Newbie questions - washing machine

evilwitch

I was most things at 30 with less than half the recommended dose of washing powder. I use Tesco own brand. I use powder rather than liquid as I find it cheaper per wash

Fabric softener I buy the large bottles and dilute it 50/50 with water. Use white vinegar on towels. It was proving more expensive fo me to use vinegar as softener as opposed to the dilute fabric softener as I can only get white in small bottles.

bio/non bio. Biological washing powder/liquid contains enzymes which act on stains to help them break down and be removed from clothes easier. The enzymes almost 'eat' the food/perspiration smells/marks and make them go. However the enzymes can irritate sensitive skin, especially children. Non bio doesn't contain these enzymes and relies on chemical interactions between the dirt and the washing powder molecules in order to lift marks/smells from clothes. Added benefit is the lack of irritation due to enzymes and new formulations are just as effective at stain removal as bio ones. Personal choice and trial and error as to which works for you really only if you use bio its best not to wash above 40 as the enzymes become denatured (die) at higher temps so become less effective and your washing may not be as clean

lil_me

Damp rubber glove works great for removing cat hair, do this before washing or it'll just get stuck in the filters etc on your machine. Vacuuming more often will reduce the amount of hair that gets on clothes, I have 2 dogs and people think I am mad because I vacuum up to 3 times on a normal day, but if I don't it ends up all over the clothes.

Washing at low temperatures is fine but do a hot wash every now and again to clear the gunk from the machine that builds up with colder settings. I use 30 for most things, 60 for towels and beddings then do a hot 90 wash with the cloths in when I need to (no detergant but usually a little disinfectant)

With what not to wash at 60, anything with a transfer on I wouldn't, even if the label says it's ok sometimes the transfer is added after manufacture and they don't change the label. Follow the garment labels, you'll soon get used to what temp the things you own can be washed on.

Bio powder is better at getting the likes of food/human stains out but can cause irritation to those with delicate skin, stain wise many non bio detergants have been vastly improved.

Don't put too much powder in, I've been succesfully using a tablespoon of 2in1 (got lots of bold on offer, last year ) and a tablespoon of soda crystals, even gets my mucky kids clothes clean.

HTH

moanymoany

All the above ideas are triff, and I have done them in the past.

I would suggest brushing the cats on about a daily basis. They may kick up at first but persevere. It will make a difference.

misskool

Just to clarify, bio detergent has enzymes which are modified to "eat" away at the dirt in your clothes. non-bio is different formulations of chemicals. If you have any dermatological condition, it is best to use non-bio but bio ones are meant to clean better and you can use less of them.