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Ii Disi_ectahts
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HdnessI
Occasionally, you may want to sanitize your washer and laundry.
Many complaintsabout unsatisfactory washing results can be traced
Sanitizing is desirable during periodsof family illness to help prevent
directly to hard water. Water hardness is measured in grains per
the spread of infectionsfrom one family member to another,
gallon.
To Sanitize Your Washer
Hardness
Grains Per Gal.
Fill washerwithhotwater,pour1-1/4c, of liquidchlorinebleachintothe
Soft
0 - 3 grains
bleach dispenser or directly into the washer. Turn TIMER DIAL to 12
Medium
4 - 6 grains
minutes; close lid or door, and start washer. Let washer complete the
Hard
7 -10 grains
cycle.
Very Hard
over 11 grains
Sanitize Your Laundry
The local water company or County Extension office can supply
Select a disinfectant that suits the load of laundry (fiber and color), and
information about water hardness in your area.
carefully readthe directions onthe package. Followthe manufacturer's
directions for amount to use, and note any precautions. Carefully
Ideally, softwatershouldbeusedbothforwashingandrinsing.
Ifyour
measure the recommended amount of disinfectant, and add it directly
water is hard, it can be softened in several ways:
to the tub at the proper time in the cycle. Do not put any disinfectant
otherthanliquidohlorinebleachintothedispenserasitcoulddamage
1. Increasingtheamount ofdetergentisaneffectivewaytotieupthe
the dispenser,
water hardness minerals.
2. Add a non-precipitating water conditioner to the wash and rinse
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water.
Bleach helps to whiten clothes, remove certain stains and soil,
3. Consider installing in your home a mechanical water softener
disinfect and deodorize. Bleach should be used in the wash cycle,
which will soften the water as it flows through the faucet.
The two basic types of bleach are: Chlorine-Liquid and Oxygen-
Type-Dry.
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l
Chlorine-Liquid
Chlorinebleach canbe usedwhen washingmostfabrics. Do notuse
The correctwater temperatureinsuresgood washing results. Select
chlorine-bleach withacetate,rayon, s ilk,wool,Spandex,or noncolorfast
the water temperatureaccordingtothe fabrics beingwashed and the
fabrics. When in doubt,check garment manufacturer'scare label,
degree of soil present.
Always followthe bleach manufacturer'sdirections for the amountto
HOT
use. Usuallyitisbesttoaddbleachtothedispenserbeforeloadingthe
HOT water is effectivefor washing most white items or for washing
washer in order to prevent any undilutedbleach from accidentally
heavilysoiled colorfastitems. It is also helpfulin removingbody soil,
spillingonto items in the wash load.
perspirationand greasysoils. If yourwater heater is locateda great
distance from the washer, it may be necessary for you to set the
Fabric damage related to misuse of chlorinebleach may notappear
thermostat on the water heater to its hottest setting because water
untilseveral launderingslater. If undilutedbleach comes intodirect
cools as it travels from the water heater to the washer.
contact with fabrics, it will show up as rips, tears, holes, overall
yellowingor colorloss.
WARM
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WARM water is recommended for washing normal to lightly soiled
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regular, permanent press, knit and some delicate items. It reduces
the amount of fading and the amount of wrinkles.
Oxygen-Type-Dry
Oxygen type bleaches are mild, contain no chlorine, and are consid-
COLD
ered safe for most washable colorfast fabrics. They may be added
COLD water minimizes shrinkage and gives best color retention.
directly to the wash water along with the detergent. Follow directions
Using cold water can provide less effective cleaning, so be sure to use
on the package for the correct amount to use. Oxygen bleaches are
a detergent especially formulated for cold water. Since the tempera-
more effective in hot water. They are not designed for heavy stain
tureofcoldwatervarieswiththe
seasons, someitems maynotlookas
removal,
clean as in warmer water. Follow these steps for best results when
using cold water:
• Increase amount of detergent to about 1-1/2 times amount
normally used.
• Dissolve detergent in warm water before adding to the washer.
• Pretreat spots and stains.
• Increase the length of washing time to maximum provided.
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