By Camilla Swart
The simplest tasks can often be the most hazardous.
Laundry day is full of pitfalls, and we can all attest to the unwanted disasters of colours running, shrinking, and fading that can happen during the laundry process.
There are some very simple rules – hopefully they will change your laundry day!
- SORT YOUR LAUNDRY – into whites, pastels, brights and darks.
White items should be washed in hot water with detergent. This will keep them white for longer. Tumble or line dry
Pastel items can be washed in warm water with detergent, while brighter colours and darks should be washed in cooler water with detergent that does not contain bleach. Avoid tumble drying brights and dark colours, rather line dry in shade to prevent sunlight bleaching colours.
- REMOVE STAINS BEFORE LAUNDERING – pretreat items that are stained with liquid detergent, or whatever method is applicable to the stain (see https://linendrawer.co.za/advice-stain-removal and https://linendrawer.co.za/bleach-not-solution)
- WASH LIKE WITH LIKE – basically this means you should not wash delicate underwear with heavy duty denims or pillowcases with mohair blankets.
- READ THE WASHING INSTRUCTIONS – please do, they are not inserted into items to be ignored. If you are unsure about a specific instruction, contact Linen Drawer for help at info@linendrawer.co.za – we are specialists.
- KNOW YOUR WATER – detergents react differently in water that is rich in minerals, like iron, calcium, or magnesium. One solution is to increase the quantity of detergent but this is a matter of trial and error. ‘Hard’ water can cause discolouration and yellowing on whites, making it necessary to install as water softener which removes the minerals.
- CHOOSE THE CORRECT WASHING CYCLE – program your washing machine with the correct temperature, time, and quantity of detergent.
Happy laundering!
Please remember that we at Linen Drawer have extensive technical knowledge when it comes to fabrics, stain removal and laundering fabric correctly. We also are very helpful. Do not hesitate to contact us with your queries and problems. info@linendrawer.co.za or +27 21 872 0108.
