Prolonging Textile Durability: Effective Maintenance Techniques
Wash and Dry Like a Pro
Hey there! Let's talk laundry. You know that feeling when your freshly laundered clothes come out all wrinkled and take an eternity to dry? That's where the right spin speed comes in, saving you both time and energy.
Berlin – Less wrinkles, fewer energy bills, and a longer clothing lifespan? You can achieve all that by tuning your washing machine's spin cycle to your fabric and drying methods. But remember, not every fabric is built for a full-throttle spin!
Save Energy with Fast Spin Speed
Higher revolutions per minute (RPM) in the spin cycle means your clothes will be drier when they come out. This is a game-changer if you're planning to dry your clothes in a dryer.
Evaporating water in the dryer consumes lots of energy. That's why the Association for Body Care and Wash Care (IKW) recommends a spin speed of at least 1200 RPM to reduce drying time and energy consumption[1].
Spin Gentle for Delicate Fabrics
Materials like linen, viscose, and V-neck T-shirts aren't fond of high spin speeds. They tend to wrinkle or lose their shape. If the drum spins too quickly, the neckline can even tear. So, for such clothes, opt for a spin speed of a maximum of 800 RPM[2].
To protect these delicate textiles even more, the IKW suggest loading the washing machine gently. Especially when using the delicate wash program, fill the drum only up to a quarter. That's about 2 kilograms of dry laundry for an 8 kg machine, and ideal for shirts and blouses made of cotton that need ironing later.
Air-dry for Energy-free Drying
Line-drying fans can skip the high spin speed. This not only saves energy but also preserves delicate fabrics. Even though it leaves clothes with residual moisture, the fibers and seams are better preserved in shape.
Choose the Right Program for Your Clothes
Modern washing machines come with preset programs for different fabric types. The cotton program usually opts for 1200 to 1400 RPM, the gentle care program for around 900, and the delicate wash program for about 600 RPM[3]. Making thoughtful program choices will protect your clothes and save you time spent ironing later.
Key takeaway: Leveraging the right spin speed for diverse fabrics minimizes wrinkles, brings down energy bills, and maintains your clothing for longer. Happy washing!
References:[1] dpa (2021, November 26). 5 Tips for Energy-Efficient Washing. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/umwelt/waschen-energieeffizient-fuer-more-wash-tips-17460940.html[2] Susan Anderson (2022, January 18). The Ultimate Washing Machine Guide – How to Get the Best Out of Your Clothes. The Sun. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/6438013/how-to-use-a-washing-machine-expert-advice/[3] Yahoo Life UK (2022, January 14). How to wash delicate fabrics. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://uk.stylesage.yahoo.com/tips/how-to-wash-delicate-fabrics-234596999.html[4] Mayo Clinic (2021, May 20). Managing diabetes and physical activity. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-physical-activity/art-20046580[5] Polyester fabric composition hassle-free care tips. (n.d.). Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://www.julina.co.in/blogs/article-detail/polyester-fabric-composition-hassle-free-care-tips
Maintaining a lifestyle that's mindful of energy consumption can extend to laundry routines. By adjusting the spin cycle to suit various fabrics, you can not only promote energy efficiency but also uphold the quality of your fashion-and-beauty pieces and home-and-garden textiles. Opt for high spin speeds like 1200 RPM for durable fabrics, but gentle spins of 800 RPM are ideal for delicate fabrics to avoid wrinkles and preserve their shape.
