging them.
With this basic knowledge about washing clothes, one can ensure that the clothes are kept clean and last longer.
Preparing the wash
Before you start washing your clothes, it is important to prepare the clothes properly.
Below are some important steps to ensure that your clothes are washed properly.
Sorting clothes
Sorting clothes is an important step in laundry preparation. Clothing must be sorted by color, fabric and washing instructions. It is important to wash white clothing separately from colored clothing to prevent discoloration.
In addition, delicate fabrics such as silk and wool should be washed separately from strong fabrics such as cotton and polyester.
It is also important to check the washing instructions to see if the clothing can be washed in the washing machine or if it should be washed by hand.
Also keep your underpants, boxers, panties, washcloths, towels, etc. everything that comes into contact with your sweat etc. on a daily basis separately for washing at 60 degrees Celsius.
Pre-treat stains
Pre-treating stains is an important step to ensure that stains are removed during washing.
It is important to treat stains as quickly as possible to prevent them from setting into the fabric. There are different ways to pre-treat stains, depending on the type of stain.
For example, with an oil stain, talcum powder can be used to absorb the oil before washing.
Dose detergent
Dosing detergent is important to ensure that the clothes are properly clean and to avoid wasting detergent. It is important to dose the detergent according to the instructions on the packaging.
Too much detergent can lead to poor rinsing and damage the fabric. Too little detergent can lead to poor cleaning. It is also important to use the right type of detergent for the type of clothes and the washing machine.
There are different types of detergent available, such as powder, liquid and capsules.
The washing process
Loading the washing machine
Before you start washing clothes, it is important to load the washing machine properly.
Make sure you don’t overfill the washing machine, as this can lead to uneven washing and less clean laundry. It is better not to load the washing machine more than two-thirds full. Otherwise your drum could come loose while spinning… unfortunately I’ve already lost a washing machine because of that!
Sort clothes by color and wash them in separate loads to prevent discoloration. Also always check the labels of the garments to ensure that they are suitable for washing in the washing machine.
Choosing the right program
Choosing the right washing program is essential for clean laundry and not to damage the clothes. Most washing machines have different programs for different types of fabrics and dirt levels.
Choose the program that best suits the fabric of the clothes and the level of dirt. For example, use the delicate program for fine fabrics and the intensive program for heavier dirt.
Use additional features
Modern washing machines often have additional functions such as prewash, extra rinse and eco mode. Using these functions can help make the clothes even cleaner and save energy.
Use the prewash function if the clothes are very dirty and extra rinse if you suffer from allergies. Turn on eco mode to save energy and the environment.
By following these tips and using the correct washing programs and functions, the clothes will look good for longer and the washing machine will continue to work properly.
After washing
Remove clothes from the washing machine
When the washing machine has finished washing the clothes, it is important to remove the clothes from the machine as quickly as possible. This prevents the clothing from wrinkling and ensures that the clothing does not smell.
Drying clothes
There are several ways to dry clothes after washing. For example, clothes can be air dried or put in the dryer. It is important to consult the washing instructions of the clothing to determine which drying method is best.
When air-drying clothes, it is important to hang the clothes out properly and ensure adequate ventilation. This prevents the clothing from becoming moldy or smelly.
When using a dryer, it is important to choose the right temperature and keep an eye on the drying time. Drying for too long can cause shrinkage or damage to the clothing.
Ironing and folding
After drying the clothes, it is time to iron and/or fold the clothes. It is important to consult the washing instructions of the clothing to determine at what temperature the clothing can be ironed.
Folding the clothes ensures that the clothes wrinkle less quickly and are easier to store. It is advisable to fold the clothes according to the manufacturer’s folding instructions.
By following these washing and maintenance tips, clothes can last longer and continue to look like new.
Wash special items of clothing
When it comes to washing specialty garments, it is important to be extra careful. Here are some washing tips for delicate fabrics, wool and silk, and large items such as bedding.
Delicate fabrics
Delicate fabrics such as silk, lace and chiffon require special attention when washing. It is important to wash these garments by hand or in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. Use a mild detergent and avoid using bleach or fabric softener. Hang the garments to dry and avoid using the dryer.
Wool and silk
Wool and silk are natural fibers that require extra care when washing. It is best to wash these garments by hand in cold water with a mild detergent. Do not soak them or wring them out. Roll the garments in a towel to absorb excess water and lay them flat to dry. Avoid using the dryer and do not iron them.
Large pieces such as bedding
Large items such as bedding can be difficult to wash due to their size. It is important to follow the instructions on the label and not to overload the washer. Use a mild detergent and wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. Dry the bedding at a low temperature in the dryer or hang it to dry. If necessary, iron it at a low temperature.
These washing tips will help you wash your special garments properly and keep them looking like new.
Maintenance of the washing machine
A washing machine is an important appliance in every household. To ensure that the washing machine lasts a long time and continues to work properly, it is important to perform regular maintenance. Below are some tips for properly maintaining the washing machine.
Clean regularly
One of the most important aspects of maintaining a washing machine is cleaning the machine regularly. This can help extend the life of the machine and keep it running properly. Below are some tips for properly cleaning the washing machine:
- Use a special washing machine cleaner to clean the machine.
- Clean the door seal regularly to prevent dirt and mold from forming. You certainly don’t want mealybugs in your washing machine!
- Clean the detergent dispenser to prevent detergent build-up.
Inspection and maintenance
In addition to regularly cleaning the washing machine, it is also important to inspect and maintain the machine regularly. Below are some tips for properly maintaining the washing machine:
- Check the hoses and pipes regularly to ensure there are no cracks or leaks.
- Check the drum regularly for damage or wear.
- Make sure the washing machine is on a level surface to avoid vibration and damage to the machine.
Regular maintenance of the washing machine can extend the life of the machine and ensure that it continues to function properly.
