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I Detergents
I
Detergents come in many types and forms. Regardless of the type
Fabric softeners are designed to reduce static electricity, make
it is important to read the manufacturer's instructions and use the
fabrics sofferand fluffier, and minimize wrinkling. The three types are:
correct amount. The proper amount to use depends on several
rinse-added, dryer-added, and detergents with fabric softeners.
factors:
a. size of load;
Rinse - Added Fabric Softener
b. degree of soil;
These softeners should only be used in the final rinse cycle. They
¢. hardness of the water; and
should not be used with soap, detergent, bleach, water conditioners
d. amount of water,
or other laundry products in the rinse water. If usedtogether, they will
react and cause.a white sticky residue to appear on clothes. This is
Most manufacturer's instructions are for washing an average load
sometimes mistaken for lint.
with average soil in 16 gallons of water with average hardness
(5 grains per gallon). Therefore, more detergent will be needed if any
It is important'that you dilute fabric softeners with water before you
of the following exists;
pour them into the rinse water. This will help eliminate the possibility
a. load size is extra large,
of staining any fabrics.
b. clothes are heavily soiled,
c. water hardness is above average, or
Dryer
- Added
d. amount of water selected was more than HIGH.
Thi§ type of fabric softener is added to the dryer along with the load of
clothes. It may be in the form of a softener impregnated tear-off sheet
Usingtoo little detergent results in a poor wash, while using too much
or a slow dispensing packet.
causes oversudsing.
Non-phosphate
Note: Avoid overuseof fabricsofteners. Toomuch fabricsoftenercan
make clothes, such as diapers and towels, non-absorbent. If
As phosphate content is controlled by law in some areas, most
this occurs, decrease the amount of fabric softener used or
detergents are non-phosphate. Some granular non-phosphate deter-
occasionally omit using it. If fabric softener comes in contact
gents may be difficult to dissolve in cold water. They may also react
with fabrics, it may cause a stain. To remove,wet fabric and rub
with the hardness minerals in the water to deposit a white "lint like"
the stained area with a bar of soap and wash items again.
residue on clothes as well as washer parts.
For best results with non-phosphate detergents follow these
Detergent
with Fabric
Softener
suggestions:
Some detergents contain fabric softener in their formulation. Read
1. Wash garments in the hottest water safe for the fabric,
and follow manufacturer's instructions for use.
2. Pretreat stains and heavily soiled items before placing them in the
washer.
3. Follow the detergent package instructions for the amount to use.
4. Add the detergent to the washer first, then add the load of clothes
to be washed. Close the lid and fill the washer with water.
Presoak products help to break down certain types of soils and stains
5. In some instances, soft or softened water may help.
into simple forms which can be removed more easily by the other
detergent ingredients and the washing action. Washing products
Liquid or Powder Detergent
containingenzymeeareeffectiveonprotein-typestainssuchasblood,
Powdered detergents generally provide good results for most laundry
baby formula, milk, meat juice, diaper soil, grass, etc. Enzyme pre-
loads. Liquiddetergentsare particularlyusefulforcoldwaterwashing,
soak products are most effective when they have time in which to
for washing lightly soiled loads and for pretreating spots or greasy
work. Clothes should soak for at least 30 minutes and it is helpful
soils,
sometimes to soak clothes for several hours.
High suds or low suds?
Mounds of suds are not necessary for clean clothes. Too many suds
can hamper wash action. The presence of suds does not indicate the
correct amount of detergent being used. In very soft water a low
sudsing detergent may be necessary in order to use enough detergent
Prewash spray products are helpful in removing collar soil, and other
stains. Follow package directions. Use caution when using prewash
to clean clothes,
sprays because they can remove markings fromdials and buttons on
appliances, paint from walls and cabinets, or soften fingernail polish.
Soap should not be used unless your water is very soft (0 - 3 grains
of hardness per gallon). In hard water (above 3 gpg) soap combines
with water hardness minerals to form a scum of film. This deposit ks
very hard to rinse out and can build up on clothes causing them to
become gray, dingy and greasy feeling.
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