Coloured cotton
Coloured cotton items with the washing instruction
60°C should be washed at 60°C for the first time
in order to remove any excess dye. If you do not
do so, there is a risk that the colour will run. Use
detergent without bleach in order to preserve the
colour of the fabric.
Unbleached linen
Unbleached linen fabrics should be washed at
60°C, using detergent containing no bleach or
optical whiteners. Heavily-soiled linen can occa-
sionally be washed at higher temperatures, but
not too often because the heat can destroy the
linen’s shine and strength.
Wool
These fabrics are labelled for either machine wash
or for hand wash. The machine’s Wool/Hand
programme is at least as gentle as washing by
hand.
Wool is especially sensitive to processes such as
washing.
If you do not wish to spin dry, you can squeeze
out the water using terry towels. In this case select
No spin.
To find out how to select this setting, see the
"Washing" chapter. However, most garments can
withstand a short spin. Choose a short spin by
selecting a spin speed of 800 rpm or less.
Rayon fibres and synthetic fibres
Materials made of rayon fibres, such as viscose,
and some synthetic fibres are very delicate and
require much space. Only half fill the drum when
washing and choose a programme with a 800 rpm
spin or lower.
Note!
Viscose and acetates are fragile when wet.
Save time and energy
Use the White programme to save time and en-
ergy. This programme has a shorter main wash
than Normal, but is often sufficient for lightly soiled
washing.
Economy and efficiency
You can save a lot of energy by not using higher
temperature programs than necessary.
•Select Quick if you just need to freshen up
shirts or exercise clothes, for example. This
will save both water and energy.
•If you select a fast spin speed, this reduces
energy consumption when drying in a tumble
dryer or drying cabinet.
•Avoid pre-washing. Modern machines and
detergents clean effectively without pre-wash-
ing. Pre-washing is only necessary for heavily
soiled washing.
Detergents
Eco-labelled detergents are less harmful to the
environment.
Detergent overdosing does not give better wash-
ing results; it merely causes a greater impact on
the environment.
Try to use less detergent, and increase only if you
are not satisfied with the results.
Note!
Because of environmental concerns we discour-
age the use of strong chemicals.
When using agents for bleaching or stain remov-
al, there is a risk of rust (corrosion) and discol-
ouration of the machine.
10
Advice and tips before washing
