Guide To Managing Your Laundry

Twenty-four programmes on the washing machine, six mysterious symbols on your T-shirt, washing powders, liquids, balls ? when did laundry get so complicated? Here's how to make it simple again

7 tips for getting the perfect wash

1. Get clothes wash-ready. Do up bra straps to stop the catches snagging other clothes; zip up zips; empty pockets and use net bags for delicates.
2. Read the labels. The tags on most items of clothing tell you how to wash and dry for best results (see our guide overleaf). Read and obey!
3. Use your machine properly It's tempting to wash everything at 40C, but for best results, use the correct wash programme for different clothes items.
4. Pre-treat stains. If clothes are stained, make sure you apply a stain remover before you wash, otherwise the stains may set.
5. Use the right amount of detergent. Too little won't get everything clean, but too much will leave a residue on your clothing. The correct amount varies depending on how hard your water is, how dirty the washing, whether you're using powder or liquid and the size of your washing machine. If in doubt, follow the guidelines on the packaging.
6. Don't cut corners. Machine-washing items that should be hand-washed or dry-cleaned just to save time will only end in tears and ruined clothes.
7. Clean your machine. Every few months add a cup of white wine vinegar to the detergent dispenser and put the empty machine on a 95C wash to clean it.

Top tips

Don't use fabric softener on every item you wash. Softeners and conditioners coat clothing fibres, so shouldn't be used on towels as they make them less absorbent. When they're used on clothing, however, conditioners make ironing easier.

Pick the right detergent
Biological ('bio') detergent contains cleaning enzymes to improve wash performance at lower temperatures, plus bleach and brightening agents. This is the harshest detergent use it for whites and lights, but not if you have sensitive skin or on dark colours as it will cause them to fade.

Non-biological ('non-bio') detergent has had most of the enzymes removed, and is ideal for sensitive and young skins. But, with the enzymes gone, results are not as good as with a bio detergent.

Colour care detergent contains enzymes to shift dirt but the bleach activator has been removed, so it gives a good wash, but not quite as good as a bio. Use it on items where you don't want the colour to fade.

Silk and wool detergent has no enzymes, bleach or brightening agents to give a less effective but very gentle wash that's better for delicates.

Ecological detergents (available as bio and non-bio) use non-synthetic, plant-based ingredients. One manufacturer, Ecover, says clothes need freshening up rather than a good clean. When cleaning is important, it advises using its oxygen bleach. Ecological detergents cost more, but all the ingredients are bio-degradable.

Powder vs liquid? Traditional vs tablets?

Powder

This is poured into the machine's detergent dispenser. Tends to be a bit better on muddy marks. You may get a residue left in the dispenser or on clothes.

Tablets

These are put in a net that goes inside the machine. No need for messy measuring, plus Persil have a new tablet that includes a stain remover to tackle grubby clothes. Can leave a visible residue inside the drum.

Liquid

This is poured into a dosing ball and put inside the machine. It washes all away, leaving no residue. If the ball gets tangled up in clothes, the liquid may not be distributed evenly.

Liquid gel sachets

These are used inside the machine. Leave no residue. Unlike tablets, you don't need a net. More costly: Persil Non-Bio Capsules cost 5.29 for 20 washes but Persil Liquigel Bottle is just 3.25 for 20 washes.

What do laundry labels mean?

Care symbols can be confusing, so here's our cut-out-and-keep guide to help you understand them Dry your washing correctly

Dry outside where possible to give the freshest results, but bring the washing in and fold it neatly before it overdries for easier ironing.

Hang the washing line out of direct sunlight that way, you'll stop your clothes from fading.

Peg out properly when hanging out clothes. Shirts should be pegged by the tail, T-shirts by the hem, dresses by the shoulders, trousers and straight skirts by the waistband (fuller skirts by the hem), and socks by the toe.

Invest in a dryer use a tumble or washer-dryer instead of an airer if possible (turn to page 154 for our selection of the best washer-dryers). An airer takes up a lot of space, looks unsightly and, unless your washing dries quickly, can smell like an old umbrella.

Check the temperature when you tumble dry (see the clothes labels for the correct setting). As a rule, high temperatures are for cotton, denim and linen; cooler temperatures are for synthetics, lingerie and cotton knits.

Never overfill your dryer you need enough space for the hot air to circulate and for clothes to tumble.

Clean the lint filter after every use or fluff will build up, making it less efficient. Too much lint in your dryer can also be a fire hazard.

Don't over-dry if you intend to iron your washing straight away. There should be the slightest hint of dampness to make it easier to iron. Over-drying also stiffens fabric. Try to hang or fold items as soon as possible after washing to reduce creases.