Washing programmes
What actually happens inside the washing-machine?
Washing programmes control the precise course of cycles in the washing machine. The programme can be adjusted depending on the type and colour of the fabric and how dirty the washing is.
A washing programme can consist of four different cycles: prewash, main wash, rinse cycle and spin cycle. The main wash is part of every programme: the detergent is being rinsed into the clothes and the water heats up to the choosen temperature. The clothes load is being moved in the water by a back-and-forth rotation of the drum. This kind of movement causes the washing effect: The clothes are being lifted out of the water, the water and the detergent solution are forced through the clothes load and the clothes are being rubbed against each other.
During a gentle washing programme the drum stops for a short while before changing directions. This is to protect the delicate fabrics.
During the spin cycle the drum moves at a very high speed. The clothes load is being pressed against the inside walls of the drum, and the water is being forced out.
For each washing programme the washing temperature, water level inside the drum, intensity of tumbling and the length of the cycles are different.
Care symbols are written on labels attached to each piece of clothing to indicate how a particular item should best be cleaned.
Prewash
The prewash cycle is a short cycle at a low temperature designed for very soiled clothes. The clothes load is being soaked so the dirt can dissolve into the water before the actual cleaning takes place in the main wash cycle.
Normal washing programmes
The washing programmes for boil wash and coloureds are called normal washing programmes. The water temperature varies from 30°C to 95°C. The water level is low and the intensity of tumbling is high. This causes a lot of friction, so a normal washing programme should not be used to clean delicate fabrics.
The boil wash programme is especially suitable for textiles like linen or cotton which come into contact with germs such as bed linen and underwear – all germs are killed by the extremely high temperatures (90-95°C). A prewash is not needed. Because of the high temperatures the dirt comes off easily during the main wash cycle.
The normal washing programmes are suitable for all tough fabrics like towels or bed linen.
Easy-care
This programme is a special programme intended for easy-care textiles made from synthetic fibres. The washing temperature varies between 30°C and 60°C, with a medium water level. The programme protects the delicate fabric by a reduced intensity of tumbling. The spin cycle operates with less speed to keep the clothes from creasing.
Tip: The clothes load should not exceed 2,5 kg.
Gentle wash
This programme is suitable for very delicate fabrics such as silk, satin or mixed fibres. The water level is high, so the clothing is freely suspended in water. The intensity of tumbling and the washing temperature are low in order to protect the delicate fabrics.
Wool
Some washing machines have a special programme for washing wool and natural fibres. The water level inside the drum is especially high so the clothing is freely suspended in water and the friction is reduced to a minimum. The drum stops between the rotating movements to protect the fabric.
The maximum washing temperature is 30°C. The clothes load should not be too heavy.
Dry-cleaning
Particularly delicate fabrics must not be cleaned with water. If their threads are soaked in water they shrink or become felted. They must be dry-cleaned. This means that dirt and stains are removed by chemical solvents and the threads keep their initial structure. The letters in the “dry-cleaning“ care symbol tell you what chemical solvents can be used to clean a particular piece of garment.
Tip: If you know the origin of a stain, inform the dry-cleaner´s staff. Cleaning agents can be selectively applied then.
