More eco-washing tips

Less is more... ecological! Several studies indicate that garments are often washed more frequently than necessary. By reducing the number of times you wash your garments, you can actively help to reduce your carbon footprint.

More recommendations and tips...

Wash textile articles only when they are dirty. Unnecessary washing has a negative environmental impact.Keep dirty laundry in a well aired and dry place and do not leave lying around for too long. Wet laundry should be washed immediately. If this is not possible, hang it to dry before you wash it.When washing textiles marked as “easy-care”, use a mild washing cycle. Reduce the load of laundry and spin carefully (to avoid the risk of creasing).Use short programs for lightly soiled laundry.For coloured items, separate the bright and dark colours. A separate first wash of new coloured textiles may be appropriate.Always follow the detergent application instructions. Using too much or too little detergent can cause a problem.Make sure that you include small and large items in the wash. This allows clothes to move more freely, resulting in better washing.If you have accidentally washed a paper handkerchief, you can remove the bits of fluff by rinsing the laundry with a pair of nylon stockings.

Good to know

The care symbols show the maximum treatment. Washing at lower temperatures than indicated on the label is always an option. Washing at lower temperatures helps the environment by using less energy. However, this may have an adverse effect on the cleaning performance.  For optimal cleaning performance, read the care symbol on your textile and the instructions on your detergent pack.

For deeper cleaning of some textiles, washing at 60 degrees is an easy way to ensure a textile article is hygienically clean. Use a general-purpose powder detergent (containing oxygen-based bleaching agent), or use an appropriate laundry additive.

Use a washing machine that is energy efficient (for example A+++ European energy labelling) The programs in these machines use less water and energy. Long cycles with low temperature save energy.

Avoid using too little detergent, as this may deposit the extra soil from the wash water on the less-soiled items resulting in whites becoming grey or yellowish and colours becoming duller. Too much detergent may not necessarily result in cleaner laundry but has an unnecessary impact on the environment.

Spin at the highest setting before using the tumble dryer. Always follow the care label when it comes to using the tumble dryer. The washing machine needs most electricity to heat up the water.

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