Laundering your clothes?

We launder (wash) our clothes frequently and promptly for comfort and hygiene purposes and also for easier removal of stains. But did you know that the body perspiration we produce when absorbed to the fabric causes our clothing fabric to deteriorate while awaiting cleaning? This would shorten the 'lifespan' of our clothes! Especially if it is our favourite garment! :(

So lets discuss fabric care and and the different methods of laundering!

Just knowing that our clothing are washable is not good enough if we want to give it proper care. The first step we should do before washing is to separate out the different types of garment. The coloured fabrics from the white fabrics, the heavy work clothes from the fine and delicate clothes. This is because different methods are required for them. To prevent bad stains from 'staying' onto the clothing, the stain should be removed first before soaking it in hot water.

1. Detergents for white clothing
Studies have shown that the amount of detergent used is the most important factor in keeping the original whiteness of your white clothing. Other factors that also affect the retention of our white clothings are insufficient hot water, improper soaking, overloading the washing machine, over long wash periods and insufficient detergent. All these could happen if we do not know how to operate our washing machines. Therefore in order to care for our white clothing, we should follow the directions given on the packaging of the detergent and also the instructions for our washing machine!

2. Bleaches
Bleaches are used to kill germs and remove colours. There are mainly 2 different types.
--> "Chlorine" powder (hypochlorite bleaches)
It is effective for killing germs. However, this type of bleach is dangerous when in contact with the skin because it is corrosive. Also, it causes certain wrinkle-resistant clothing to turn yellowish and destroys some fluorescent white clothing. Therefore when using it, we have to practice caution and use it appropriately.
--> Powder Bleaches (oxygen bleaches)
It can be used on all types of clothing safely and generally does not cause fading of colours. However, they are not effective in killing germs.

3. Softeners
It helps to make ironing easier and some types also reduces wrinkles.However if not used properly, such as adding too much, it can cause the clothing to feel greasy and sometimes even cause the clothing surface to be water-repellent! (Not suitable for towels!) Therefore we should always follow instructions for the use of the fabric softener. Using it in the right amount and at the proper time. (Depending on whether the softener should be added to water or put in the dryer)

So now that you know these facts, have fun and take proper care of your clothing! :)