Key advice
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.
Read the label on your detergent products and check the care label on your clothes.
Sort your laundry and choose the appropriate temperature for each type of laundry.
For indoor drying, it may be more energy efficient to use a tumble dryer than heat the room
Follow the five step laundry guide: textiles, load, detergent, dosage, temperature.
Liquid detergent capsules and tablets go straight in the drum, no need to measure. Solids and liquids allow for more flexible dosing.
Regularly clean the rubber seal around the door to prevent black mildew forming.
Dry the laundry thoroughly immediately after laundering.
After each wash, leave the door open and allow the machine to dry out.
As microbes that can cause infection can be spread through clothing, doing the laundry is a key moment for hygiene.
Always ventilate the room before and after drying your clothes to prevent moisture indoors.
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.
Always wash your hands after handling dirty laundry.
Dry your laundry outside whenever possible.
Save energy, buy the most efficient machine possible.
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Did you know?
Choose the most sustainable packaging when you shop by looking for products in recycled, recyclable or compostable packaging.
Special attention should be given to the spinning of delicate textiles, so always refer to the care label.
The eco programme on your machine uses less energy and water, although it runs for longer.
If needed, pre-treat difficult stains and /or add a stain removal product before launching the washing cycle.
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.
Check the energy efficiency of a machine, it shows estimated annual energy consumption.
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.
If there is a sleeve on the detergent bottle, remove it when empty and recycle it separately.
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.
These items should be laundered using wash cycles which reduce microbes to a safe level and prevent cross-contamination.
Remember the care label on your textile indicates a maximum washing temperature.
Switching to an energy-efficient washing machine can save money in running costs.
Clean the filter of your washing machine and tumble dryer regularly, for efficiency and to prolong the life of the machine.
For cotton cycles, fill your machine completely. For other types of textiles, (e.g. wool, synthetics, on delicates) only half fill the machine.
Most detergents already contain water softeners. Depending on the water hardness, you might need additional water softener.
You can select a lower washing temperature than indicated. Avoid pre-washing unless it necessary, you will save energy and water.
Underwear, towels and linens in contact with food are most likely to be contaminated with harmful microbes.
Always switch off the washing machine after use to reduce energy consumed in stand-by mode.
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.
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.
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.
Washing your laundry at lower temperatures saves energy.
Clothing and linen can spread microbes that can cause infection if not laundered properly
Over-dosing and underdosing may not be sustainable and could lead to reduced washing performance.
From 2021, new energy labels for appliances will have a QR code to scan with all relevant information on the appliance model.
Detergents and maintenance products are safe when used and stored according to the instructions on the label.