Wash Wonders 101 - Douglas County Extension Office
Contents
1. eee O O BES Decoding Your Washing Machine Handout D Remember to keep each laundry load in energy balance if changing one of the energy components you need to increase the action of the other two Water Heater Check Check the hot warm and cold water temperature coming into your washing machine U a thermometer to determine whether adjustment is needed to the water heater Hold the thermometer in the flow of water coming into the machine Refer to the temperature chart on page one of this handout Seasonal adjustments may be needed during cold weather Caution Setting the water heater at 110 120 you will need to use the hot water setting on the washing machine just to get the temperature within the warm wash temperature range Oh No Overload The washer should be loosely loaded with dry unfolded garments This is NOT the time to pack them in Clothes must circulate freely to get clean Vary the size of the items being washed for example wash two or three sheets with several smaller items to complete the load A good rule of thumb for judging the size for top loading machines loosely load to the top row of holesin a perforated wash basket or weigh each load using alaundry basket and a set of bathroom scales Check the user s manual for weight load and weter level recommendations Cycles Levels Rinses and Such Cycles for Permanent Press Delicates and Normal Some washers have additional cycles for specific types2. are the most widely used Lifts dirt from clothes removes fabric softener residues Nonionic are generally only used in liquid detergents They soften hard water and clean oil stains better Builders Builders perform several functions but function to inactivate water minerals that interfere with wash results Builders have alkalis present to improve cleaning and help suspend soil particles in the water Types of builders are Sodium aluminosilicate removes calcium minerals from hard water Sodium carbonate removes calcium and magnesium from hard water Laurate citrate used in liquid detergents to isolate hardness minerals e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service oec O O OOOO BES Wash Wonders 101 Leader s Guide Other Detergent Ingredients Granular e Enzymes are catalysts that help break down starch fatty oily and protein soils Fabric whiteners create a whitening or brightening effect when exposed to daylight Opacifiers make product opaque or reduce transparency Layered Aluminosilicates provides fabric softening benefits Sodium Perborate provides gentler bleaching action for fabrics Activated bleach systems provide whitening at lower water temperatures Sodium Sulfate is a processing aid used to impart physical characteristics viscosity solubility stability and uniform density Stabilizing agents are preservatives to protect product s integ
3. Use delicate cycle Water level Medium or higher to avoid excessive abrasion to delicates Water Temp Use warm or cold to avoid fading bright colors Wool Only wools labeled machine washable or hand washable on care label Never use chlorine bleach Do not place in clothes dryer unless recommended by care label Wash Setting Use delicate cycle Water level Medium or higher to minimize shrinking and pilling Water Temp Cold water wash and rinse Prepared by Marla Day Extension Associate Apparel Textiles and Interior Design Kansas State Research and Extension e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service BASIC Handout E Apparel Management Wash Wonders 101 Road Map For Results Sorting Secrets Color Separate whites from colors and darks from brights Using different wash temperatures for these color loads reduces the chance of color loss or transfer to a lighter color fabric Fabric Sort according to fabric type and texture Surface Separate lint givers from lint takers Construction Loosely knit or woven fabrics lace trim or delicates need special care cycles Dirt Separate according to the amount of soil light soil vs heavily soiled Pesticides N ever wash pesticide soiled garments with the regular wash Prep Time Insure good laundry results by 1 Closing zippers hooks and eyes and hook and loop tape to prevent snagging Dangling drawstring
4. Washing Machine e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service SS a ea ee a Wash Wonders 101 Leader s Guide 6 Washing Underway Check during washing to be sure there is enough water to allow the clothes to move around freely If not then reset the water level control to a higher setting and increase the amount of detergent and fabric softener Always check clothing for stain removal prior to drying 7 Dryer Details Stress the importance of moving wet garments as soon as possible to the dryer or line dry Tip To keep the washing machine clean smelling try these tips Run acycle of hot water with one cup of bleach once a week You may do this with or without clothing in the cycle For stubborn chemical cleaning run a cycle of hot water with one quart of white vinegar once a month DO NOT add clothing to this cycle During hot weather and high humidity keep the lid open when the machine is not in use Leader s Note The following information is more technical in nature Use at your discretion Comparing Labels for Detergents Most laundry products vary the amount or combination of the following ingredients all of which affect a products performance Surfectant Surfectant is the main cleaning ingredient in detergents It lowers the surface tension in weter loosens and removes oil from fabrics and suspends soil to avoid redepositing on fabric Types include Anionic
5. of finishes applied to garments These special finishes make them easier to care for i e permanent press water resistant wrinkle free and these special wash cycles help preserve the finishes for permanent press or wrinkle free garments A cool down rinse minimizes wrinkling during the spin cycle Delicate cycles are needed for sheer fabrics loosely knit garments washable woolens and anything labeled hand wash The gentler wash procedures of the delicate cycle reduce the abrasion these items receive from rubbing each other Tip Usea medium water level setting for the wash and rinse even for small or very small loads Doing so minimizes the wrinkling and pulling on seams for items with delicate construction washable woolens permanent press or loosely knitted garments e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service aaa mss Decoding Your Washing Machine Handout D Water Level Varying the water level according to the wash load conserves water detergent and energy Judge the water level for each load by placing the unfolded garments in the washer basket and add water to the first level To insure good cleaning results remember clothes need to circulate freely Adjust the water level to the next level as needed then let the machine fill Keep increasing the water level to allow clothes to circulate Remember to adjust the amount of detergent fabric softener and wash time based on
6. the adjusted level Using too little water results in poor washing action and causes garments to show extra wear Rinses Cold water rinses save energy and are just as effective as warm water rinses and can be used for every load Wash Duration Wash time varies by the type of fabrics being washed and how heavily soiled they are Longer agitation is needed for heavily soiled fabrics and should be determined by the dirtiest garment s in each load Be sure to increase the amount of detergent for heavily soiled loads e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service ee SS Decoding Your Washing Machine Handout D Four Basic Washing Procedures Regular Sturdy cotton linens no permanent press delicates or woolens Wash Setting Regular cycle Water Temp Whites or heavy soil H ot Normal soiled colored garments Warm Bright or dark colors light soil Cold Permanent Press and No Iron Items Oily stains need immediate attention to prevent permanent damage Wash Setting Use permanent press cycle Water level Medium or higher to avoid wrinkling Water Temp Whites or heavy soil Hot Normal soiled colored garments Warm Cold water rinses for all loads Dedicates Lingerie washable silks loosely knit sheer fabrics lace trimmed embroidered and foundation garments Never us chlorine bleach on garments with spandex Use a mesh bag for small items or hosiery Wash Setting
7. Leader s Guide Wash Wonders 101 Although laundering is often perceived to be simple there are some tricks of the trade sure to improve results and add wear life to any wardrobe These tricks are worth learning both from an economic and an esthetic standpoint Objectives e To operate laundry equipment e To learn how to use the many types of laundry products e To understand the information and symbols provided on garment care labas e To encourage all family members to participate in and share responsibility with the laundry Laundry Product Know How Handout This material describes the type of products on the market today their uses and how to determine what s in laundry detergent to improve laundering results Explain the three types of energy balance needed Explain that lowering water temperature requires added agitation or additional detergent to stay in energy balance When one goes up or down the others need to respond Labels W hat Do They Tell You Handout Have examples of garment care labels for participants to refer to during presentation Discuss what options they have for garments that have been damaged following care label instructions For label information see the Soap and Detergent Association s Web site at www cleaningl101 com Have examples of the care symbols on hand Decoding Your Washing Machine Handout Presents the mechanics of using the washing machine and variables that affect i
8. al energy provided by the temperature of the warm to hot water mechanical energy provided by the agitation of the machine or by hand These factors interact with each other and need to bein proper balance if the balance shifts the others need to increase to insure good results To understand the laundry process let s look a amp what factors are needed to remove an oily stain Water alone is not sufficient to remove this stain because the oil repels the water droplets The detergent supplies the chemical energy needed to break apart the oil and grease The thermal energy of the water helps dissolve grease and oil inside the stain Agitation supplies the mechanical energy to pull the stain away from the garment s surface The detergent particles then hold the oil and grease suspended in water until it is carried away as the washing machine empties Liquid Powders and Enzyme Detergents Liquid detergents work at all water temperatures and are easy to use for pretreating stains Liquids also have an ingredient that helps to soften hard water minerals Powder detergents work best at lifting clay and ground in dirt in warm to hot water Enzyme detergents are most effective in removing protein and oil based stains Presoaking stains 15 to 30 minutes in warm to hot water intensifies the cleaning action of the enzymes Enzyme detergents must agitate 5 to 7 minutes before adding chlorine bleach to a wash load Adding bleach too soon stops the enz
9. arettes and smoke damage odors Disinfectants Chlorine bleach is an effective disinfectant but not all fabrics are safe Refer to above information Quaternary compounds also a disinfectant are safe for fabrics check for colorfastness prior to using on colors Available at janitorial suppliers or some drug stores Refer to Reducing Bacteria in Clothing and Textiles MF 1130 e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service i a l BES Laundry Product Know How Handout A Fabric Softeners For use in either the washer or dryer fabric softeners Reduce static cling wrinkles softens and may slightly reduce soiling Reduce drying time makes fabrics softer and fluffier and makes ironing easier Reduce the absorbency of towels and diapers if excessive amounts are used Fabric softeners may reduce the effectiveness of flame retardancy on children s sleepwear Liquid fabric softeners are better at softening and should be diluted prior to adding to the final rins Never pour directly onto fabrics Dryer sheets are better at treating static cling and are added at the beginning of the drying cycle Dryer sheets may cause mysterious stains to appear on certain fabrics To avoid this problem 1 use a liquid fabric softener 2 do not reuse fabric dryer sheets 3 do not place in the dryer before clothes are added If oily appearing splotches do appear pretreat stain and rewash Prepared
10. by Marla Day Extension Associate Apparel Textiles and Interior Design Kansas State Research and Extension e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service BASIC Handout B Apparel Management Wash Wonders 101 Kids Can Too Working Together Having children help in laundry responsibilities can begin as soon as they can dress or undress themselves Children enjoy learning about colors and textures and a great tool for learning about color and texture of their clothing Tips for sharing laundry responsibilities among family members e Have several smaller laundry baskets labeled with pictures and words whites darks brights fuzzy lint makers permanent press hot water or special care Each day as members change their clothes empty pockets and close zippers then drop their laundry into the appropriate basket each day Older children can pretreat stains keeping a stain stick or gel nearby encourages them to use it An added benefit to pretreating is that stains come out easier This saves time and money that would have been spent for replacements and conserves resources Folding and placing clothing in the laundry basket reduces the severity of wrinkles them after laundering and saves on ironing Never place a wet garment in a laundry basket Pretrea for any stains then allow to air dry before placing in basket Then when laundry needs to be done the clothes are all ready to go
11. ely rust e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Sg ee DES Road Map For Results Handout E What s Average Laundry products always give a recommended amount to use based on an average load but how does this translate to your family Refer to the instructions on the product label Average conditions list thes criteria e A5to 7 pound load of clothes y Determine the weight of the load by using a bathroom scale Weigh an empty laundry basket then place a load of clothes in the basket and re weigh The difference between the two is the weight of the load Doing this activity will determine what is average for your washing machine e Moderate Soil y Soil level is determined by how soiled the dirtiest garment is for each load e Moderately hard water y Refer to page 2 of this handout for indicators of water hardness e Average water volume V 17 gallons for top loading washers or four to eight gallons in front loading washers Adjust the amount of laundry product for e Larger loads heavier soil hard water and large capacity washers Use slightly less for soft water or lightly soiled loads Prepared by Marla Day Extension Associate Apparel Textiles and Interior Design Kansas State Research and Extension e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service BASIC Handout F Apparel Management Wash Wonders 101 C
12. es mean on the care label It s really simple and applies to washing drying and ironing clothing More dots more heat more lines more care needed X do not use that procedure W hat if followed the directions on the laba and the product is damaged Contact the retailer where you purchased the garment to resolve the problem If they are uncooperative you can contact the manufacturer directly using the RN number W hat can do with the RN number Find out the manufacturer of the garment should you need to return a garment to the manufacturer because of product defects To find out the manufacturer from the RN number contact your K State Research and Extension specialist or agent If you want to contact the FTC Federal Trade Commission about the problem refer to the sample complaint letter that follows The FTC can t resolve the dispute but they do track violations of the law and report frequent violators to the commission Does label information apply to just the trim used on appara or to the whole garment Care instructions are required to provide instructions for the entire complete and finished garment as well as the component parts Is it safe to wash a garment labeled dry clean only A manufacturer is only required to provide one recommended cleaning process Some manufacturers choose to use dry cleaning as the only method for cleaning Consumers that choose to risk laundering instead of dry cleaning a dry clean
13. even using more detergent or an enzyme based product improves cleaning results These products can compensete for lower water temperature or less mechanical action e Mechanical energy is supplied by the agitation of the washing machine Increasing the amount of time a load is agitated compensates for cooler water temperatures Water Temperature Cold water is often recommended as a wash temperature for very lightly soiled or brightly colored garments Using cold water saves energy but reduces the cleaning effect of detergents To keep a cold water wash in energy balance additional steps are needed e ua liquid detergent e usan oxygen or chlorine bleach as recommended by the care label e presoak heavily stained or soiled garments e pretreat all stains and spots e increase the duration of the wash cycle Warm water is most often recommended for cleaning Using warm water saves energy instead of using hot water increases the cleaning effect of the detergent and minimizes abrasion to the fabric for normal loads no additional bleach detergent or agitation is needed Safe for synthetic fabrics knits and wrinkle free or permanent press finishes Hot water is recommended to disinfect bacteria from garments and to remove some stains or increases the strength of bleach Safe for white cottons underclothes and pesti cide soiled garments e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
14. ke advantage of dryer warmth e Try reducing drying cycle time hanging garments while still slightly damp e Clean the lint filter after each load e Check and clean the outside vent monthly e Dry clothes outside on a clothesline when possible e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service mss Conserving Energy Use in the Laundry Handout F Vacuum the lint from the motor housing three or four times a year Follow the manufacturer s maintenance instructions listed in the owner s manual Permanent press fabrics absorb less water than conventional fabrics and therefore require less drying time By using permanent press clothing and bed linens you will reduce drying and ironing time while saving energy too Prepared by Marla Day Extension Associate Apparel Textiles and Interior Design Kansas State Research and Extension e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
15. making the task much easier to complete Each day as clothing is removed a decision about how to care for the garment is made Whether it is thrown into the corner the laundry basket or into the washer the care and maintenance a garment receives is visible in our everyday appearance Daily care means clothing lasts longer looks new Encourage everyone to participate in the daily routine of pretreating sorting and folding clothes into laundry baskets Prepared by Marla Day Extension Associate Apparel Textiles and Interior Design Kansas State Research and Extension e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service BASIC Handout C Apparel Management Wash Wonders 101 Labels What Do They Tell You Everyone finds tags uncomfortable scratchy and generally just wants them removed What is it about that little tag sewn into your clothes that makes you want to grab a pair of scissors Before you grab the scissors there is some important information on that very tag that could make your life easier The care label found in every garment is put there for a reason It tells you some valuable information but it doesn t come with a translation or reference guide This handout will help you understand and use the information provided on the care label Each care label must have One acceptable way to care for the product given written or using symbols Any necessary warnings abou
16. only labeled garment cannot hold the manufacturer liable if the garment is damaged or ruined Consumers must follow care instructions to be able to resolve problems with manufacturers Can cut out the care labd Removing the care label limits any recourse consumers have in substantiating a complaint with a manufacturer Garments taken to a dry cleaner or laundry service without a care label place the burden of recourse on the consumer How do I check to see if a new garment is colorfast Wash it separately the first time it s laundered The second time it s laundered try the following either of these two methods to determine whether it s safe to wash with other garments Locate a small piece of white fabric and cut it into two pieces During the rinse cycle check the rinse water for dye by dropping in one of the white swatches with the new garment After the final rinse check the fabric swatch you tossed into the rinse for whiteness compared with the other sample If there is no difference in color wash as usual Or apply alittle water or detergent along an inside seam and blot with a white paper towel If color transfers to the paper towel wash the garment separately 10 e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service eee Labels What Do They Tell You Handout C Sample Complaint Letter Your name address city state and zip code Date Retailer or manufacturer
17. onserving Energy Use In The Laundry Clothes washer In most American homes a considerable amount of hot weter is used for washing clothes Consider a machine tha has the ability to control weater level and an automatic cold rinse cycle when purchasing a washing machine When you use your washer follow these suggestions to save energy e Presoak heavily soiled clothes Fill the washer according to the load level such as low normal high or extra high Follow the manufacturer s instructions for adding detergent Use as low a water temperature for the washing cycle as will give satisfactory cleaning Remember that cold and medium water temperatures may vary with the season Always use a cold rinse cycle Use your washer during off peak hours or on weekends Follow maintenance instructions found in the owner s manual Clothes dryer A dryer evaporates water from clothes and minimizes wrinkling by tumbling the clothes Water evaporation requires heat large amounts of it Heating costs money but there are ways to use the dryer to make it more economical to operate Using a dryer with a variety of cycle settings allows you to set a temperature suitable for the fabrics being dried Follow these economy suggestions e Extract as much water as possible from clothes before putting them in the dryer e Sort dryer loads and set temperature by fabric type e Do not overload the dryer e When possible run consecutive loads to ta
18. ort into Washer Loads First sort by color white light colorfast medium brights darks Sort by fabric type loosely knitted or woven sheers delicate fabric or trims towels flannel fuzzy Sort by the amount and kind of soil greasy or heavily soiled Sort by size mix large and small items A regular capacity washer would be able to wash one to two twin or full size sheets and pillowcases with several smaller items 2 Preparing the Clothes e Take time to inspect garments for stains and pretreat them Refer to Spot Attack e Close zippers and other closures e Empty pockets e Do mending as needed 3 Select Laundry Products Explain the type of energy needed to insure good cleaning results Refer to Laundry Product Know How for understanding the contribution these products have on results Have examples for participants to look at 4 Loading the Washer Measure and add detergent as washer is filling then add the clothes Remind everyone that bulk counts more than weight when determining the size of a wash load Fill the tub loosely so clothing can move around freely in the water Larger items should not be wound around the agitator but placed on one side balancing the load with other items or towels 5 Setting the Controls Choice of water level wash cycle wash and rinse temperatures agitation and time are all selected based on the type of clothing washed for each load Refer partici pants to Decoding Your
19. ou do use as much as 96 percent more These comparisons are made only with branded products so comparisons would be more significant if compared to generic labels Oxygen bleaches are gentler and safer to use on all fabrics come in both powder and liquid form and work well as a presoak for stains Look for the words perborate or all fabric on the label Perborate based products need extremely hot water for effective bleaching and some fabrics should not be subjected to severe temperatures Monopersulfate based products can be effective at colder temperatures Oxygen bleaches have a slower reaction time than chlorine bleach so the warmer the water temperature the better the product works Tip In hard water all bleach reacts to rust by turning white garments pink To test add 1 tbsp chlorine bleach to 1 C hot water If the water turns red or brown indicating excessive iron use only oxygen bleaches in the laundry Pretreatment Prewash Products For use before laundering prewash products are convenient effective and very good at removing set in oily type stains Available in stick gels pumps and aerosol sprays for pretreating stains Check aerosol spray labels for sol vents these products are flammable and require ventilation Keep away from heat or ignition sources Odor Reducers Baking Soda calcium carbonate and activated charcoal all effectively reduce odors These products help reduce skunks pet urine cig
20. rity during shipping and storage Anti redeposition agents prevent soil from resettling during washing Corrosion inhibitors protect the metal machine parts and finishes Suds control agents moderates the amount of suds during cleaning Fragrances mask base odors of the ingredients soil and package while providing special identity to product Imparts pleasant odor to clothes Liquid In addition to those granular ingredients listed above liquid detergents have e Buffering agents maintain the pH of the water during the wash process e Hydrotropes and solvents prevent freezing dissolves organic soils and keeps product from separating into layers These solvents are water soluble e Quaternary compounds impart softness reduce static and kill or inhibit growth of microorganisms Other Resources The K State Research amp Extension 4 H Clothing and Textiles Curriculum Level Il pages 127 136 includes activities and handouts to supplement this program information Before administering the lesson ask participants to fill out the self evaluation sheet Following the lesson ask them to fill out My Plan for Improving My Skills e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service HandoutA Wash Wonders 101 Laundry Product Know How There are three types of energy needed to insure good cleaning results chemical energy provided by the detergent and other laundry aids therm
21. s and ribbons should be loosely tied to avoid entangling with other garments 2 Empty the pockets and brush away lint or dirt Melted gum candy or crayon creates extra work 3 Remove unwashable items such as belts trim and jewelry 4 Repair prior to laundering Rips and tears tend to grow if left untreated during laundering 5 Treating spots stains and heavily soiled areas with pretreatment stain products 6 Turning permanent press garments inside out helps prevent pilling a common problem for permanent press garments 7 Place hosiery delicate or small items in a mesh laundry bag Ring around the collar Rub heavily soiled collars and cuffs with a liquid detergent or pretreatment product before laundering Other stains need special care too just watch out if you use a product that happens to soften your nail polish petroleum distillates you may end up with polish on the clothing you are treating e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service a ae ee O O mss Road Map For Results Handout E Check the water Hard water is present if you notice these effects in your home e Aring around the bathtub e It is difficult to get shampoo or soaps to lather easily e A white residue forms around faucets and drains e Fabrics feel stiff not fluffy If you think you have hard water problems add more detergent or use a water softener in the wash water Choose
22. s name company contact address city state and zip code Dear On date purchased describe the garment from retailer s name and address The care label indicated that list information from the labels and tags Unfortunately my garment has been damaged because explain the problem Therefore to resolve the problem would like you to state the specific action you want Enclosed are copies copies NOT originals of my records receipts canceled checks and other documents look forward to your reply and a resolution to my problem within set atime limit Please contact me at the above address or by phone home or office numbers with area codes Sincerely your name Courtesy of the FTC Web site found at www ftc gov Prepared by Marla Day Extension Associate Apparel Textiles and Interior Design Kansas State Research and Extension e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service BASIC Handout D Apparel Management Wash Wonders 101 Decoding Your Washing Machine As you learned in Laundry Product Know How three types of energy are necessary to produce good cleaning results e Thermal energy is supplied by the water temperature of the wash water Hot water wash 120 140 F Warm water wash 85 105 F Cold water wash 65 75 F e Chemical energy can be boosted by adding additional products Bleach chlorine or oxygen pretreating stains presoaking
23. t the cleaning method given such as bleaching that could harm the garment or other items cleaned with it Generic fiber name ex cotton spandex The percentage of fiber by weight 95 cotton 5 spandex Identifies the manufacturer name and RN or WPL number RN 99999 Identifies the country of origin where processed or manufactured Made in USA If fur whether it is dyed colored or bleached and the animal species If wool whether recycled or not wool recycled wool virgin wool Be easy to find readable for the useful life of the product and must be firmly attached on all garments sold in the United States Other information often included on the care label but not required e size e finishes applied permanent press stain repellent anti bacterial etc e color or lot number e special features design or brand information How will knowing the fiber content help to care for the garment Knowing what fiber s were used is your first clue for caring for the garment or how durable garments will be Some fibers are more prone to shrinkage and others require special care or handling Knowing a fiber s characteristic protects your clothing investment and enables you to adjust the laundering process accordingly e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service aa ee Ss2 Labels What Do They Tell You Handout C W hat do all those pictures with x s dots and lin
24. the right wash temperature Sort laundry by color and water temperature Washing garments in water too hot or cold produces wrinkles dye loss shrinkage even dye transfer Don t overfill the washing machine Detergents remove dirt and the minerals in hard water by 1 holding them in suspension 2 preventing them from being redeposited on the fabric and 3 carrying them away in the water When the washer is overfilled this process is hindered and results in clothes that are not clean and overly wrinkled Reduce bacteria in the laundry e Separate laundry items that may have more bacteria on them such as dishrags kitchen towels or underwear Wash hands after placing dirty laundry in the washing machine and when moving the wet laundry to the dryer Wash and dry garments in the hottest temperature safe for the fabrics Use a disinfectant such as chlorine bleach or quaternary compounds At public laundry facilities when laundering infants clothing or following any contagious illness in the family The 3 P s of Stain Removal e Promptness e Patience e Perseverance Avoid extra work Remove the clothes from the washing machine as soon as the wash cycle is complete you avoid extra wrinkles Should you discover wrinkles later rewashing them solves the wrinkle problem but causes an extra expense Discovering them days after they may have mildewed causing you to purchase new garments and the wash basket will lik
25. ts performance Also outlined are basic washing procedures for participants Road Map for Results Handout Provides tips and time savers for laundering Conserving Energy Use in the Laundry Handout Conservation tips for consumers Kids Can Too Working Together Handout The motivation for sharing household tasks is to have more time together or to pursue other interests Beginning with some basic laundry tasks parents and children working together create a positive learning environment and a way to share more than just a task together but common goals Having children help with family chores may seem to some parents or caregivers as an impossible if not exhaustive delusion But it doesn t have to be Children learn life skills when they share in the responsibilities of the household the challenge may be in e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service a eee miss Wash Wonders 101 Leader s Guide motivating them to accept this obligation In the publication Managing Time Work and Family Getting Children to Help MF 2256 nine steps are given to help develop a shared home management system tailored to the needs of your family Explain to participants there are some basic steps Ask them to help determine what these are sorting stain treatment choosing which laundry products for specific loads of laundry washing drying hanging and or folding Basic Steps 1 S
26. yme action of the detergent and the effectiveness of the detergent Follow the directions given on the detergent package for the amount to use Remember that these recommendations are for an average size load average soil level of clothes and an average water hardness If soil or load size increases then add more detergent and agitation Bleach Chlorine and Oxygen Liquid chlorine bleach is usually 5 25 percent new products now offer a 6 percent concentration Liquid bleaches are used for whitening deodorizing and disinfecting for bleach safe fabrics Never use full strength chlorine bleach on any fabric especially spandex wool and silk Overuse of chlorine bleach damages fabrics by shortening the life of the garments Evidence of overuse includes rips tears or even holes that appear mysteriously e Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service A eed mss Laundry Product Know How Handout A Caution Chlorine bleach is poisonous and should never be mixed with ammonia the fumes are toxic Gel chlorine bleaches offer splash free pouring making unintentional bleach splatters less likely The thickened bleaches are more expensive than standard bleach as much as 71 percent more per cup Concentrated chlorine bleaches offer a higher percentage of bleach than previous products Theoretically you do use less bleach per load but you may pay more for the concentrated bleach y
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