IDetergents I
Detergents come in many types and forms. Regardless of the type Fabricsofteners are designed to reduce staticelectricity,make
itis important to read the manufacturer's instructions andusethefabricssofferand fluffier, and minimizewrinkling. Thethreetypesare:
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 ofwater, or other laundryproductsin therinsewater. If usedtogether, they will
react andcause.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 grainsper gallon). Therefore, moredetergent will be needed ifany It is important'that you dilute fabric softeners with water before you
of thefollowing exists; pourthemintotherinse water.This willhelp eliminatethe 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 ofwaterselected was morethanHIGH. Thi§type offabric softener isadded tothe dryer along with the loadof
clothes. It maybe intheform of a softener impregnatedtear-off sheet
Usingtoo little detergent results in a poorwash, while usingtoo much or a slow dispensing packet.
causesoversudsing.
Non-phosphate Note: Avoidoveruseof fabricsofteners. Toomuch fabricsoftenercan
make clothes, such as diapers and towels, non-absorbent. If
As phosphatecontent is controlled by law in some areas, most this occurs, decrease theamount of fabric softener used or
detergents are non-phosphate.Some granular non-phosphatedeter- occasionally omit using it. If fabricsoftener comes in contact
gents may be difficult to dissolve in cold water. They may also react withfabrics, itmay causeastain.To remove,wet fabricand rub
with thehardness minerals inthe water to deposit a white"lint like" thestained area with a bar of soap and wash items again.
residueonclothes as well as washer parts.
For best results with non-phosphate detergents follow these Detergentwith FabricSoftener
suggestions: Some detergents contain fabric softener in their formulation. Read
1. Wash garments in the hottest watersafefor the fabric, and follow manufacturer's instructions for use.
2. Pretreatstains and heavily soileditems beforeplacing them in the
washer.
3. Follow thedetergent package instructions for the amount to use.
4. Add the detergent to the washer first, then add the load of clothes
to bewashed. Close the lid and fill the washer with water. Presoakproducts help to breakdowncertaintypes ofsoils and stains
5. Insome instances, soft or softened water may help.into simple forms which can be removed moreeasily by the other
detergent ingredients and the washing action. Washing products
Liquid or Powder Detergent containingenzymeeareeffectiveonprotein-typestainssuchasblood,
Powdereddetergentsgenerally providegood resultsfor most laundry baby formula, milk, meat juice, diaper soil, grass, etc. Enzyme pre-
loads. Liquiddetergentsare particularlyusefulforcoldwaterwashing, soak products aremost effective when they havetime 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 soakclothesfor several hours.
High suds or low suds?
Mounds ofsuds are notnecessary for clean clothes. Too many suds
can hamperwash action. Thepresence ofsuds does notindicate the
correct amount of detergent being used.In very soft water a low
sudsing detergent maybenecessaryinorder touseenoughdetergent Prewash spray productsare helpful in removing collar soil, and other
stains. Follow package directions.Usecaution when usingprewash
to clean clothes, spraysbecausetheycan remove markings fromdials and buttons on
appliances, paint from wallsand cabinets, or soften fingernail polish.
Soap should not beusedunless yourwater is very soft (0 - 3grains
of hardness per gallon).Inhard water (above 3 gpg) soap combines
with water hardnessmineralsto form a scum of film. This deposit ks
very hard to rinse out and canbuild up on clothes causing them to
become gray, dingy and greasy feeling.
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