By clothing-bag, 01/10/2022
The OCU analyzes the 10 errors when putting on the washing machine that spoil the clothes or damage the device
The OCU analyzes the 10 errors when putting on the washing machine that spoil the clothes or damage the applianceSkip to contentEconomía DigitalGaliciaC. ValencianaIdeasfinanzas.comInversiónSocial InvestorED LibrosDiario GolEDestacado
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A decalogue prepared by the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) helps to avoid the most frequent mistakes when doing laundry
Image of a washing machine, one of the durable and reliable brands home appliances
By Digital EconomyTaking clothes out of the washing machine has given more than one a good scare. It is common to make mistakes such as forgetting handkerchiefs in your pockets or, worse, mixing a white and a red garment, which always ends in disaster. These examples are the most basic that we can find, but there are more mistakes that we make that can damage the clothes or even damage the device.
To avoid them, the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has prepared a decalogue in which it analyzes the most frequent mistakes when doing laundry and explains how to act to avoid them.
1. Wash without first treating the stains
The first point to note is that it is very common to try to remove the stains before putting the clothes in the washing machine. “If we put a garment with a stain in the washing machine without treating it first, it is likely that when we remove it, the stain will still be there. In addition, the heat when drying the garment could fix it more ”, has indicated the OCU.
To avoid this, the organization proposes treating the stain with a stain remover or concentrated detergent before putting it in the drum and then washing the garment at the highest possible temperature. However, he warns: "Don't overdo it because it could shrink or fade."
2. Overloading the washing machine
To avoid having to worry about putting several washing machines in, it is very common to overload the washing machine with as many clothes as possible. However, the OCU warns that the garments must be able to move freely in the drum so that the device can carry out its mechanical action.
“If you fill the drum too much, the washing will not be efficient”, assures the entity. For this reason, he recommends that between the clothes and the upper part of the drum there is one hand of free space.
3. Do not classify clothes
It is very common to mix clothes of very different colors and fabrics, but this can cause us problems. At least white and colored clothes must be separated to avoid fading and, for an even more effective wash, the OCU advises classifying garments according to the washing temperature recommended by their label: those with cold water, those that require warm water (30º) and in which it is recommended to use hot water (60º).
4. Mixing lingerie with the rest of the clothes
Another very common mistake is mixing the lingerie with the rest of the clothes. "If you put small items such as socks or underwear in the drum mixed with large pieces such as sheets, tablecloths or shirts, it is very likely that a sock will disappear and remain unpaired forever," warns the OCU.
To provide a solution, the agency proposes placing lingerie and smaller items of clothing, such as socks, in a mesh bag to ensure that they do not get lost or tangled with the rest of the clothing.
5. Not using the right amount of detergent and fabric softener
“Detergent should be used in the right amount, depending on how dirty the clothes are and how hard the water is. If it is scarce, the clothes will not be washed well. If you go too far with detergent or fabric softener, the excess product can leave stains and remains in the laundry, in addition to the fact that you are throwing money down the drain, ”says the OCU. In these cases, it is advisable to carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions.
6. Abusing bleach
One of the main warnings that the OCU points out is that bleach is an aggressive product for fabrics and for the washing machine itself. "If you use it regularly, your clothes will deteriorate faster," he says. For this reason, he recommends using this product only when it is essential to disinfect clothes, remove a specific stain or whiten them especially.
7. Wash in completely cold water
Although washing clothes in cold water is a good idea to save money, it is not a good idea because it tends to make it more difficult for the detergent to work and thus it is likely that the stains will not come out well,
“Always check the clothing label and use the temperature recommended by the manufacturer. In general, all fabrics admit a temperature of 30 ºC, which is ideal for a good wash”, points out the OCU
8. Spinning too much
It is not good to spin at many revolutions either because it can damage the fabrics. It is best to use high speed spins only for cotton items. "For blended or synthetic fabrics, a lighter spin (900 or 1,000 rpm, at most) will suffice," says the consumer entity.
9. Do not empty it soon after washing
Once we start the washing machine we forget about it and, sometimes, the damp rattan spends a long time in the drum when the wash is finished. This causes it to acquire a musty smell and, in addition, it is very wrinkled.
To avoid this, the OCU proposes that, if you are not going to be home when the program ends, it is best to delay the start of the wash using the delayed start function that many models now incorporate. “This way you can take out the clothes shortly after the program ends,” he says.
10. Never clean the washing machine
Regardless of the washing machine model, the most normal thing is that it acquires dirt, especially on the rubbers, which causes problems to evacuate the water or to distribute the detergent.
“From time to time you should clean the drain filters, the rubbers and the detergent drawers. In this way, it will perform at its best without suffering and you will avoid traffic jams and bad smells”, concludes the OCU.
Digital Economy is one of the most consulted native Internet journalistic projects in Spain, specializing in economic, business and political information.
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