Laundry FAQ

How much detergent do I need for each load?

This depends on the hardness of your water and the soil in your clothing. Softened water requires quite a bit less detergent than hard water — yet the more soiled the clothes, the more detergent you need to clean them. See the instructions on the detergent package for specific guidelines. If soap suds remain at the end of the cycle, you are probably using too much detergent — see "How can I get rid of residual soap suds at the end of a cycle?" Back to top

Where does the lint from my washer go?

If your washer doesn't have a lint filter that you manually clean, the lint goes down the drain. This is usually safe for both city sewers and septic systems. Back to top

The water in my washer's warm cycle isn't very warm. Why?

The warm water for your washer is simply a mixture of the hot and cold water available from your home. If the hot water entering the machine isn't very hot, the warm is actually cool. Also, in northern climates, during winter months, the cold water entering the unit may be significantly colder than in the summer, which causes the warm water to be cooler.

In some cases, the water inlet valve may be restricted, or there may be sediment on the screen, that blocks the input of the hot water. For more information, see the Troubleshooting Guide section of our Web site for washing machines. Back to top

What causes those fuzzy balls on some clothing?

Many synthetic clothes shed small fibers that ball up and cling to the clothes. Remove these "pills," if you like, with a fuzz-removing device that you can get from your local clothing materials supplier. Overloading your washer can make this condition worse. Back to top

Why do some clothing dealers suggest washing clothes inside out?

In the washer, the clothes often turn inside out during the agitation cycle. Turning the clothes inside out first may be easier on the clothing. It helps limit abrasion on the "good" side of the fabric, reducing "pilling" and extending the life of some fabrics such as corduroy. In addition, any embroidery, decals, and so on are better preserved. It should not affect the performance of the cleaning action to have the clothes inside out during wash. Back to top

How can I stop dark clothes from fading when I wash them?

You may be able to extend the look of the blacks and brightly coloured garments by following these instructions:

1. Use a laundry detergent that is made to minize fading of dark colours. If only mildly dirty, wash in small washer load, or wash separately on delicate, or hand wash.

2. Turn the garments inside out to wash. This reduces the amount of abrasion the clothes experience during washing.

3. Use mild detergent and avoid using too much detergent. Harsh detergents are hard on dyes.

4. Do not leave in the dryer too long. Take out when still slightly damp. The heat in the dryer ages fabrics.

5. Dyes are also affected by sunlight, and from abrasive wear. Back to top

How can I keep my whites white and the bright colors bright?

There are several reasons why clothes loose their brightness. Some of these are touched on in our Fabric Stain Guide under "Dinginess, Yellowing, Graying". Common reasons include the use of too much/too little detergent, use of too large of washer loads, inadequate rinsing, and using the wrong water temperature. Read the detergent package for the correct amount of detergent for your type of washer.

If the washer is too full, there's more rubbing/abrasion on the clothes, which dulls the fabric/colors. So, don't overload, and use the right amount of water for the load. Regarding the temperature, follow the care instructions on the garment label. Periodic use of appropriate fabric bleach (all fabric or chlorine, as appropriate) and/or laundry boasters will help keep clothes bright. Sometimes changing detergents may help.

Many clothes have optical brighteners or fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) applied, which help brighten colors. Unfortunately, if the FWA are damaged by sunlight, bleach, or simply age, there is nothing you can do. Back to top

What are enzyme cleaners?

Enzymes are a type of protein found in living matter. Used in laundry products, they have the ability to breakdown protein type stains, such as blood, meat juice, dairy products, baby formula, and vegetable proteins. Enzymes contain amylase (for starch), protease (for protein), and lipase (for fats).

Be sure to check detergent ingredients, because some do contain enzymes. Enzyme presoak products include Axion and Biz Bleach. Back to top

Are fabric softeners always OK to use?

Take a walk through a display of high tech apparel and you´ll find a number of care labels that say "no fabric softeners." Many high performance fabrics and finishes, including microfibers, allow the fabric to breathe and transport moisture away from the skin to the outer surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate. This keeps the wearer dry and comfortable. The "fatty" material in a fabric softener attaches directly to the fabric and makes the fabric feel softer. However, fabric softeners can build up over time, and can reduce the ability of the fabric to manage moisture and breathe. Frequent use of fabric softeners can also reduce the absorbency of cotton towels. The web site of Cotton Inc. provides the following tip for consumers: "Use fabric softeners occasionally. Overuse will cause your towels to stiffen and become less absorbent." Back to top

How delicate is the delicate cycle?

The systems used for delicate cycles vary widely. Units with at least a two-speed motor — one-speed for regular and another for delicate — are usually more gentle than units with only one speed. Back to top