Detergents

The washing machine comes in the second place after the refrigerator in terms of household appliances electricity consumption. 90% of the energy is destined for heating water. 20% of the water we consume at home is used for laundry. Let us use the washing machine properly to minimize the consumption of resources and also to have our clothes quite clean without damaging it.

How can we do it

Let us wash a full load of laundry, but without pressing it, because thus, it would not be properly cleaned. Or let us use a washing machine which measures the water load according to the weight of the laundry.
Normally, using less detergent than that recommended by the manufacturer is enough, especially if it is concentrated. If we use too much, it might make cleaning more difficult and clothes rough. If laundry is not that dirty, we can wash only with water.
We'll be able to see that a low temperature is enough for normal dirtiness. Temperatures over 40ºC will not remore protein spots (blood, meat, fish...).
Let us set separate light from dark clothes, and dirty one from very dirty clothes. Let us adjust the detergent and the temperature to the dirtiness. Let us leave the laundry soak when it is very dirty before washing it.
The ecoballs or ceramic pearls have a cleaning action that allows to use little or no washing powder at all, reduce wash cycle (since rinsing is reduced) and wash at lower temperature. They can last up to 1,000 washes. They also soften clothes. There are different types and probably different qualities, but we have not carried out any specific research in this respect.

Fabric softners ruin clothes and produce pollution. The softer the water (containing less lime) the less the amount of detergent needed to wash and the softer the clothes. Let us avoid stiff clothes without using softners.

How can we do it

By using ecoballs..
Pouring in the washer white vinegar with some drops of some essential oil to provide perfume, or mixing up bicarbonate with the detergent.
To perfume clothes we can put little bags with aromatic herbs at the wardrobe.
The installation of decalcifying devices also lengthens the life cycles of taps, pipes and household appliances.

Tumble dryers also damage clothes and they consume a lot of energy. Let us avoid them as much as possible.

How can we do it

In our Mediterranean countries we have lots of sunshine all the year round. Let us hang out our washing facing the sun, whenever possible. This will also make it whiter. If it is coloured don't let it for a long time, so that its colour doesn't fade.
At towns where it is not permitted to hang out laundry in places visible from the street, we should look for houses with a balcony where it is possible to hang it, or place drying racks in well ventilated and sunny rooms.

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Data d'actualització: 10/06/2010 - 19:26