5. WASHING GUIDE
5.1.Sorting and preparing your washing
•Sort the washing by type and care symbol (see chapter 5.4: International symbols for care of texti- les): normal wash for strong washing that can resist energetic wash and spin; delicate wash for delicate washing that should be treated more care- fully. For mixed loads composed of articles of diffe- rent types of fibers, choose a program and temperature suitable for the most fragile fiber.
•Wash white washing and color washing separa- tely. Otherwise, the white washing may be colored or look gray.
•New clothes very often have too much color. Prefe- rably wash new clothes separately for the first time. Respect "wash separately" and "wash several times separately" care instructions.
•Empty pockets and spread out the washing.
•Take off all loose buttons, pins and hooks and eyes. Close zip fasteners, tie knots in laces and straps.
•Turn clothes made of several layers of textiles (slee- ping bags, anoraks, etc.), colored hosiery and wool and textiles with
•Wash small delicate items (socks, tights, bras, etc) in a washing net.
•Treat curtains with special care. Remove curtain hooks and put net curtains in a net bag or a sachet.
5.2.Washing load depending on the nature of the material
The quantity of washing that you put in your drum must not exceed the maximum capacity of your washing ma- chine. This capacity may vary depending on the nature of your textiles. Reduce the quantity of washing if it is very dirty or if you have terry cloth type materials.
Not all textiles have the same volume and the same wa- ter retention capacity. This is why in general the drum should be filled:
•completely, but without excessive pressure for cot- ton and linen, and for mixed washe,
•half full for treated cottons and synthetic fibers,
•about one third full for very delicate articles such as net curtains and wool.
For a mixed wash, fill the drum as required for the most delicate material.
5.3. Detergents and additives
Only use detergents and additives suitable for use in a washing machine. Read the manufacturer's instruc- tions and respect sections 2.1 and 3.2.
Powder detergents can be used without restriction; li- quid detergents should be poured either in the propor- tioning bowl directly in the drum, or in the wash compartment provided that the washing machine is started immediately; detergents in tablets or doses must be put into the wash compartment of the deter- gents dispenser in your washing machine.
The quantity of detergent to be used depends on the amount of washing to be washed, the hardness of the water and how dirty the washing is.
If the water is soft, you can reduce the doses slightly. Increase the doses slightly if the water is hard (it is re- commended to use a water softener) or if the washing is very dirty or stained.
You can ask the water distribution company in your re- gion or any other competent authority to find out the de- gree of hardness of your water.
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