Key advice
Follow the five step laundry guide: textiles, load, detergent, dosage, temperature.
After each wash, leave the door open and allow the machine to dry out.
Sort your laundry and choose the appropriate temperature for each type of laundry.
Always ventilate the room before and after drying your clothes to prevent moisture indoors.
Save energy, buy the most efficient machine possible.
As microbes that can cause infection can be spread through clothing, doing the laundry is a key moment for hygiene.
Dry the laundry thoroughly immediately after laundering.
For indoor drying, it may be more energy efficient to use a tumble dryer than heat the room
Follow the dosing recommendations on the label, which vary according to water hardness and soil level.
The best laundry detergent for you is the one that suits your needs and your textiles.
Read the label on your detergent products and check the care label on your clothes.
Detergents for delicates are formulated to protect colours and fibres and prevent the transfer of dyes, or chose a special detergent for wool and silk.
Dry your laundry outside whenever possible.
Regularly clean the rubber seal around the door to prevent black mildew forming.
Always wash your hands after handling dirty laundry.
Liquid detergent capsules and tablets go straight in the drum, no need to measure. Solids and liquids allow for more flexible dosing.
Laundry detergents
Laundry aids
Other laundry products
Did you know?
Use a solid detergent containing bleach on a higher temperature (e.g. 60°c) wash once a week to ensure the hygiene of your laundry, and also of your washing machine.
Most detergents already contain water softeners. Depending on the water hardness, you might need additional water softener.
Higher temperature programmes may be needed for heavily soiled laundry, but keep in mind that they consume more energy.
Sort your laundry according to colour and type but remember that a full load will save energy. See the five step laundry guide.
Over-dosing and underdosing may not be sustainable and could lead to reduced washing performance.
Remember the care label on your textile indicates a maximum washing temperature.
To preserve the quality of your textiles, wash them only when it’s necessary.
Airing your clothes (e.g. wool) may reduce the need to wash them.
A higher spin speed will shorten drying time and save energy in tumble dryers and line drying.
Keep the care labels on your clothes to follow the care instructions. clevercare.eu is an easy guide to the symbols.
Switching to an energy-efficient washing machine can save money in running costs.
To save energy and water, always put on a full load - if you have to do a smaller load, use the programme designed for partial loads.
If needed, pre-treat difficult stains and /or add a stain removal product before launching the washing cycle.
Choose the most sustainable packaging when you shop by looking for products in recycled, recyclable or compostable packaging.
These items should be laundered using wash cycles which reduce microbes to a safe level and prevent cross-contamination.
Special attention should be given to the spinning of delicate textiles, so always refer to the care label.
For cotton cycles, fill your machine completely. For other types of textiles, (e.g. wool, synthetics, on delicates) only half fill the machine.
You can select a lower washing temperature than indicated. Avoid pre-washing unless it necessary, you will save energy and water.
From 2021, new energy labels for appliances will have a QR code to scan with all relevant information on the appliance model.
Underwear, towels and linens in contact with food are most likely to be contaminated with harmful microbes.
Extend the life of your washing machine and keep it clean and performant by running a monthly 60°c cycle with a bleach-containing powder detergent.
The eco programme on your machine uses less energy and water, although it runs for longer.
Clean the filter of your washing machine and tumble dryer regularly, for efficiency and to prolong the life of the machine.
Washing your laundry at lower temperatures saves energy.
If there is a sleeve on the detergent bottle, remove it when empty and recycle it separately.
Always switch off the washing machine after use to reduce energy consumed in stand-by mode.
Clothing and linen can spread microbes that can cause infection if not laundered properly
Check the energy efficiency of a machine, it shows estimated annual energy consumption.
Detergents and maintenance products are safe when used and stored according to the instructions on the label.