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You are seeing: Home > Laundry > Tip #2: Correct Washing Methods
It is hard to know exactly how something should be washed the first time. Manufacturers of clothing expect this, and include ways to get right. Don't just throw your clothes in and press the button, as the process is slightly more complicated than that. These tips will give you things to consider when washing your clothes.
The correct temperatrure affects how effective the washing machine can clean your clothes. To rememeber what temperature you should use, just use a color association: warm water is for whites, and cold water is for dark clothes. But, as always, read the tag on your items (see below).
The correct cleaner can make all the difference: it can take out stains, or permanently stain your clothes. Here's a simple way to remember what cleaner to use: you can use detergent for nearly everything, bleach for only whites (unless it is colorsafe), any additives use only if necessary and know how to use them, and pretreat the clothes with special cleaners beforehand if your clothes have deep stains.
If you are going to spend time washing your clothes, make many small piles of clothes to wash. The washing machine can only hold so much, and needs some free space to fill the machine with water and spin. If this space isn't there, then the machine can't do its job.
The proper care instructions lie on the item's tag. Once you have found them, read them carefully, as the manufacturer has spent time trying to figure out how to clean it properly. This will help to prevent damage or shrinkage to the product.