Most of the time, many of us simply want to wash our clothes, press the on button, hit the regular cycle and get on with our day. Occasionally, we may separate towels and whites, but not every wash – life is busy after all. However, there are those clothing items that would benefit from a little extra love and attention in the wash cycle. For example, that shirt you always wear at Christmas, the silk dress purchased for a special birthday, the mohair blanket grandma gifted. In these instances, knowing which wash cycle to action can aid fabric longevity and greater peace-of-mind – and save you money in replacements.
Here is some washing speak to keep up your sleeve!
Temperature options 101:
Our high efficiency washers use much less water and energy than standard washing machines – so you’re already ahead of the game regardless of the wash you choose. But generally speaking, keep in mind that . . .
– Whites are destined for a hotter washer and a cooler rinse.
– Colours are destined for a warmer wash and a warm/cold rinse.
– Delicates are destined for a cold wash and cold rinse.
– Permanent press garments are destined for a cold wash and cold rinse.
Cycle power 101:
Choosing the right cycle for your washing shouldn’t feel like you’re navigating a minefield.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind before pressing buttons . . .
A Quick Wash is best for: Fewer items, lightly soiled items and its faster spin means clothes dry quicker.
A Pre-wash is ideal for: Extra-dirty items or those that are stained. Why? Because this option adds an extra soak at the beginning of a cycle.
A Heavy-duty Wash is what you want if: You have muddy or heavily soiled items. It features a longer, warmer/hotter wash and high-speed tumbling to rid clothes of extra grit.
A Hand Wash is perfect for: Garments that require a mixed wash – i.e. gentle tumbling and soaking combined. It is designed to copy a pair of hands in the sink!
A Delicate Wash is good for: Lingerie, blouses, slips – items that require a lighter touch. It is a shorter, cooler wash with a slower speed for tumbling and spinning.
A Permanent-press Wash serves: Those shirts, pants and dresses that need a wrinkle-free finish. Its warm/hot wash and slow speed helps to relax creases and prevent new ones forming.
A Rinse and Spin Wash is great for: Those beach towels and swimming togs – a quick rinse and no detergent needed!
Come and visit our self-service laundromat in Tauranga if you’d like to take advantage of our modern, efficient and affordable clothes washing machines.
