Tricks to make the most of your washing machine

• Liquid detergent is much gentler on colored garments than powdered detergent because it doesn't contain bleaching agents. Furthermore, liquid detergent, being highly soluble, doesn't leave residue that can remain on garments or in the detergent dispenser. Liquid detergent is also suitable for wash cycles at 20°C.
• Detergents for black clothes are those capable of reviving dark colors without causing unsightly streaks.
• Capsule detergent is a detergent packaged in single doses. Once added to the drum, directly onto the laundry, the capsule dissolves and the cleaning liquid comes out. Carefully evaluate the number of items to be washed and the cycle you want to program, then decide whether to use one or more capsules. Capsules can be attractive to pets and children, so it's best to store them as far away as possible.
• If you want to make your clothes softer, add the detergent to the appropriate compartment in the tray.softener, a liquid that makes them soft and easier to iron. It must be said, however, that fabric softener is highly polluting and could cause allergies and irritation if it comes into contact with the skin.

The division of the heads

• To prevent your clothes from mixing colors and making a mess, separate them and wash them separately. Keep colored clothes away from whites and blacks. Also separate woolens, towels, and synthetic fabrics. You can also wash colored clothes with blacks, and keep whites with pale colors. If you're not so strict and want to optimize your time, you can use a color catcher (many brands are available), a product that prevents the colors from dispersing and transferring from one item to another. Color catcher comes in two forms: liquid, placed in the detergent drawer or laundry basket, or convenient sheets placed on the bottom of the washing machine before loading. The sheets, in particular, are made of positively charged substances and attract the negatively charged color, preventing it from staining light-colored clothes.
• The washing temperature depends on the type of garment you're washing. Cotton garments can usually be washed at up to 90°C if they're heavily soiled. Wool, on the other hand, should be washed at low temperatures, even 0°C, otherwise it tends to shrink and felt. Even lightly soiled jeans, synthetic fabrics, and underwear can be washed at low temperatures. Synthetic garments, moderately soiled jeans, wool jackets and sweaters, and wool/cotton blends can be washed at 30°C. Towels and rugs intended for the bathroom or kitchen can be washed at 60°C. Very high temperatures, such as 90°C, are almost never used, because garments usually perform excellently even when washed at 60°C. Before washing any garment in the washing machine, check the label to make sure this type of washing is recommended. The washing temperature is usually also indicated on the label.
• If you're washing only whites, use baking soda by adding four tablespoons to the drum with your clothes, towels, or sheets, and then wash at low temperatures. Baking soda whitens and softens, and prevents limescale buildup. Baking soda is also excellent for children's laundry: add two tablespoons to the drum with their clothes, or use less than a capful of an eco-friendly detergent. Wash at low temperatures.

Cleaning the washing machine

To be efficient and function properly, your washing machine needs to be cleaned frequently. The problem with washing machine cleaning is related to limescale and its buildup, which then damages the appliance and prevents it from functioning properly. And even in this case, you can save money and rely on a DIY recipe based solely on lemon juice.

Necessary material

• 4 tablespoons of lemon juice

Method

• Pour four tablespoons of lemon juice into the empty drum and run the washing machine by selecting the quick program, so as not to waste too much water.
• Lemon will be able to dissolve limescale deposits.

How to save energy