01 Surface Care Tips.Indd

FOUNDATION LAUNDRY

RESOURCES

ONLINE INTERIOR TRAINING THE ORIGINS OF FIBRES

FIBRES

NATURAL MINERAL MAN-MADE

ANIMAL PLANT GLASS METAL/LUREX SYNTHETIC SEMI-SYNTHETIC PVC/PLASTIC

Derived from wood Seed Stem Leaf Polyamide Polyester Polyacrylic Elastane Spun silk Hair / Wool or bamboo pulp Spandex Lycra Polycarbamide Tussah Camel Cotton Linen Sisal Nylon Terylene Modacrylic Viscose (Rayon) Polypropylene Wild silk Llama Bamboo Celon Dacron Acrilan Modal Goat Enkalon Crimplene Orlan Tencel Alpaca Microfibre Acrylic Acetate Mohair Courtelle Cashmere Angora

Symbol Washing process Symbol Washing process

- Maximum washing temperature 60ºC - Professional dry cleaning in perchloroethylene - Normal process - Normal process

- Maximum washing temperature 60ºC - Professional dry cleaning in perchloroethylene - Gentle process - Gentle process

- Maximum washing temperature 60ºC - Professional dry cleaning in hydrocarbons - Very gentle process - Normal process

- Maximum washing temperature 30ºC - Professional dry cleaning in hydrocarbons - Normal process - Gentle process

- Maximum washing temperature 30ºC - Do not dry clean - Gentle process

- Maximum washing temperature 30ºC - Professional wet cleaning - Very gentle process - Normal process

- Professional wet cleaning - Hand wash - Gentle process

- Professional wet cleaning - Do not wash - Very gentle process

- Do not wring - Professional wet cleaning not allowed

Symbol Bleaching process Symbol Tumble drying process

- Tumble drying possible - Any bleaching allowed - Normal temperature

- Tumble drying possible - Only oxygen/non-chlorine bleach allowed - Drying at lower temperature

- Do not bleach - Do not tumble dry

Symbol Natural drying process Symbol Ironing process

- Line dry - Iron at maximum sole plate temperature of 200ºC

- Drip dry - Iron at maximum sole plate temperature of 150ºC

- Iron at maximum sole plate temperature of 110ºC - Dry flat - Steam ironing may cause irreversible damage

- Dry in the shade - Do not iron

The majority of stains fall under one of three main groups:

TANNIN PROTEIN MAN-MADE Tannin-based Protein-based Synthetic and and acidic and alkaline derived from oil

1 As a general rule, the sooner you attempt to remove a stain, the easier it will be

2 Do not rub, that just drives the stain further in, blot the stain

3 Use FOCAL for stain identification

4 Use the appropriate tools and removal method for the stain and fabric type

5 Remember to flush the stain through when appropriate

TANNIN Stain Properties

Beer Contains colouring and sugar which set with heat and age

Curry Contains a mixture of strong natural dyes (tannins) which may be permanent

Contains natural tannins and alcohol. Can appear grey/purple on some fabrics. Sets with heat Red wine and age

Contains natural tannins and alcohol which can loosen the bond between the fabric and the White wine dye on certain fabrics, resulting in colour loss after cleaning

Contains sugar, colouring and chlorides which can loosen dyes, resulting in colour loss after Soft drinks cleaning

Contains tannins, colouring and possibly sugar and milk. Different treatments required to Tea/Coffee remove each component

Mildew Spores stain fabrics and can also eat away at natural fibres

Grass A strong vegetable dye, can be greasy; often ingrained into the fibres by friction

PROTEIN Stain Properties

Contains various food and drink substances, as well as a number of other substances (such as Vomit acid) requiring different treatments to remove each component

Contains albumen, protein and fats. A complex mixture of substances requiring different Egg treatments to remove each component

A mixture of natural substances, including fats and iron, which require different treatments to Blood remove each component. Sets with heat and age

A chemical mixture which includes iron and ammonia; can cause permanent colour damage Urine even if the stain is removed

Contains tannin dyes, colourings, sugars and iron. Sets with heat and age. Alcohol can cause Liquor colour loss after cleaning

Yoghurt May contain colouring (tannin); hot water will set the stain, use cold water initially

Notoriously stubborn due to the two component parts of the stain: colouring and oil. Different Ketchup treatments required to remove each component

Sweat May contain deodorant. Requires different treatments to remove each component

Ice cream May contain colouring (tannin); hot water will set the stain, use cold water initially

Milk Hot water will set the stain, use cold water initially

MAN-MADE Stain Properties

Oil Fat, oil, butter. May contain colouring. Different treatments required to remove each component

Either water-based or solvent-based. Will require different treatments to remove each Ink/Biro component

Lipstick Contains strong dyes (tannin) and oils requiring different treatments to remove each component

Shoe polish Contains waxes and strong dyes; requires different treatments to remove each component

Glue Could be super glue, this is intended to stay on whatever it has been applied to

Both emulsion and gloss need to be treated with a solvent-based stain remover. Large amounts Paint can be difficult to remove

Ointment Contains grease, oils, dyes and medical/chemical compounds. Can be permanent

Car engines, mineral oils, etc. May contain dyes. Requires different treatments to remove each Grease component

Rust A pigment which bonds itself to fibres; needs a strong acid to remove it

Mascara Can be water-based or waterproof; requires different treatments to remove each component

Varnish Contains man-made dyes; sets hard and is difficult to remove

Hairspray A water-soluble, glue-like substance; yellows with age

Can be either water-based or oil-based; may require different treatments to remove each Make-up component

A chemical composition consisting of solvents, pigments, resins, etc. May require different Nail varnish treatments to remove each component

Paraffin wax, beeswax, gel, and some plant waxes; fragrance, essential oils and dye may also Candle wax be added. Requires different treatments to remove each component

FOCAL is an acronym we can use to better identify stains and improve our chance of removing them. It stands for: FEEL, ODOUR, COLOUR, APPEARANCE, and LOCATION.

Gently touch the stain. Does it FEEL sticky? Is it greasy? Could be:

COLA

COLA BUTTER ICE CREAM

Smell the stain, what does it smell like? Is there an ODOUR? Could be:

CHOCOLATE CAT URINE PERFUME

The COLOUR gives us a clue as to what the stain might be. What substances produce that colour? Could be:

BROWN ORANGE RED

AQUA

WATER EGG MILK

Where is the stain on the garment? What comes into contact with the stain's LOCATION? Could be:

FOOD ON MAKE-UP MUD FRONT OF ON COLLAR ON HEM CLOTHES

STAIN IDENTIFIED!

By using FOCAL as a process of elimination, you will be in a position to identify your stain and decide upon the best method of treatment.

DETERGENT GROUPS

30°

BIOLOGICAL NON-BIOLOGICAL

• Biological detergents contain enzymes • Non-biological detergents do not contain enzymes • Should not be used on protein-based fibres such as wool and silk • Perfect for use on protein-based fibres such as wool, silk, cashmere, etc. • Work well at low temperatures • Work well at higher temperatures • Excellent all rounder • Excellent for sensitive skins

DETERGENT TYPES

POWDERS LIQUIDS PODS/LIQUID SACHETS

• Contain more brightening • Perform better than powders • Convenient to use and stain removal ingredients on greasy stains from food than liquids or the body • Designed for average soiling and laundry load size • Work well with hard water • Gentler on delicate fabrics than powders • Cannot be adjusted for smaller • Excellent for removing tannin loads or hand-washing stains such as tea, coffee • Can be used to pre-treat stains and red wine • Cannot be used for • Generally need to pre-treat pre-treating stains • Generally don’t need stains when using liquids to pre-treat stains when using powders

DELICATE COLOUR SAFE DETERGENTS DETERGENTS DETERGENTS FOR WHITES

• Do not contain enzymes, • Do not contain laundry boosters • Contain laundry boosters optical brighteners or and optical brighteners which laundry boosters make your clothing appear whiter and brighter

LAUNDRY AIDS

OXYGEN WHITENING POWDER

FABRIC DRYER LAUNDRY LAUNDRY SOFTENERS SHEETS FRAGRANCE BOOSTERS

• Soften the fabrics • Reduce static • No softening ability, • Improve the soil by coating the fibres electricity just fragrance! and stain removal with an oily finish qualities of detergents • Softer feeling clothes • 100% perfume, • Reduce static 0% fabric softener • Enhance the water electricity • Add heavy fragrance softening performance to your laundry • Certain laundry of detergents • Make ironing easier fragrances can be • Contain many harmful used in the washing • Laundry boosters • Add fragrance to chemicals, the largest machine and/or usually contain the your laundry being the fragrance tumble dryer word ‘oxi’

When it comes to sorting laundry, whether for washing or drying, we try to accomplish three things:

Keep items from ruining each other through dye transfer or friction

Ensure items are as clean as possible

Save time

1. SORT BASED ON COLOUR

There are several distinct piles in which to sort clothes:

• Darks: dark grey, black, navy, dark purple and similar colours

• White and cream: these two colours wash well together

• Lights: pastel-type colours such as light grey, lilac, pale pink

• Pinks, reds, oranges

• Greens, blues and purples

• Jeans: all denim items are washed together

• Delicates: lingerie, lace, evening blouses, tights

A more even wash will be achieved and you reduce the risk of potential damage if fabrics of similar weights are washed together.

When it comes to tumble drying, heavier items take longer to dry than lighter ones. If you mix them together the lighter items risk being over-dried and heavier items are often left damp.

• Heavyweight: cotton, denim, canvas, corduroy, towelling, upholstery

• Midweight: T-shirts, underwear, socks

• Lightweight: chiffon, mesh, lace, thin cotton, cheesecloth

• Synthetics and synthetic blends: workout wear, polyester dresses and blouses

• Delicates: silk or silk-mix

3. SORT BY THE LEVEL OF SOILING

• While sorting, make a pile of items that need stain removal attention

• Very dirty or stained laundry should be washed separately on a longer, heavy-duty programme

QUICK TIPS

• Always check pockets • If an item sheds lint, wash it separately from microfibre, corduroy or other fabrics that attract lint • Wash new, brightly coloured or dark items with similar colours • Zippers should be closed so they don’t damage other items • Pre-treat heavier stains to boost the power of your detergent then sort according to category • Buttons should be undone to prevent stress on the stitching and the button holes • Place delicates in a mesh or net bag; this will reduce damage during the wash

EXTERIOR DOOR & RUBBER SEAL DRUM

• Thoroughly wipe over • Remove mildew, dust and • Remove odours, stains, machine with a soft cloth detergent build-up from door detergent build-up and and mild vinegar and water and seal; the rubber seal is a mineral deposits: solution perfect hiding spot for mould 7kg machine - pour two and mildew • Don’t forget the knobs and cups of vinegar into the drum, buttons also need a clean • A soft toothbrush is handy for run a complete cycle on the the grooves and tight spots hottest setting

DISPENSING DRAWER LINT CATCHER PUMP FILTER

• Remove the drawer and scrub • Remove catcher and wipe the • If you have the smaller washing it in the sink, rinse and dry lint and detergent residue off the machines the pump filter will be thoroughly plastic or wire mesh, rinse and located on the front of machine replace • Remember to clean around • You might find all sorts of the drawer opening with a • Be kind to the environment and goodies here, including lint, soft sponge or cloth place lint in the bin instead of hairpins, screws, and so forth… washing it down the sink

IF POSSIBLE leave door slightly ajar to allow drum to dry out after use

A - Z of laundry terms

Term Description

Agitation is a mechanical action and refers to the motion we use to hand treat a stain; or to the Agitation movement inside the washing machine or tumble dryer, determined by the wash programme setting

Biological detergents contain enzymes. They should not be used on protein-based fibres such as wool Biological detergent and silk. They work well at low temperatures and are excellent all-rounders

Chlorine bleach is much stronger than oxygen bleach and can damage many fibres such as cotton and Chlorine bleach wool very quickly. It cannot be used on coloured fabrics. It is unsafe for your health and the environment

Colour run occurs when the fabric gets wet and dye leaches out of the fibres. This commonly occurs in Colour run the washing machine and can result in colour transfer between items in the load

Cycle Cycle refers to any of the various stages of a chosen washing machine or tumble dryer programme

Distortion when doing the laundry means the item has lost its original or natural shape due to mechanical Distortion action

Dye transfer occurs when the dye from an item in the washing machine transfers onto other items in the Dye transfer wash load

Emulsifiers Emulsifiers combine with water to remove grease and oil from fabrics

An enzyme is a form of protein that digests other proteins. When it comes to soiling, enzymes break down Enzyme protein stains and allow them to be washed away

Fabric Fabric is the cloth produced by the weaving or knitting of textile fibres

A fibre is a long thin strand or thread of material. Fibres derive from plants, animals and minerals; they Fibre can also be man-made: synthetic. Fibres may be spun into yarn and then manufactured into fabrics

Flush We flush a stain from a fabric by holding it under a tap to allow the flow of water rinse the stain out

FOCAL is a memorable acronym to help us identify stains. It stands for Feel, Odour, Colour, Appearance, FOCAL Location

Man-made fibre Man-made fibres derive from coal, oil or natural gas. They are referred to as ‘synthetic’

In regards to doing the laundry, mechanical action is a term for the actions that are used to clean and dry Mechanical action our fabrics and clothing. It can be classed as manual (by hand), or machine (by the action of the washing machine or tumble dryer)

These are made from 100% polyester. Mesh bags protect your clothing during the wash cycle, particularly Mesh bag delicate fabrics, embellishments and lingerie. They have small holes as opposed to net bags, which have large holes

Mineral fibre Mineral fibres consist of glass or metal

Term Description

Natural fibre Natural fibres derive from plants or animals

These are made from 100% nylon, which is softer and stronger than polyester. Net bags are useful to Net bag separate items in the wash load and prevent tangling. They have large holes as opposed to mesh bags, which have small holes

Non-biological detergents do not contain enzymes. They are perfect for use on protein-based fibres such Non-biological detergent as wool, silk, cashmere. They work well at higher temperatures and are excellent for sensitive skins

Oxygen bleach decomposes into oxygen, water and natural soda ash when it contacts with water, making Oxygen bleach it biodegradable. It will not breakdown fabric fibres, but it is still not safe for delicates such as silk and wool. It is safe to use on coloured fabrics

Pills (bobble, fuzzball or lint ball) appear on fabric when groups of short or broken fibres on the surface of Pilling the fabric become tangled together in a tiny knot or ball, a pill. The pills form due to rubbing or abrasion during normal wear and use

A washing machine or tumble dryer has one or more programmes to choose from, e.g. cotton, Programme colours, delicate, etc. Each programme is a sequence of stages (cycles) with varied times, speeds and temperatures

R.P.M. Revolutions per minute or how many times a washing machine’s drum spins round in a minute

Residual moisture This refers to the moisture remaining in your dryer load; determined by the chosen programme

Semi-synthetic fibres These fibres derive from wood or bamboo pulp. They are commonly known as viscose or rayon

Shrinkage Shrinkage occurs when a fabric is washed or dried on a temperature that is too high for the fabric type

Sinner’s Circle is a tried and trusted method of achieving good cleaning results. The following four Sinner’s Circle elements must be equally balanced if we are to clean effectively: temperature, time, chemical, mechanical action

Soiling is the result of a sticky spill, the oils from our skin, or a residue on the fabric’s fibres, which then Soiling attracts dirt particles

Stain A stain occurs when a substance has come into contact with a fabric and embedded itself into the fibres

Stain group For the purpose of removal, all stains fall into three main groups: grew, lived, man-made

Surfactants lower the surface tension of water allowing a detergent to interact more easily with our Surfactants laundry load and clean effectively

Fabric is formed by weaving fibres together in a regular pattern or weave style. Types of weaves are plain, Weave satin, twill, etc.