Fabric care

Question 0

Care labelling

Answer 0

Instructions on:

• Washing
• Drying
• Ironing
• Bleaching
• Dry-cleaning

Question 1

Taking care of clothes

Answer 1

• Remove stains and wash or dry clean.
• Mend clothes before storing.
• Use shapes/padded hangers.
• Fold knitwear and store it flat.
• Polish shoes and leather accesories.

Question 2

Washing instructions

Answer 2

Include details on:

• Temperature
• Action (movement of clothes during wash)
• Length of spin (full or short spin)

Question 3

Bar symbol

Answer 3

The bar symbol shows the washing action and the type of spin to be used.

Question 4

Bar symbol - No bar

Answer 4

Maximum washing action and spin. (Cotton cycle)

Question 5

Bar symbol - single bar

Answer 5

Medium washing action and short spin. (Synthetic cycle)

Question 6

Bar symbol - Broken bar

Answer 6

Minimum washing action. This is the cycle used for wool. (Wool cycle.)

Question 7

Preparing laundry

Answer 7

• Empty wash.
• Mend clothes if necessary,
• Remove stains.
• Close zips and buttons.
• Sort the clothes according to colour and wash care label.
• Follow special instructions (eg. ‘do not use biological detergent’)

Question 8

Colour fast/Non-colour fast.

Answer 8

Colour in colour-fast fabrics do not run in the wash.

Non-colour fast fabrics are to be washed separately as colour will run in the wash.

Question 9

Washing delicate fabrics. (Eg. wool, silk)

Answer 9

• Use a low temperature and a mild detergent.
• Squeeze garment instead of rubbing.
• Rinse several times, gently squeezing out water.
• Do not wring.
• Roll in a towel. Dry flat or drip dry.
• Use a cool iron.

Question 10

Detergent

Answer 10

A detergent is a substance which removes dirt.

Question 11

Types of detergent.

Answer 11

• Biological detergents
• Non-biological detergents
• Low-foaming detergents
• Hand washing detergents
• Detergents for delicate fabrics
• Eco-friendly detergents

Question 12

Biological detergents

Answer 12

Biological detergents contain chemicals called enzymes which break down protein stains such as blood and gravy.

Question 13

Fabric conditioners

Answer 13

A fabric conditioner is a substance that makes fabrics softer.

Question 14

Stain removal.

Answer 14

• Act quickly before stain dries into fabric.
• Scrape or blot off, but do not rub in stains.
• Start with a mild treatment, such as soaking in cold water.
• If using commercial stain remover, first teat it on a hidden part of the garment. (Eg. the hem)

Question 15

Removing bubble gum stain

Answer 15

Freeze and scrape off. Use a grease solvent (eg. benzene) to remove grease stain.

Question 16

Perspiration, tea or coffee stain removal

Answer 16

Soak in warm water with biological detergent. Wash as usual.

Question 17

Blood, gravy and egg (protein) stain removal

Answer 17

Soak in cold water immediately. If stain has set, soak in warm water with biological detergent.

Question 18

Grass, ink stain removal.

Answer 18

Soak stained area in methylated spirits. Wash as usual.

Question 19

Chocolate stain removal

Answer 19

Wash in hot water. If stain remains, dab with glycerine. Wash as usual.

Question 20

Grease stain removal

Answer 20

Wash in hot water and detergent. If stain remains, dab with a grease solvent. Wash as usual.

Question 21

Washing machines - guidelines for use

Answer 21

• Wait until you have a full load if possible.
• Use low-foaming detergent.
• Choose the correct washing programme.
• Use the economy programme where possible.

Question 22

Line drying

Answer 22

Does not cost money and makes clothes smell fresh.

Question 23

Ways to dry clothes

Answer 23

Line drying
Clothes horse
Tumble drying

Question 24

Clothes horse

Answer 24

These can be used indoors, but drying causes condensation. Rooms should be well ventilated.

Question 25

Tumble drying

Answer 25

Tumble drying is convenient but it is not environmentally friendly because it uses a lot of electricity. Some fabrics, such as wool, shrink when tumble dried.

Question 26

Guidelines for using a steam iron.

Answer 26

• Unplug to fill water tank.
• Set iron to correct temperature.
• Iron fabrics on the wrong side unless a shiny finish is wanted.