Wash properly – ten care myths in the check
Do I need descaler? Do I have to fill up the machine? Or does she know how much laundry there is anyway? Wash properly in ten tips.
Myth 1: Short wash programs are more economical than the other programs.
No. Short wash programs are designed to clean laundry in a short time. But if you save time, you need more water and heat. The other way around: the more time you give your laundry, the more energy-saving it is. On most machines, you can select an extended washing phase using the stain or intensive button or an eco program. With these programs, the temperature is lower than specified, washing takes longer – and saves energy.
Myth 2: I can only wash fine tights by hand.
No. You can safely wash nylon and pearl stockings in the washing machine at temperatures of up to 60 ° C. To prevent them from being damaged by zippers or other pointed applications, you should wash them in a laundry bag – or in a knotted stocking.
Myth 3: Modern machines feel the amount of laundry in the drum. So I don't have to wait until I get my machine full before washing.
It is true that many machines determine the amount of laundry using automatic quantity control and automatically adjust the water and energy consumption slightly. Nevertheless, you achieve a worse energy balance than if you fill the machine optimally. Does a fist fit between the laundry mountain and the drum? Then it is filled correctly. The following applies to wool and delicates: it is better not to make the drum so full so that the fabrics do not rub against each other as much.
Myth 4: Without a descaler, my machine breaks down.
Descalers are not necessary. All detergents nowadays contain substances that soften the water.
Myth 5: The dosage of the detergent depends on the size of the measuring cup.
No. The dosage of the detergent depends on the water hardness and the degree of soiling of the laundry. You can call your water company to find out which water you are dealing with in your apartment. The table on the detergent pack shows how you dose the detergent. Tip: It is usually sufficient to choose the amount for "slightly soiled" – our clothes are usually not dirty.
Myth 6: A shampoo is also suitable for washing wool.
Right. Wool and silk do not tolerate heavy-duty detergents; fine or wool detergents are better. Don't you have in the house? Then feel free to use your hair shampoo – wool is sheepskin and very similar to our hair …
Myth 7: Underwear, bed linen and towels only get hygienically clean at 90 degrees – after all, my grandmother also cooked her laundry.
Most of the energy is needed to heat the water. Fortunately, the modern detergents are so good that you can safely do without the 90-degree wash – 30 or 40 degrees are sufficient. By the way: Our grandmothers had no washing machines available that supply fresh water; the laundry was also not washed as often as it is today.
Myth 8: If I only wash at low temperatures, the machine starts to smell.
Can happen. It is therefore advisable to insert a 60-degree wash cycle at least every tenth wash so that no microorganisms spread in the machine. By the way, you should leave the door and detergent chamber open after each wash so that the residual water can evaporate.
Myth 9: I need a detergent for every type of textile.
It is sufficient if you have a heavy-duty detergent for white or light-colored laundry. Since it contains bleach, you should not use it for colored items. That's why you still need a color detergent and a mild detergent, the latter is also suitable for wool. Incidentally, powder is always preferable to liquid detergent – it washes better and is more environmentally friendly.
Myth 10: Stains are best removed with stain remover.
No. The key is to fight stains as quickly as possible. Either rub the stain with a little liquid detergent, with a little detergent or with gall soap – and wash it later.
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Wash properly – ten care myths in the check
Do I need descaler? Do I have to fill up the machine? Or does she know how much laundry there is anyway? Wash properly in ten tips.