Soap and Suds
The proper detergent is the final element in getting your clothing clean and perfect. While trial-and-error will help you determine what brand is right for you, avoid the temptation to skimp and try to save a few pennies. Quality detergent will help give you a quality result. Since you've already put a lot of thought into fabric care and cleaning your clothing, make sure this final piece of the puzzle complements your diligence, hard work and spotless attention to detail.
- If the water is too cold, liquid detergents may not perform well and powdered detergents may not dissolve
- Avoid adding chlorine bleach too early, as it will be less effective - a good rule of thumb is to wait at least five minutes into the wash cycle
- HE (High Efficiency) detergents should be used with HE (High Efficiency) washers, because they use less water than traditional washers. Regular detergents are less concentrated and can give poor results, even when used in small amounts and can also make too many suds
- ENERGY STAR rated washers operate at lower temperatures, but that won't impact your detergent's cleaning power; in fact, most fabrics don't recommend a high temperature wash and most stains don't need hot water for removal
Tips for Great Laundry
Whether you have washed a thousand loads or have yet to pour your first cup of detergent, anyone can produce clean clothing that looks, smells and feels wonderful. Here are some suggestions that can optimize your laundry time and take the worry out of washing and drying.
- Don't overstuff the washer or dryer; clothing needs room to be washed properly and to achieve sufficient drying
- Always check labels and follow any instructions for fabric care
- Separate items by fabrics, keeping delicates and loose knits away from items that are a little more rough
- Sort laundry by color so that lights and darks are not in the same load, which safeguards lighter items from becoming colored by darker dyes
- Turn garments inside-out for added protection during the laundry process
- Making sure a washer is level will minimize noise and vibration
- Expect different sounds from your washer, and if you've purchased an HE3/HE3t/HE4t, keep in mind that during drains and final spin, it's normal for the sound level to shift as the water is removed from the washer by the pump, and that as the washer gets up to the final spin speed, it may experience a shudder during the transition from wash-and-tumble mode to high speed extraction mode
- Actual cycle time may be different from what you see on the Estimated Time Remaining display, depending on the size of your wash load, the time it takes to heat water (for models with an internal heater), the water pressure and temperature at your house, or rebalancing the load for maximum water extraction
- Use the cycle that matches the clothes being washed -- using an aggressive cycle on delicate items may cause fabrics to tear
- With conventional Top-Load washers, you'll notice a yellow shipping strap sticking out of the back of your new washer. It secures the tub and basket during transport; remove it before use or the washer will malfunction. Remove when within 3 feet of the washer's final destination
- Proper ventilation is essential for good drying; check the exhaust hood on the outside of your house for any lint build-up and have the dryer vents cleaned at least every two years (HVAC duct cleaners or chimney sweeps can do the job)
- Clean the lint screen before every load -- a clean lint screen provides faster drying and lower fabric temperatures
- After removing items from the dryer, immediately fold them or place them on hangers to avoid wrinkling
- Check the pockets before beginning, in case of pens, lipstick, gum or other items that can ruin your clothing
