The washing machine


SOME SUGGESTIONS

1. Check that the washing machine is fitted with an anti-flooding device.
2. If the washing machine does not offer the half-load program, in order to avoid wasting electricity, it is recommended to wait until the basket is full before using washing.
3. Avoid using the pre-wash program if the clothes are not particularly dirty.
4. In order to reduce your electricity bill as much as possible, it is advisable to check the water consumption of the washing machine prior to purchasing it.
5. Comply with the recommended dosage indications on the detergent packaging and remember that using excessive detergent does not imply obtaining better washing results.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

1. Prior to introducing the clothes in the washing machine it is suggested to check the pockets, lapels and turn-over of shirts and pants for any objects that might tear the article or cause damage to the washing machine during centrifugal rinsing.
2. Remove any hooks or rings from curtains. Always close the zipper and automatic buttons prior to washing.
3. Sew, even with a loose stitch, any hem or torn part of an article in order to avoid further fraying during the washing cycle.
4. Shake all hairy articles so that during the washing cycle they do not spoil the other articles of clothing.
5. Rub the tougher stains with Marseilles soap prior to introducing the article into the washing machine. Soak the collars and cuffs in soap prior to washing.
6. To select the correct program and temperature, it is important to carefully read the label sewn onto each article in order to understand which fabric is used as well as the respective maintenance suggestions.

The article to be washed will then be divided on the basis of their characteristics:
90° for white cotton articles and, in some cases, linens (example: sterilisation)
60° for cotton, linen or solid pastel colours
40° for synthetic colours, cotton (t-shirts, jumpers, track suits, lining etc) or women under ware, down jackets and curtains
30° for wool, cashmere, angora and silk.

MAINTENANCE

In order to obtain a higher level of washing quality as well as avoiding to overload the washing machine, the filter should be cleaned periodically. Leave the port-hole of the washing machine open if it will not be used for some time. In order to guarantee a perfect seal as well as a long working life, the gasket should be checked periodically and kept clean so that it does not damage.
It is recommended to close the water tap at the end of each washing cycle. It is also recommended to clean the detergent tub occasionally in order to avoid scaling and thus compromising the washing quality. Any commercially available anti-calcareous product should also be used.
In the absence of these products, simply add some bicarbonate to the detergent prior to starting the washing cycle. If a few spoonfuls of white vinegar are added to the last rinsing phase, the colours will remain brighter.
Vinegar also contributes to dissolve the calcareous deposits. It is essential to use detergents that are suitable exclusively for washing machines.

EACH STAIN HAS ITS OWN TREATMENT

Egg stain: dampen the stained area with water and cover with thin salt. Let it rest for a few minutes then brush away the salt. Then, proceed to wash the article using the normal washing cycle.
Blood stain: blot the stained area with a cloth that has been soaked with a solution composed of three spoonfuls of water and one spoonfuls of hydrogen peroxide at 24 volumes: rub the stained area and cover with talcum powder. When the article is dry, brush the talcum powder away.
Chewing gum stain: place an ice cube over the stain and once the stain has hardened, remove it by means of a knife blade.
Ice cream stain: blot the stain with cold water and liquid detergent as soon as possible.
Chocolate stain: the stain is removed by first brushing it with only water and then with only the soap and then once again with water. If the stain is located on a synthetic fabric, use hydrogen peroxide at 24 volumes, if the stain is on a woollen or satin article use water and ammonia, if the stain is on a cotton article use a mix of soap and bleach.
Wine stain: six spoonfuls of water and one spoonful of hydrogen peroxide at 24 volumes. If the stain is on a table cloth, cover it with thin salt and then wash it with a normal cycle.
Rust stain: rub the stain with a cloth that has been soaked in hot lemon juice. If the stain is tough, add some thick kitchen salt to the lemon juice.
Tea stain: blot the cloth with a solution composed of warm water and lemon juice.
Grass stain: for cotton articles, soak them in soap and treat them with water and bleach. For woollens, it is recommended to use denatured alcohol.
Lipstick stains: blot with the soft part of the bread or else denatured alcohol.
Sweat stains: treat the stain with water and bicarbonate. If the stain is fresh, treat it with ammonia otherwise use white vinegar.
Tough stains on collars or cuffs: pass a piece of white chalk over the stain numerous times and depending upon the toughness of the stain. Alternatively cut a lemon in half and pass it over the collar and cuffs. Soak the article for about an hour and then proceed with normal washing cycle.

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