Home improvements: Lightening the load of washing clothes

The contents of your wardrobe can be among your most prized possessions so when it comes to washing your clothes, treat them with care.

Prepare your clothes for a wash cycle by removing items from pockets and turning them inside out. Unroll cuffs and socks and close hooks to prevent them from catching on and tearing other garments. Use colour-safe, non-chlorine bleach to help keep colours bright while removing tough stains.

Select the washing machine function that is right for your wash load. Avoid using a standard amount of detergent or washing powder for every wash; instead try to adapt it to the size of the load.

The majority of the energy associated with doing laundry involves heating up the water in your washing machine so try to wash your clothes as much as possible at cooler temperatures.

Dilute concentrated or thick fabric conditioner with a little water before pouring it into the dispenser. Hang up your clothes immediately after washing or drying. This helps to minimise wrinkles and the need for ironing which can cause damage to fabrics over time by applying extra heat to the garment.

sdenman@thenational.ae