Laundry wash is not a difficult task. Moreover, with today’s fabrics, detergents, and machines take most of the mystery and mistakes out of the process. But there are many ways to make the entire process more efficient. For example, you can start by reading the labels for washing instructions and ensuring the item is not dry-clean-only. However, if the clothing item requires washing, follow and understand the cycles of laundry mentioned below for washable clothes, and you’ll have clean clothes in no time.
Pre-Soak/Pre-Wash Stage
One of the most important cycles of laundry which a lot of people overlook is the pre-soak or pre-wash laundry stage. Laundry wash pre-soak refers to the process of soaking clothing and other textiles in a mixture of water and a cleaning agent before washing them. The purpose of the pre-soak stage is to loosen and remove dirt, stains, and other contaminants from the fabric, as well as to soften and freshen the laundry.
This cycles of laundry stage can be particularly useful for heavily soiled clothing items, clothes with care labels that recommend prewashing, and clothes prone to retaining odours. This option begins with a brief tumble or agitation. Then it proceeds to soak the clothes with water and detergent for a specified period, ranging from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the level of soiling. Once complete, the cycle continues automatically to wash away the loosened dirt particles (in the form of micelles) from the surface of the cloth.
ORAPI RECOMMENDS:
Enzyme Laundry Emulsifier
The Washing Stage in the Cycles of Laundry
The cleaning well and truly begins in the second stage of the cycle: the washing stage. During the washing cycle, water and detergent mix together as the drum spins to agitate the clothes. As it does, your clothes will have a soapy residue, and the surrounding water will become dirty as it cleans.
There are several steps involved in the washing stage of laundry wash, including:
- Sort: Sort the laundry by fabric type, colour, and level of soiling. This helps prevent bleeding or fading and ensures that the laundry is washed most effectively.
- Pre-treat: Pre-treat any stains or heavily soiled areas with a stain remover or other cleaning agent.
- Pre-treat stains: If necessary, pre-treat any stains on the clothes by applying a stain remover or rubbing a small amount of detergent directly on the stain.
- Measure: Measure out the appropriate amount of detergent and other cleaning agents according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Load: Load the laundry into the washing machine, making sure not to overload it.
- Wash: After loading, the washing machine is run according to the settings specified on the care label of the clothing or other textiles being washed.
The exact steps and methods used in the washing stage may vary depending on the specific type of laundry and the preferences of the person doing the washing.
ORAPI RECOMMENDS:
Alkaline Builders Detergents
The Rinse Stage
After washing, the rinse stage refers to removing soap, detergent, and other cleaning agents from the laundry. The purpose of the rinse stage is to remove any remaining dirt, stains, and contaminants, as well as to ensure that the laundry is free of excess detergent, which can leave a residue on the fabric and cause irritation to the skin.
The washing machine drains the dirty, soapy water and refills the tub with clean water to “rewash” the clothes. Subsequently, the washing machine will spin the laundry again to release any remaining dirt and detergent clinging to the fabric, making it easier to dry the laundry later.
The Sanitise Stage in the Laundry Wash Cycle
In this cycle, laundry is treated with extremely hot water or sanitiser to disinfect the linen. The hot water helps remove 99.9% of the germs and bacteria. Therefore, the temperature of the water used in the wash must be at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). This high heat, paired with a suitable sanitiser, is effective at killing most germs and bacteria.
Sanitisation is usually done in hospitals, hotels, and elderly care homes in order to ensure that the laundry is hygienically clean and safe to use, especially for items such as towels, bedding, and clothing that come into direct contact with the skin. However, even commercial washing machines nowadays have a designated cycle for sanitising, which uses the warmest temperature setting available to optimise cleaning performance.
ORAPI RECOMMENDS:
Linen Liquid Disinfectant
The Drying Stage
The drying stage of laundry refers to the process of removing water from clothes, linens, and other fabrics after they have been washed. There are several methods for drying laundries, such as air drying, tumbling, and ironing.
- Air drying: Air drying is a simple and energy-efficient way to dry laundry. It involves hanging the laundry on a clothesline or drying rack to allow it to air dry. This method works best for items prone to shrinking or losing their shape in the dryer, such as wool and delicates.
- Tumble drying: Tumble drying involves using a clothes dryer to remove moisture from the laundry. The dryer blows hot air over the laundry as it tumbles inside the drum. This method is convenient and relatively quick.
- Ironing: Ironing involves pressing a hot iron over the surface of the laundry to remove wrinkles and moisture. This method is typically used for items prone to wrinkling, such as dress shirts and linen.
The drying stage is an important step in the laundry wash cycle, as it helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould and ensures that the laundry is fresh and ready to wear or use. It is essential to follow the care instructions on the clothing or other textiles being dried, as some items may require a specific drying method in order to maintain their shape and quality.
The Finishing Stage in the Laundry Wash Cycle
The finishing stage of laundry refers to the final steps in the laundry process after the clothes have been washed and dried. This can include folding or hanging the dried clothes, as well as putting them away in drawers or closets.
The finishing stage may include some common tasks such as:
- Folding: Folding the laundry neatly and organising it in a way that makes it easy to find and access.
- Hanging: Hanging items such as dresses, suits, and jackets on hangers to help them keep their shape.
- Ironing: Pressing a hot iron over the surface of the laundry to remove wrinkles and give it a crisp, fresh appearance.
- Storing: Put laundry away in drawers, closets, or other storage areas.
The finishing stage is a crucial step in the washing process, as it helps to ensure that the laundry is ready to wear or use and is properly cared for to extend its lifespan. By taking the time to properly finish the laundry, you can keep your clothes and other textiles looking and feeling their best for as long as possible.
ORAPI RECOMMENDS:
Laundry Powder Starch
MONOGRAM is a laundry starch formulated to disperse easily in cold water and form a homogenous paste after cooking. It can be used either cooked or uncooked (raw)
Conclusion
Laundry wash can be as simple or complicated of a chore as you make it. The difficulty of laundry wash cycle will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, with the knowledge of the stages mentioned above, some practice, and Orapi’s recommended products, anyone can learn to effectively wash and care for their laundry.
