30Preparing the wash cycle
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 acetone (*), 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 acetone (*), then with acetic 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.
(*) do not use acetone on artificial silk.
Detergents and additives
Good washing results also depend on the choice of detergent and use of the correct quantities to avoid waste and protect the environment.
Although biodegradable, detergents contain substances which, in large quantities, can upset the delicate balance of nature.
The choice of detergent will depend on the type of fabric (delicates, woollens, cottons, etc.), the colour, washing temperature and degree of soiling.
All commonly available
•powder detergents for all types of fabric,
•powder detergents for delicate fabrics (60°C max) and woollens,
•liquid detergents, preferably for low temperature wash programmes (60°C max) for all types of fabric, or special for woollens only.
The detergent and any additives must be placed in the appropriate compartments of the dispenser drawer before starting the wash programme.
If using concentrated powder or liquid detergents, a programme without prewash must be selected.
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