Washing

• Wash textile articles only when they are dirty. Unnecessary washing has a negative environment impact.
• Keep dirty laundry in a well aired and dry place and do not leave lying around for too long.
• Wet laundry should be washed immediately. If this is not possible, hang it to dry before you wash it.
• When washing textiles marked as “easy-care” articles, use a mild washing cycle. Reduce the load of laundry and spin carefully (to avoid the risk of creasing).
• Use short programs for lightly soiled laundry.
• In the case of coloured items, do separate articles with bright and dark colours.
• A separate first wash of new coloured textiles may be appropriate.
• Always follow the dosing instructions. Using too much or too little detergent can be a problem.
• Make sure that you mix small and large items. This allows clothes to move more freely, resulting in better washing.
• If you have accidentally washed a paper handkerchief, you can remove the bits of fluff by rinsing the laundry with a pair of nylon stockings.

Good to know…

• The care symbols show the maximum treatment. Washing at lower temperatures than indicated on the label is always possible.
• Washing at lower temperatures can help the environment by using less energy. However this may have an adverse effect on the cleaning performance. For optimal cleaning performance, read the care symbol on your textile and the instructions on your detergent pack.
• For deeper cleaning of some textiles, washing at 60 degrees is an easy way to ensure a textile article is hygienically clean. Use a general purpose powder detergent (containing oxygen-based bleaching agent) or use an appropriate laundry additive is advice.
• Use an efficient washing machine (for example A+++ European energy labelling): the programs in these machines use less water and energy.
• Long cycles with low temperature save energy.
• Avoid under-dosing (use too little detergent), as if you do so, the extra soil from the wash water may deposit on the less-soiled items because whites may become grey or yellowish, colours will become duller.
• Too high dosing (use too much detergent) may not necessarily result in cleaner laundry, but has an unnecessary impact on the environment.
• Spin at the highest setting, before using the tumble dryer. Always follow the care label when it comes to using the tumble dryer.
• Use a washing machine with warm and cold water extension. The washing machine needs most electricity to heat up the water.