Detergent
33
The correct detergent
All detergents produced for automatic
washing machines are suitable. Follow
the manufacturer's instructions and
dosage recommendations on the pack‐
aging.
The right amount to dispensewill depend on the following:
– the soiling level of the load
– the quantity of the laundry
– the water hardness level.
Check with your local water supplier
if you do not know the hardness level
in your area.
Definition of the soiling level
–Lightly soiled
No visible dirt or stains. Possibly
slight body odour.
– Normally soiled
Visibly dirty and/or just a few slight
stains.
– Heavily soiled
Soiling and/or stains clearly visible.
Water hardness levels
Hardness
scale Hardness level
in mmol/l German scale
°d
I (soft) 0 – 1.5 0 – 8.4
II (medium) 1.5 – 2.5 8.4 – 14
III (hard) above 2.5 above 14
Dispensing aids
Use dispensing aids, (e.g. balls) if these
are supplied with the detergent, partic‐
ularly when using liquid detergent.
Refill packs of detergent
When purchasing detergent buy refill
packs wherever possible. This helps re‐
duce the amount of waste packaging.
Water softeners
A water softener can be used to cut
down on the use of detergents in areas
with water hardness levels II and III.
Dispense according to the amount
specified on the packaging. First add
detergent and then the water softener.
You can then use the recommended
amount of detergent for water hardness
level I.
Fabric conditioner and liquidstarch
Fabric conditioner
makes garments soft to handle and
helps prevent static cling when tumble
drying.
Starch
stiffens and gives body to items of
laundry, e.g. shirts, tablecloths and bed
linen.