LOVE YOUR LAUNDRY
Do hot washes really kill germs? How can I keep my whites bright? We’ve got all your washing woes covered...
1 Wash away germs
We’re all more conscious now about keeping ourselves and our homes germ-free. But what about our clothes? “Tests have proven that washing your clothes at 60°C, with a good detergent, is perfectly adequate to kill bacteria,” explains Susan Fermor, Spokeswoman for Dr Beckmann. “Most of us are guilty of washing on a quick, 40°C wash cycle, but at this time we recommend using 60°C washes more regularly.”
2 Brighten your whites We all know that for brighter whites it’s vital to separate white and coloured clothes before a wash. However, no matter how careful you are, over time whites tend to fade. Ensure they stay whiter for longer by using a fabric whitener Dr Beckmann’s Glowhite fabric whitener can be used on any cycle and at any temperature.
■ Dr Beckmann Glowhite,
£1.85/5 sachets, Wilko
3 Prevent the fade
Turn items inside out and wash at a cooler temperature to help prevent fading and choose shorter and gentler washing programmes. Avoid overloading your machine can also be tough on fabric fibres. Lastly, skip the dryer whenever possible.
4 Get tough on stains
Always treat stains as soon as possible but not with hot water, as this can set the stain. “Work from the wrong side of the fabric and dab, rather than rub, to avoid damaging the fabric fibres,” advises Susan. “Place a clean cloth under the stain and work inwards so you don’t spread the mark further. Some stains may require a pre-wash treatment and an overnight soak, but don’t soak delicate fabrics like silk.” Rubbing lemon juice into a stain before washing could help and, if you use a shopbought stain remover, always test it on a small area first.
5 Help the helper Washing at a cooler temperature may be better for the environment, but it can be bad for our machines. “Germs and bacteria can breed and cause mouldy smells that transfer onto our clothes,” says Susan. “To combat this, regularly run your machine on a 60°C wash with no clothes or detergent.” Also wipe around your door seals after every wash.