The washing machine has been a stable part of our homes for decades now. Few would be able to give up such a convenience, but how many really know how to use it to the fullest? The advice is to read the instruction manual carefully and to check the characteristics of each wash cycle, to avoid errors and ruin the garments you care about most. Then there are some garments, products and accessories, which it would be better to avoid putting in the washing machine, or in any case do it with the utmost care. Here are some helpful tips.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
The washing machine has been a permanent part of our homes for decades. Few would be able to give up such a convenience, but how many really know how to use it to the fullest? The advice is to read the instruction manual carefully and to check the characteristics of each wash cycle, to avoid making mistakes and ruining the garments you care about most.
Then there are some garments, products and accessories, which it would be better to avoid putting in the washing machine, or in any case do it with the utmost care. For this reason it is a good idea to always read the labels of the garments.
Here are some helpful tips.
Index
Delicate shoes
Many people use the washing machine to wash their waterproof or canvas sneakers, but the results aren't always perfect, especially if there are stubborn stains on the laces. In some cases, especially if the shoes are delicate, it is better not to take risks with washing in the washing machine and brush them well with Marseille soap or ecological dishwashing detergent, in order to eliminate any residue well. Then you can rinse your shoes and leave them to dry in the open air. Also scrub the laces well by hand to remove stains. If you want to wash sturdy shoes in the washing machine, put them in a canvas bag or old pillowcase and avoid spinning as much as possible.
Read also: How to wash sneakers naturally
Metal objects
Pay close attention to metal objects before you start doing the laundry. There may be some coins left in the pockets of jackets and trousers. Therefore, always check every space carefully and empty it. Also pay attention to hairpins, large hinges and metal buttons, which could risk scratching the washing machine door or blocking the filter. You can put clothes with metal parts in bags or cotton pillow cases to protect your washing machine.
pillows
The reference is in particular to sofa cushions and chairs. Often they are made up of delicate fabrics or their seams are not strong enough to withstand vigorous cycles. In addition, the padding may be damaged by the spin cycle. Better check the labels carefully to understand if your cushions are suitable for washing by hand, in the washing machine, perhaps excluding the spin cycle, or dry cleaning in the dry cleaners.
Caps with visor
Summer is coming and, especially the little ones, will begin to use the classic caps with visor to protect themselves from the sun during holidays and outdoor games. The visors are likely to be damaged by prolonged washing in the washing machine and by spinning. It is therefore better to wash the hats by hand with water and natural soap, trying to squeeze them without damaging them.
Lace garments
For delicate lace garments, including underwear, for tablecloths and doilies, always prefer hand washing with warm water and natural soap. To revive the whiteness, let the garments soak in a basin to which you have added one or two tablespoons of baking soda per liter of water. Avoid the washing machine, handle it gently and do not twist too much to wring.
Bra
Underwired bras are at risk of being damaged in the washing machine. Due to the spin cycle, the underwire may bend and deform. How then? There are special bra-saving containers on the market for washing in the washing machine. Otherwise, you can simply wash your bra by hand with Marseille soap.
Silk
Some washing machines have washing programs for delicates, which also include silk garments. But if what you have to treat is small or very fragile, it is better to think about hand washing or dry cleaning, in order not to risk ruining an expensive garment or accessory. To wash silk by hand, choose ecological detergents for delicate garments, use lukewarm water and do not wring out.
Microfiber cloths
Microfibre cloths, especially the more expensive and well-made ones, perhaps woven with a single thread, risk being damaged due to washing in the washing machine and losing part of their absorbency. The same manufacturers recommend washing them by hand with warm water and a little soap immediately after use and letting them dry naturally, without using the washing machine and dryer.
Conventional fabric softener
Is fabric softener really necessary? Sometimes we could do without it. Conventional fabric softeners promote pollution and can leave unwanted residues on fabrics, with consequent allergy risks. If the water in the house is hard and the laundry is affected, we can try to use a solution of water and citric acid (for each wash 10 grams of citric acid are enough to be poured into a graduated container, to which add water until reaching the 100 ml mark). There are also those who are happy with vinegar as a softener in the washing machine, but there are open discussions regarding its environmental impact and the possibility that this product can be aggressive in the washing machine and on metal surfaces.
Aggressive detergents
Especially if we have to wash delicate clothes, we try to avoid aggressive detergents as much as possible. For the laundry we can use ecological detergents formulated with raw materials with low environmental impact and kind to the laundry. Natural homemade soap and castile soap are great for pretreating stains before hand or machine washing. Above all, be careful not to use too much detergent. Always refer to the instructions on the packaging.
Read also:
- Do-it-yourself detergents: how to self-make soap for the washing machine (liquid and powder)
Green laundry: 5 tips to save energy when washing clothes
Stains: 10 tricks and remedies to remove the most difficult ones
Marta Albè
Photo font: slimg.com
For more advice on how clean the house and do the laundry without harmful products for the environment we recommend our book "My eco-clean house - Eco-friendly and economical do-it-yourself detergents"(Gribaudo 2014). You can find it in all Feltrinelli bookstores at a price of 14,90 euros.
- On the Feltrinelli site
- Su Amazon
