14Helpful hints and tips
HELPFUL HINTS AND TIPS
Sorting out the laundry
Follow the wash code symbols on each garment label and the manufacturer’s washing instructions. Sort the laundry as follows: whites, coloureds, synthetics, delicates, woollens.
Before loading the laundry
Never wash whites and coloureds together. Whites may lose their «whiteness» in the wash. New coloured items may run in the first wash; they should therefore be washed separate ly the first time.
Button up pillowcases, close zip fasteners, hooks and poppers. Tie any belts or long tapes. Remove persistent stains before washing.
Rub particularly soiled areas with a special detergent or detergent paste. Treat curtains with special care. Remove hooks or tie them up in a bag or net.
Removing stains
Stubborn stains may not be removed by just water and detergent. It is therefore advisa ble to treat them prior to washing.
Blood: treat fresh stains with cold water. For dried stains, soak overnight in water with a special detergent then rub in the soap and water.
Oil based paint: moisten with benzine stain remover, lay the garment on a soft cloth and dab the stain; treat several times.
Dried grease stains: moisten with turpentine, lay the garment on a soft surface and dab the stain with the fingertips and a cotton cloth.
Rust: oxalic acid dissolved in hot water or a rust removing product used cold. Be careful with rust stains which are not recent since the cellulose structure will already have been damaged and the fabric tends to hole.
Mould stains: treat with bleach, rinse well (whites and fast coloureds only).
Grass: soap lightly and treat with bleach (whites and fast coloureds only).
Ball point pen and glue: moisten with acetone1), lay the garment on a soft cloth and dab the stain.
Lipstick: moisten with acetone as above, then treat stains with methylated spirits. Treat any residual marks with bleach.
Red wine: soak in water and detergent, rinse and treat with acetic or citric acid, then rinse. Treat any residual marks with bleach.
Ink: depending on the type of ink, moisten the fabric first with acetone1) , then with ace tic acid; treat any residual marks on white fabrics with bleach and then rinse thoroughly. Tar stains: first treat with stain remover, methylated spirits or benzine, then rub with detergent paste.
Detergents and additives
Good washing results also depend on the choice of detergent and use of the correct quan tities to avoid waste and protect the environment.
Although biodegradable, detergents contain substances which, in large quantities, can up set the delicate balance of nature.
1) do not use acetone on artificial silk