LAUNDRY TIPS
Selecting a water temperature
Water temperature guide
WASH WATER |
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TEMPERATURE† | SUGGESTED FABRICS | COMMENTS |
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HOT | • Work clothes | • Best cleaning for |
130°F (54°C) | • Sturdy whites/colorfast | • Removes oils, perspiration, greasy |
or above | pastels | soils and stains |
| • Diapers | • Prevents graying or yellowing |
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WARM | • Dark/noncolorfast colors | • Best for |
90° – 110°F | • Permanent press items | soiled items |
(32° – 44°C) | • Nylon, polyester, acrylics, | • Safe for most fabric finishes |
| silks, woollens | • Less fading and dye bleeding |
| • Knits/delicate fabrics | • Reduces wrinkling |
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COLD | • | • Best for very |
70° – 90°F | • Noncolorfast items | • Saves hot water |
(21° – 32°C) | • Hand washables | • Best rinse water temperature |
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†The washer features cold rinses for all wash temperatures.
Checking hot water temperature
Your hot water should be 130°F (54°C) or above. If you do not know your hot water temperature, you can check it easily. You may need to raise the temperature of your water heater.
To check your hot water temperature:
1.Fill a pan with the hottest water available from the faucet that fills your washer. NOTE: If you do not have a faucet at your washer site, collect the water from the faucet closest to your washer.
2.Place a candy thermometer or cooking thermometer in the water to check the temperature.
NOTE: In
Water hardness
Many poor washing results can be traced to the hardness of the wash water. To check your water hardness:
•City water – ask the city water company.
•Well water – ask the local water authority.
Ask for the mineral content in grains/gallon or parts/million. If your water is more than 8 grains/gallon or more than 153 parts/ million, you should consider:
•Installing a water softener.
•Using more detergent.
•Using a packaged water conditioner.
•Not using soap.
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