Clothing really suffers and starts to wear out if it is washed incorrectly and dried at temperatures that are too high. For instance, by using detergents that contain bleach (whiteners) or if the washing machine is too full. Please pay particular attention to the line under the washing symbol. This represents the delicates wash, or a gentle cycle, and means that the machine should only be half filled. This is kinder to the laundry, and the dirt is more easily rinsed out.
The number in the middle of the washing symbol is the highest temperature at which the garment may be washed. However, if the clothing isn't too dirty, it's usually fine to wash it at thirty degrees, because modern laundry detergents are usually active even at very low temperatures. This is better for the environment and helps to make the clothing last longer. Washing at 30°C instead of 60°C, for instance, saves up to 40% of the electricity that would otherwise be used. That is why HAKRO supports the initiative "THINK GREEN – WASH AT 30°C". Join in!
You know what they say about birds of a feather - they flock together. Before you do the washing, be sure to sort it all by material and texture, and light and dark colours. Better two correct washes than one wrong one. And it doesn't matter if the machine isn't quite full. A loose load is kinder to the contents, helps the textiles to last longer, and that makes it more sustainable.
Yes, we know it takes a little longer. But it's still a good idea to turn all the garments inside out before washing them. It means the surfaces of your textiles will continue to look like new for much longer, and it's much kinder to delicate finishes. Please check the pockets, do up all buttons and zips - and you can get started.
They are called compact, universal or heavy-duty detergents, and almost always contain bleacher or optical whiteners. And although they make light-coloured and white clothes in pure cotton bright and clean, they will damage coloured textiles (as well as white textiles made of fabric blends or synthetics). So only use colour detergents for coloured textiles. Delicate materials are gently washed with special detergents for wool or silk. For the sake of your laundry, we always advise using liquid detergents
For the sake of your laundry, follow the detergent manufacturer's recommendations with regard to the dosage. Precise quantities of detergent are given to suit the hardness of your water and depending on whether the textiles are slightly or heavily soiled, or somewhere in between. Please follow this information. Very stubborn marks need additional treatment, because adding more of it will not increase the strength of a detergent. All this does is harm the textiles and the environment.
Take the laundry out of the machine as soon as possible after it has finished spinning. Shake each item out well, gently pull it in to shape and then hang it on a line or clothes drier. T-shirts are best hung upside down with pegs on the ends of the side seams. You can dry lightweight shirts and blouses on clothes hangers.
If you use a tumble drier, be sure to dry similar textiles together, and that they are spun beforehand in accordance with the care instructions. Do not overfill the drum. We recommend the "Iron dry" setting, as it is kindest to your textiles. Your laundry won't be over-dried, and is also protected against serious creasing. After tumble drying, hang on the line for a short time to finish drying.
One thing is certain: rubbing and spreading will not make the stain disappear. On the contrary. Rubbing damages the surface of the textiles, and you'll work the substance that caused the stain deep down into the fibres. So the stain might have gone by the next wash, but the damage is done.
Use gentle dabs to try to lift the substance that caused the stain out of the garment. Place a soft cloth under the affected spot, and press a second soft cloth down on top of the stain. Warning - do not rub! Both cloths will gently draw the substance out of the stain. You can then repeat the process with a moistened cloth. Your local dry cleaners are professionals who will be pleased to help with more stubborn stains in favourite garments.
Before you treat the stain with household remedies or stain removers, we advise you to check the effects of the product somewhere on the garment where it can't be seen. That is the only way you can be sure there won't be any nasty surprises when you use it. Always follow the instructions on the packaging, and wash the garment as soon as you have finished rather than leaving it to dry.
It's best to wash really dirty laundry straight away. Once stains have dried on, it is much more difficult to wash them out. Please remove any coarse dirt such as soil and building materials before washing. Damp clothing, such as sportswear, should also go straight into the machine to prevent mould. The same applies to stains. Dab them carefully, then pop the clothes straight in the machine so stains like red wine, gravy or carrot juice don't have the chance to settle on your clothes.
Although durability is our strength, even the best textiles don't stand a chance against acid or alkaline solutions. Perspiration can be particularly corrosive in combination with intense UV rays, and damage or even dissolve the colour pigments in the textiles, which can quickly lead to unsightly marks and discoloration. It's best to wash very sweaty clothing straight away. We know we don't even have to tell you that it's not a good idea to wear the same work shirt for several days in succession.
Most greasy stains in cotton or synthetic fibres can easily be removed with cornstarch or potato flour. Just sprinkle evenly over the stain and leave to work, then brush off and wash the garment as usual. Heavy machine oil will dissolve if you gently rub it with soft butter before washing. Or opt straight for the special stain removers that are available from retailers.
Antiperspirants leave unsightly stains, especially on white textiles. In these cases, it's a good idea to soak the affected areas in lemon juice or in water with denture cleaner, then wash as usual.
Special stain removers are essential here. Please use them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Older stains in cotton fabrics can be dabbed with nail polish remover before being washed in accordance with the instructions on the care label. Here too, test the nail polish remover first on an inconspicuous spot.
First remove the hardened wax from the surface of the fabric, then place it between two double layers of paper towel. Now press a warm (not hot) iron down on the back of the fabric. The wax will warm up, then melt and be absorbed by the paper towels. Then wash the item in the washing machine.
Water-soluble stains are not a problem for today's laundry detergents at low temperatures. However, some fruits and drinks contain colourings and tannins that could leave stubborn stains. Treat them with pure vinegar or lemon juice, after first testing it somewhere inconspicuous on the garment. Immediately soaking the garment in cold water and carefully treating the stain with liquid gall soap have also proved successful on fruit stains.
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