LAUNDERING AND IRONING

Sorting Clothing for Laundering

• Any fabrics which have stains should be treated before putting them into the washer, since hot (or even warm), soapy water will set most stains (and if washing doesn't set the stain, the heat of the dryer will).
• Any clothes with rips, tears or holes should be mended, zippers and snaps closed and pockets emptied.
• Frail or delicate items may be placed in a mesh bag or pillow case or should be washed by hand.
• Turn synthetics inside out to minimize pilling.
• Pretreat any articles which have heavily soiled areas. To do this, rub soap or synthetic detergent on that particular area using a brush, sponge or even just the fingers. Use enough water to moisten it. Some washers will have a "soak" setting for soaking heavily soiled clothing.
• Separate items into washer loads, putting those that require the same water temperature, length of time and type of detergent.
• All white or light-coloured clothing can be washed in warm water.
• Darker coloured clothes - Colour from darker or coloured clothes may seep or run into the wash water (particularly when new) and cause white clothes to look dull and grayish if the white clothes and the darker, coloured clothes are washed in the same water.
• Delicate items, such as lingerie and most undergarments take less time to clean but require special care and may even need to be washed by hand. Your washing machine may have a "delicate" washcycle for delicate garments.
• Heavy clothes - These are clothes that will take longer to clean and need to be washed separately from lighter weight clothes.
• Know the cleaning instructions for each item of clothing. Clothing labels with care instructions are important to read and follow because they state the correct cleaning and drying method that should be used for that garment. Care labels also tell you if ironing is needed and the iron setting that you should use.

Water and Temperature

Soft water produces the best results in laundering. When soap is added to hard water, a scum or curd forms deposits on the fabrics being washed and produces a dull, gray colour.

Coloured clothes require a lower temperature than whites in order to prevent colours from running and clothes from fading.

Detergents

The amount of detergent you use will depend on the type of soil and the amount of soil. Enough of a soap or synthetic detergent should be added so that good suds are. A lot of detergent is difficult to remove and can be hard on your clothes. As well, some people are sensitive to detergents and too much detergent can make them itch.

In selecting a soap or detergent, consider the type of water, washing equipment, fabric and amount of soil. Cold water detergents may be more economical, but also may provide a less sanitary wash. The heat of the water destroys bacteria. Phosphate-free detergents has no harmful ingredients that contribute to contaminating the environment. Detergents may also come with bleach added that is "safe for all fabrics" which improves general cleaning as well as stain removal.

Rinses/Fabric Softener

Fabric rinses and softeners produce a softer garment and greatly control static electricity after washing and drying. Fabric softeners also reduce absorbency, so your synthetic pants may not be as comfortable in hot weather, and your bath towels won't be as thirsty. Fabric softeners can be added to the rinse water in the washer (particularly for clothing that you plan to air-dry, rather than dry in the dryer) or can be in the form of a softener sheet that you put directly in the dryer with your clothes.

Ironing

Proper temperature is the most important consideration in ironing fabrics. This is particularly true with thermoplastic fibres such as polyester. When ironing blends, use the setting for the most sensitive fibre. If the garment has been dampened, a slightly higher temperature may be used. Light dampening will speed ironing. Fabrics which may shine should be ironed on wrong side. Some dryers have a wrinkle-out setting which may help to remove wrinkles from clothing that has been stored for awhile and may be an alternative to ironing.

Source: Saskatchewan 4-H Council