Washing Processes
This domain tests the sequence of a wash, the variables that control cleaning and the judgement needed to sort mixed loads.
Core rules
- The Sinner circle has four inputs: temperature, time, mechanical action and chemical concentration. Raising one usually means lowering another for delicate fibres.
- Sort by colour, fibre, soil level and lint behaviour. Wash whites and lights together, coloureds separately, and keep lint-shedding terry away from lint-collecting dark polyester.
- Empty pockets, close zips, turn prints inside out and mend tears before washing.
- Pre-treat collars, cuffs and stains. Use the dose on the detergent pack, not an arbitrary scoop.
- Rinse thoroughly. Residual detergent holds soil and can cause yellowing or skin irritation.
- Dry promptly. Leaving wet laundry in the machine causes mildew and creasing.
Worked example
A load contains white cotton bedsheets and a woollen sweater. Reasoning: the bedsheets tolerate 60-80 C and strong agitation; wool felts and shrinks with heat and action. Wash the sheets separately at 60-80 C with detergent. Wash the sweater at 30 C or below on a wool cycle with neutral detergent, then dry flat. Never tumble-dry the sweater.
Traps that cost marks
- Overloading the machine, which reduces agitation and rinsing.
- Mixing lint-shedding and lint-collecting fabrics.
- Using a hot programme for wool or silk.
- Adding too much detergent and assuming more foam means more cleaning.