From Beach Towels to Gym Gear: Your Ultimate Washing Guide
Unsure whether to mix fabrics, colours or which wash program to choose? We’ve got you covered with our washing guide.
Laundry day doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Using the right programs for your clothes not only extends their lifespan but also ensures they’re cleaned effectively. Whether it’s sweaty gym gear or delicate silk, knowing how to pair your garments with the correct washing program is key. Plus, modern washing machines, like those from Westinghouse, LG, Hisense and Haier are all designed to make this process easier than ever.
Below is our ultimate guide to washing gym gear, delicate fabrics, woollens, silk, and cotton using the best washing programs. We’ll also highlight some common laundry mistakes to avoid and review the standout features of top washing machines on the market.
Decoding Laundry: How to Wash Different Clothing Types
Gym Gear/Activewear
Sweaty activewear and sports uniform need the right care to keep them fresh and odour-free without damaging their performance fabrics. Activewear can stretch and lose its fit if washed incorrectly so it’s vital to choose the best laundry program for active wear.
- Recommended Programs: Sportswear/Steam Function
- Perfect Match: The Hisense 8kg Front Load Washing Machine (HWFS1015AB) excels in washing activewear. Its dedicated Sportswear Cycle removes tough odours while maintaining fabric integrity. Also consider using the Steam function, whereby high temperature steam eliminates 99.9% of allergens and other microbes from your clothes 1 to tackle bacteria, sweat, and odours from your workout clothes and gym towels.
Delicate Fabrics & Woollens
From cosy woollen jumpers to stylish scarves, washing delicate fabrics require gentle handling to avoid shrinking or felting. Items like lingerie, lace blouses, or sheer silk tops also require extra care to avoid snagging or stretching.
- Recommended Programs: Delicates Cycle
- Perfect Match: LG’s 12kg Washer/9kg Dryer Combo (WWT-1209B) offers a Delicates Cycle that’s perfect for washing delicate fabrics with care. Its advanced sensor technology ensures a soft yet effective clean. After washing, the dryer’s Delicates program ensures gentle drying effort for peace of mind.
Towels/ Cottons
Cottons make up a large part of everyday wardrobes—from your towels to bed sheets and T-shirts. Any garment made from cotton are tough yet versatile, so it makes sense that using the right program will maximise cleanliness and longevity. Dedicated Towel washing programs are great for washing both bath towels and beach towels. Use hot water to help sanitise white towels, while warm water is ideal for colours. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can reduce absorbency.
- Recommended Programs: Eco Cotton + Plus Hygiene
- Perfect Match: Wash more in one go with Westinghouse’s 10kg Front Load Washing Machine (WWF1044M7WA). Perfect for large families and busy households, try the ‘Eco Cotton’ wash program for everyday bath towels or the ‘Plus Hygiene’ option for beach towels that need extra care.
Bedding
Bedding sheets and quilts/duvets require specific care to maintain their softness and hygiene. Use gentle detergents and warm water to avoid shrinking or fading. For down-filled quilts, opt for a delicate cycle and air-dry to prevent clumping. Regular washing and airing can help maintain a fresh and allergen-free sleeping environment.
- Recommended Programs: Bedding /Bulky / Duvet
- Perfect Match: Take advantage of ultra-spacious, large-capacity washer dryer combos, like that of Haier’s 12kg Washer / 9kg Dryer Combo (HLC1290CTB1) and LG’s 12kg Washer/9kg Dryer Combo (WWT-1209B) to confidently tackle bedding and other bulky items. When washing with Haier, enjoy options like the Bedding and Bulky wash programs while LG’s washer dryer combo features a dedicated Duvet program which is perfect for washing thicker quilts.
5 Laundry Washing Tips & Tricks
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Choose the Right Wash Program for your Garments
For optimal cleaning and garment care, select the appropriate wash program for your garments and items, for example:
- Activewear/Gym: Ideal for athletic clothing and uniforms, removing sweat and odours.
- Towels: Gentle wash cycle for bath and hand towels.
- Delicates: Low-impact wash for delicate fabrics like wool, silk, and lace.
- Cottons: Perfect for everyday cottons —from sheets to T-shirts
Always check garment labels for specific care instructions.
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Read Garment Labels and Follow Instructions
To ensure the longevity and quality of your garments, it’s crucial to pay attention to care labels. These labels provide specific instructions on how to best wash, dry, and iron your clothing or garment. By following these guidelines, you can help prevent damage, fading, and shrinkage for longer lasting use and enjoyment.
Hot Tip: Sort your clothes by colour, fabric weight, and washing temperature. Washing similar fabrics together can help remove stains, preserve colours, and protect delicate fabrics.
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Maximise Smart Technology
Take advantage of the latest smart technology to optimise your laundry experience:
- AI-Powered Programs: Let your washing machine’s AI analyse your laundry load and automatically select the best wash program for optimal results.
- Remote Control: Monitor and control your washing machine remotely, starting or pausing cycles from your smartphone’s app.
- Energy-Efficient Settings: Use eco-friendly settings to reduce energy and water consumption and save on utility bills.
- Smart Dosing: Precisely measure detergent and fabric softener, preventing waste and ensuring optimal cleaning performance.
By harnessing the power of smart technology, you can simplify your laundry routine and achieve professional washing results.
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Embrace Hygienic Cleaning
To effectively eliminate germs and bacteria, from your clothes, bedding, linen and other garments, consider these washing tips:
- Higher Temperatures: Use higher water temperatures for heavily soiled items or to sanitise fabrics.
- Dedicated Programs: Use specialised wash or steam/hygiene programs designed for hygienic cleaning, such as those for baby clothes or heavily soiled workwear.
By combining these methods, you can achieve a deeper clean and ensure the utmost hygiene for your laundry.
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Caring for Your Washing and Washing Machine
Prolong the life of your washing machine with these simple tips:
- Lower Rotations Per Minute (RPM) for Delicate Fabrics: Reduce the spin speed to minimise wear and tear on delicate items like wool, silk, and lace.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the detergent dispenser and rubber seals to prevent mould and mildew.
- Avoid Overloading: Overloading can strain the motor and reduce efficiency.
- Level the Machine: Ensure your machine is level to prevent vibrations and noise.
- Check Hoses: Regularly inspect hoses for leaks and replace them if necessary.
- Run a Cleaning Cycle: Periodically run a cleaning cycle with a washing machine cleaner to remove detergent residue and bacteria.
By following these guidelines, you can keep your washing machine running smoothly for years to come.
Laundry Made Simple
Doing laundry doesn’t have to be stressful. By tailoring wash programs to your clothes and avoiding common washing mistakes, you’ll not only clean your garments effectively but also keep them looking their best. Modern and smart washing machines like those mentioned in this article will take the guesswork out of the laundry care process, offering specialised cycles that ensure premium care across all your activewear, towels, delicates, bedding and mixed loads.
Looking to upgrade your laundry game? Explore our range of washing machines to find the perfect fit for your fabrics, lifestyle and home. Try out our washing tips and why not share your washing machine reviews with us.
FAQs
The best wash cycle depends on the fabric type and level of soiling. For everyday items like cotton t-shirts and jeans, a normal cycle is suitable. Delicate fabrics like silk or lace require a gentle cycle with cold water. For heavily soiled items like towels or work clothes, a hot water cycle can be effective. Always refer to the care label on your clothing for specific washing instructions.
While it's tempting to wash multiple fabric types together for convenience, it's generally best to separate them. Different fabrics have varying care needs, and mixing them can lead to issues like colour bleeding, fabric damage, or reduced lifespan.
However, you can wash similar fabrics together, such as cotton with cotton or synthetics with synthetics. Always check the care labels on your clothing for specific washing instructions.
To wash delicate fabrics, follow these tips:
- Check the Care Label: Always refer to the care label on your garment for specific washing instructions.
- Hand Wash or Gentle Cycle: Delicate fabrics are best hand-washed or machine-washed on a delicates or gentle cycle.
- Cold Water: Use cold water to prevent shrinkage and colour fading.
- Mild Detergent: Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent designed for delicate fabrics.
- Air Dry: Air drying is the safest way to dry delicate fabrics. Avoid using a dryer, as the heat can damage them. Where possible, dry flat and not on the line or hangers to prevent stretching (especially for woollen items).
To maintain the quality of your swimwear, rinse it in cold water immediately after use to remove salt, chlorine, and sunscreen. Hand wash or machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Air dry away from direct sunlight. For beach towels, rinse them in cold water to remove sand and salt. Machine wash in warm water with a mild detergent and air dry or tumble dry on low heat. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can reduce absorbency.
To keep your activewear performing at its best and smelling fresh, wash it separately in cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent specifically designed for activewear. Pre-treat stubborn stains before washing and avoid using fabric softener. Air drying is the best way to preserve the shape and elasticity of your activewear. By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your gym gear and keep it looking and feeling great.
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