How to wash clothes
Many people do not know how to wash clothes correctly. When washing is haphazard, clothes can suffer damage, wrinkling, fading, or wear out more quickly. Learning proper technique not only gets clothes cleaner but also extends their useful life. The skill is not difficult, but it does require focus and attention. Many people throw clothes in the washer without separating the loads or adjusting water temperature. This habit can be an expensive proposition because replacing damaged clothing can be very costly.
Separating Clothing
Separating clothes is the first step for effective washing. Everyone wants clean clothes, but it can be difficult to get them clean safely. Some clothes require delicate washing cycles; other garments need the permanent press cycle. These clothing items should be separated from the bulk of laundry for special treatment. The remaining laundry can be divided into three groups: whites, light colors, and bold or dark colors such as red. Red clothing is notorious for fading and discoloring other clothing in the process. Learning how to wash clothes requires people to understand how to separate clothing.
Washing multiple loads can use excess water and take a lot of time unless clothes are taken to a laundry where many washing machines can expedite the process. If several people share an apartment or home, it may be wise to combine laundry chores so full loads of similar clothing can be washed at the same time.
Water and Water Temperature
Clothes need room to agitate, so the washing cylinder should never be crowded. Sufficient water is needed to circulate around clothes and dissolve dirt. Most machines allow people to set water level to correspond with the size of the load. Temperature impacts cleaning ability, but too much heat can damage some fabrics or cause fading. Hot water provides the best cleaning, and this setting should be selected for heavily soiled clothing.
Hot water also kills germs, but it can cause wrinkling and fading in some fabrics. Warm water cleans lightly soiled clothing effectively and is safe for most colors. Warm water will not kill germs, so many choose to add a disinfectant cleaner.
People who know how to wash clothes understand the importance of choosing the right detergent for cold water. Cold water protects delicate clothing and keeps bold colors from fading, but clothes will not get clean unless a detergent made for cold water is used. Cold water requires more detergent to get clothing clean than is needed with hot or warm water.
Soap, Detergent and Fabric Softener
Many people feel that lots of suds produce cleaner clothes, but the opposite is true. Excessive sudsing can inhibit washing action, because a combination of suds and water in agitation gets the best results. The excess soap is hard to rinse clear, and it can damage the washing machine. Front-loading washing machines require low-sudsing detergents. The brand of detergent recommends how much of the product to use, but many experts suggest trying half that amount. If clothes are very dirty or the water is hard, then extra detergent can be added. Never exceed suggested amounts—it wastes money and will not get clothes cleaner. Restraint is the key to how to wash clothes effectively.
Wash white clothes in hot water, but they may still require extra attention to get clean. If hot water and detergent do not get clothes white, then bleach may be needed. Use chlorine bleach sparingly, because it can damage fabrics quickly. Oxygen bleach powder is safe for all colors. The package will clearly state that the product is safe for all fabrics. If a white load ever appears gray after washing, immediately wash again before drying the clothes. Drying sets stains and gray color permanently.
Wash colored clothes separately in warm water. Wash dark clothes in warm water, but many people choose to wash bright red fabrics in cold water. Liquid fabric softener can be added to make clothes fluffy and reduce static. Dryer fabric softener sheets can be used to reduce static cling, but they will not make clothes as fluffy as liquid softener in the wash. In either case, follow instructions carefully.
How To Wash Clothes Laundry Tips
The following are some general tips to expedite laundry chores and safeguard clothing.
· Turn jeans inside out to arrest fading. Jeans and pants will dry more quickly if turned inside out before being placed in the dryer.
· Clothes should be removed from the dryer still slightly damp. Excess heat will cause fabric to age prematurely.
· When doing laundry at home, remove sheets from the bed, wash them, and return to the bed after drying. This method eliminates folding.
· Never leave clothes in the washer more than 24 hours. They will develop a musty smell, and prompt removal reduces wrinkling.
· Bathroom towels can be returned directly to towel rings or rods, eliminating tedious folding.
· Shirts that may wrinkle should immediately be hung on hooks or clothes hangers after removal from the dryer. This technique reduces wrinkles.
· Always check the labels on clothes for washing instructions. Never put dry-clean clothes in the washer.
· If unsure about how to wash an item, choose the lowest temperature.
Discovering how to wash clothes may take time, and people will usually make some mistakes. Eventually, sorting and scheduling laundry loads will become second nature, and the process will go much more smoothly. Proper care extends the life of clothing and provides clean fabrics for any situation.
