Laundry Essentials the First Step Is Sorting It Out

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FOR APPAREL / TEXTILE Sponsored by CARELABELTALK ALERT!ALERT! INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS Textile Industry Affairs Laundry Essentials The first step is sorting it out. In the “good old days” Proper laundry sorting is important to prevent laundry problems like dye transfer laundry was done with from one garment to another, shrinking soaps, scrub boards, clothes and unsightly lint accumulations wash tubs and lots of over the rest of the wash. Follow care labels, if there is any doubt about proper elbow grease. care. Sort laundry loads according to: Today’s advanced washing machines, Color Whites and pastels together hi-tech detergents and Same color brights laundry additives make Dark colors wash days easier and Note: Multicolored items with lots of more successful, white background are best washed separately first. If colors don’t bleed or run, especially with the then they can be washed with other items array of fabrics used in in the future. contemporary clothing. Zip, check, shake and mend... The laundry basics, Fabric and Construction Separate delicate or lightweight to take a load off your mind however, haven’t fabrics from heavier items Taking an extra minute to check changed and are more Separate lint givers (terrycloth) from clothing prior to washing can save serious problems later. Pockets with crayons, important than ever. lint catchers (corduroy) tissues, lipstick or other surprises can Loosely knit sweaters, lingerie or Here is a quick leave laundry streaked with shredded items with delicate trim require gentle tissues or a rainbow of stains. refresher to help get care and need to be separated from heav- Before washing: sparkling- clean results, ier items like jeans. Different fabrics need different laundry care- be sure to read and Empty pockets washload after follow the care label directions. Shake out loose dirt from cuffs washload. Close zippers and other fasteners to Degree of Soil prevent snagging and fabric tearing Heavily soiled work or play clothes Mend rips or tears before laundering, should be washed separately from to prevent further damage lightly soiled laundry Tie strings and sashes loosely to avoid Wash diapers and soiled bed linens tangling separately to avoid contaminating Remove belts, pins, trim or ornaments other clothes. that are not washable

It pays to do the bleach-safe test when Laundry Products you think a garment should be bleachable. Successful laundry results start with Clorox laundry studies confirm that about the right laundry products. Here’s a 52 percent of all washables are actually checklist of laundry essentials: safe with household liquid bleach. Other laundry studies show how liquid Detergents: bleach is safe for fabrics, when used as If you think a Detergents work to effectively remove directed. This bleach does not wear down care label is soil and prevent lint and soil from fabrics any more than detergent alone, redepositing on clothes. washload after washload. inaccurate and Follow directions for the Color-Safe Bleach is, quite simply, a an item should be proper amount and bleach that is safe to use on washable, measure, don’t colored clothes. These bleaches, bleachable, guess. Extra available in powder and liquids, here’s how to test detergent is needed remove stains and help keep colors for large loads, the fabric: bright. The powdered bleaches also extremely dirty clothes, or have enzymes to break up tough hard water. Likewise less protein stains, which is why detergent is required they make an excellent presoak. for small loads, lightly A color-safe bleach is not a diluted soiled clothes, or soft water. bleach. The gentle bleaching action in More laundry problems are usually liquids is from hydrogen peroxide. Powders caused from using too little detergent commonly use sodium perborate. rather than using too much. These color-safe bleaches also have Granular detergents are recommended optical brighteners. This ingredient is like BLEACH-SAFE TEST for hard water conditions and when an invisible layer on fabrics. It reflects loads contain mud or clay soil. light, making colors appear brighter and Mix 1 tablespoon Liquid detergents are especially good whites whiter. household liquid for cold water washing and for cleaning bleach with greasy, oily stains. 1/4 cup water. Detergent with bleach combines Dab 1 drop of this color-safe bleach with either granular solution on a or liquid detergent. hidden part of a fabric such as an Detergent with fabric softener both inside seam, cleans and softens laundry. hemline or cuff. Be sure to test all Bleach: colors and any You can keep washables whiter and decorative trim or brighter longer when bleach is used in RECOMMENDED LIQUID BLEACH ribbing. every washload. Choosing the right AMOUNTS PER WASHLOAD Wait 1 minute, bleach is easy: Extra large 1 1/2 cups then blot dry with Household liquid bleach, identified by Standard large 1 cup the words “sodium hypochlorite” in the paper towel. If Medium 3/4 cup there is no change, ingredient listing is the only bleach Small 1/2 cup the fabric can be that disinfects. It is also the most effec- safely washed with tive bleach for stain removal and Handwashing (2 gallon sudsy water) 1/8 cup household liquid whitening. This is the bleach of choice Note: When machine washing heavily soiled clothes, bleach. for whites and colorfast garments. add 1/4 cup more bleach to above amounts. 2 Adding bleach to your washer Many washing machines today are Water-levels, equipped with convenient automatic bleach temperature & softness dispensers for household liquid bleach. If a Water washer is not equipped with a liquid bleach make the difference temperatures dispenser follow either of these two methods: Water plays a major role in how clean the laundry is... hardness or softness, level below 65F won’t 1. For maximum cleaning results... and temperature all affect the laundry activate some Add detergent as washer fills, then add process. Soft water aids in the cleaning clothes. process, while hard water can create some laundry additives After machine has agitated for 5 minutes, problems. If water is hard, add a water and may cause softener or more detergent than the product add household liquid bleach that has lint, residue, and been diluted in 1 quart of label recommends. Both help to soften the water. Avoid pouring water and increase the cleaning poor cleaning. power of detergent. mixture directly onto Detergent clothes. Choosing the proper water Note: Always use this level and temperature is vital for manufacturers method when best cleaning. Laundry must using detergent and care labels have ample room to circulate, with bleach define cold water products. clean and rinse properly or the dirt will end up back on the as 65- 85F. 2. Convenient and clothes. Use a hot water wash effective... for most white fabrics and heavily While the machine fills with water, pour soiled colored fabrics. Warm water is in liquid bleach and detergent. recommended for very lightly soiled or brightly colored garments, and most other HERE ARE SOME Once agitation begins, add clothes. laundering needs. SUGGESTIONS TO With increased concern for energy MAXIMIZE CLEANING Prewash Soil and conversation, many consumers are lowering EFFICIENCY Stain Removers: hot water heater thermostats as well as washing in cooler water. While this saves Presoak and These products are formulated to help pretreat stains get clothes stain free. Their special energy, laundry results are not always detergents and enzymes penetrate stains satisfactory. For effective cleaning, hot water Use appropriate and break them up, helping detergents work heaters should be set no lower than 120F, bleach. more effectively to wash stains away. but hotter water up to 140F gives better cleaning results. Increase the amount of detergent Fabric Softeners: Drying Time and extend wash time, if possible. Fabric Softeners help reduce static Before putting garments into the dryer, cling, minimize wrinkling and soften clothes. shake them out so they are loose, not Don’t overload the Rinse-added softeners are added to the bunched up. This will allow quicker drying. washer. final rinse cycle. These can be added auto- Always check that stains are removed before matically in washers equipped with a fabric drying. Heat can permanently set some stains softener dispenser. Otherwise, diluted making them impossible to remove. Avoid softener must be added manually to the final overdrying, which can cause shrinking and rinse. Dryer sheets are convenient to use wrinkling. Remove clothes from the dryer as with one sheet added to the dryer along with soon as it shuts off. For maximum drying effi- the clothes. ciency, clean the lint filter after each load.

3 LAUNDRY CHALLENGES EVERYWHERE! Household liquid bleach can make a difference in tackling both common and special laundry problems, as well as eliminating bacteria and germs for a safer, cleaner and healthier wash.

COMMON KIDS’ STAINS Blood Rinse in cool water and pretreat with soil and stain remover. Rinse and repeat until stain is gone. Launder in cold water, using appropriate bleach.

Grass Pretreat stains with soil and stain remover, allow to sit for 5 minutes. Launder in hottest water safe for fabric, using appropriate bleach.

Mud Allow to dry, then brush off excess mud, Pretreat stain, allow to sit for 5 minutes. launder in hottest water safe for fabric, using appropriate bleach.

Crayon To remove crayola stains, the Crayola Company recommends: Place the stained surface down on a pad of paper towels, spray CLEANING M with WD-40, and let stand for a few minutes. Turn the fabric over ELTED and spray the other side. Apply liquid dishwashing detergent and CRAYON OFF THE work it into the stained area. Replace towels as they absorb the DRYER DRUM stain. Wash in hot water with laundry detergent and bleach for Spray a soft cloth about 12 minutes (use “heavy soiled” setting if there is no STAIN minute timer on your machine), and rinse in warm water. with WD-40 and wipe REMOVAL the drum. Run a load Fingerpaints, ballpoint ink & felt tip markers of dry rags through a TIPS Pretreat stains and launder in hottest water safe for the fabric, drying cycle to Treat stains early. using appropriate bleach. Permanent markers may be ensure that your Fresh stains are impossible to remove. easier to remove drum is clean. Baby Formula than old ones. Soak in cool water using a presoak product. Launder in hottest Rub stain remover water safe for fabric, using appropriate bleach gently onto garment Diaper stains, vomit and wash in hottest Rinse off soils. Follow presoak instructions (see sidebar). Launder in water safe for hottest water safe for fabric with appropriate bleach, To kill bacteria fabric. that contribute to diaper rash, add liquid bleach to the wash cycle. Check that stains Vitamins, liquid pain relievers are gone before Pretreat and let sit for 5 minutes. Launder in hottest water possible, using appropriate bleach. machine drying or ironing. Heat can set some stains FOOD STAINS permanently. Beverages Sponge promptly with cold water or soak in cold water. PRESOAK Pretreat and launder in hottest water safe for fabric, PROCEDURE If stain remains, using appropriate bleach. Use 1/4 cup household liquid pretreat and wash again. Egg, milk & milk products bleach per gallon of water. Rinse in cool water and pretreat. Rinse and repeat, if Submerge entire garment and Some stains, necessary. launder in cold water, using appropriate including inks, bleach. soak for 5 minutes. dyes, and rust may be permanent. Chocolate, fruit flavored drinks, gravy, juices, tomato products Rinse and wash according to Soak in cool water. Pretreat, wait a few minutes, then care label. wash in hottest water possible safe for the fabric, using appropriate bleach. POWDERED COLOR-SAFE BLEACH PRESOAK Mayonnaise, mustard, salad dressing Pretreat, launder in hottest water safe for fabric, Use 1 cup dry bleach per using appropriate bleach. gallon of water. Soak 30 minutes or overnight. COMMON STAINS Note: When using any bleach as a presoak, be Oil & grease, perspiration & deodorant sure to soak the entire garment as well as Pretreat and launder in hottest water safe for fabric, other sections worn together for best results. using appropriate bleach. 4 CARELABELTALK Special Concerns S.O.S. ( Save Our Stuff! ) Where there’s smoke, there’s a Kitchen cleaning challenge Dish towels, cloths, and sponges really The removal of smoke odor from clothes get around the kitchen, and are a breeding following a fire is a challenging task. ground for germs. Sulfuric acid, carbon, and other components In a recent study of kitchen bacterial of smoke become trapped between fabric contamination, 20 percent of the dish fibers and must be eliminated. The greater cloths and 12 percent of the sponges the severity of the smoke damage, the more contained salmonella, a leading cause of difficult to restore. food-borne illness in the United States.1 Separate washable items from those Since food-borne bacteria can double in that must be dry cleaned. Separate heavily number every 20 minutes in some conditions, smoke damaged items from those less it’s important to wash towels and sponges severe. Dry cleaning, frequently suggested often in hot water and liquid bleach. A by many insurance companies, is not always convenient way to disinfect dish cloths and effective in removing stains and odors. sponges in-between washings, is to soak for A recent study on smoke damage and 5 minutes in a solution of: fabrics representing the majority of today’s 3/4 cup household liquid bleach apparel fabrics demonstrated the effective- ness of home laundering. The study showed 1 gallon warm water that five launderings with detergent in Ideally, kitchen surfaces should be combination with liquid bleach successfully disinfected daily. removed visible smoke damage and odors. Useful smoke damage tips Disinfect laundry for a These procedures are useful in handling healthier home smoke damage of textiles: Liquid bleach has a long history of use Washable textiles with mild smoke damage in places where disinfection is critical such should be hung outside, at least 3 inches apart. as in hospitals, nursing homes and To allow for greater air circulation, do not close restaurants. fasteners such as zippers or buttons. Fresh air, At home, regular laundering with liquid particularly with at least a light breeze and bleach may help reduce the spread of sunlight are natural partners in helping to disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Liquid remove smoke odor from clothing. An electric bleach eliminates disease-causing fan can be used to supplement the air flow organisms and provides a safer, healthier through the clothes. Clothing should be left outside four to eight hours, with repeated airings home environment. This is especially if smoke odor is still strong. important when laundering soiled bedding, clothing and diapers from Wash items in the hottest water possible safe those incontinent. Using for the fabric with liquid household bleach (sodium hypochlorite), if not suitable with liquid liquid bleach for cleaning, household bleach then use a color-safe bleach. disinfecting and removing stains is important for a Check items for odor. Usually several washings are needed to fully remove odor. Once odor is greater sense of comfort as eliminated, line dry in the sunlight. Do well as cleanliness. not dry in the dryer because heat will set any lingering odor.

1 Study by Dr. Charles P. Gerba, Note: For severely smoke-damaged textiles, environmental microbiologist at consult the services of a professional drycleaner University of Arizona in Tucson that specializes in fire restoration. If damage is 5 severe, they may not be salvageable. NEW CARE LABEL SYMBOLS

Reading labels is an important When care element to insure an effective wash. By symbols are used, law, manufacturers must place labels on laundering garments, specifying at least one safe instructions will cleaning method. Beginning July 1, include, in order, 1997, manufacturers may voluntarily, four symbols – use labels with care symbols instead of washing, bleaching, written instructions. These symbols will drying and ironing. become standard in all countries Drycleaning instruc- participating in the North American tions will use one symbol, a Free Trade Agreement. circle. Additional symbols or words

Here is a sampling of the new care symbols for washing, bleaching, drying, and ironing.

Are the new dots confusing? It’s actually easy to remember... the more dots, the higher the temperature PROBLEM LAUNDRY SOLVER

What’s the best way to treat How can I eliminate dinginess unknown stains? and poor cleaning? Soak the item in cold water for Overall dinginess and inadequate 20 minutes, pretreat and launder with a cleaning can result from a number of generous amount of detergent and the factors. Cleaning results can be hottest water possible for the fabric. improved by: If item is bleach-safe and you know the Proper sorting; pretreating spots, stain is not rust, use liquid bleach. stains and heavily soiled garments Air dry item until the stain is removed. Using enough detergent Machine drying can set the stain and make further removal almost Using hot enough water suitable for impossible. the fabric Using the proper water setting on the washer What can be done to prevent dye transfer or bleeding from Loading the washer loosely fabric dyes and what are the Using bleach to improve procedures to follow if stain removal and overall discoloration has occurred? cleaning results. Color bleeding occurs when unstable dyes are used and bleed from one garment to another. Some of the newer garments are overdyed to produce very bright, rich colors resulting in dye removal and/or transfer when laundered. Sorting brightly colored garments, washing separately and avoiding prolonged contact of damp items before and after laundering helps to minimize this damage. If dye transfer has occurred, pretreat and relaunder in warm water. As a last resort, for whites only, use a commercial color remover, following package directions. CARELABELTALK ALERT!

Mildew on clothing If Mildew is not severe, pretreat the stains items. Sort soiled garments as soon as possible, and launder in the hottest water recommended separating washable items from those requiring for the item along with liquid bleach, if appro- drycleaning. priate for fabric. For more extensive cases, For washable items, rinse several times in presoak bleach-safe fabrics in a cold water, soaking heavily soiled items over- solution of 1/4 cup liquid bleach night. Presoak heavily soiled items in powdered per gallon of warm water. color-safe bleach, following package directions. Household items and Machine wash using 1-1/2 times the amount of clothes soaked during detergent recommended along with bleach in flooding require disinfecting. Always the hottest water possible for the fabric. wear rubber or plastic gloves For drycleanables, consult a professional when handling flood-soaked drycleaner.

For free care label assistance contact: TEXTILE INDUSTRY AFFAIRS Email: [email protected] • Internet: www.TextileAffairs.com