Attack difficult laundry problems with the right laundry aids. There are products to solve every kind of wash problem, attack every kind of stain, work in every type and temperature of water. Which products should you choose? Here's a quick review to help you find the ones best for you.

 

article continues below ↓

• Bleaches
• Enzyme Presoaks
• Fabric Softeners
• Prewash Soil and Stain Removers
• Starches, Fabric Finishes and Sizings
• Water Softeners
  

Bleaches

Benefits
Convert soils into colorless, soluble particles which are easily removed by detergents, then carried away in the wash water. Brighten and whiten fabrics; help remove stubborn stains.

 

 

Types
Sodium hypochlorite bleaches (also called chlorine or liquid household bleach) are the more powerful laundry bleaches; they disinfect, as well as clean and whiten. They work on many whites and colorfast washables — but not on wools or silks. Oxygen (color-safe) bleaches are more gentle, working safely on all washable fabrics. They work best in maintaining whiteness, not in restoring it.

Techniques
For Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach, read the label and dilute as directed. For best results, add 5 minutes after the wash cycle has begun to agitate in order to avoid destroying enzymes and fluorescent whiteners in the detergent.

For Oxygen Bleach, add directly to the wash water before the clothes are added. Do not pour powdered bleach directly on wet clothes. Most effective in warm-to-hot water.

 

IMPORTANT: Have doubts whether a garment is safe to bleach? Don't guess — you may be sorry! Read the garment's care label for specific instructions. Test first for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area by following the instructions on bleach package label.

Enzyme Presoaks

 

Benefits
Especially effective in removing protein stains, like baby formula, blood, body fluids, dairy products, eggs and grass. When added to the wash water, they also boost the cleaning power of the detergent.

 

 

Type
Powders

Technique
Presoak laundry in the washer, sink or a pail before washing. Follow the label directions.

Fabric Softeners

Benefits
Decrease static cling, which is especially useful when washing permanent-press and synthetic fibers. Make fabrics softer and fluffier ... reduce drying time ... reduce wrinkling ... make ironing easier.

 

 

Types

 

• Liquid fabric softeners go into the final rinse water.
• Softener sheets go into the dryer.
• Packet-type softeners attach to the fin of the dryer drum.
  

Techniques
When adding liquid softeners to the rinse water, be sure to dilute first. Do not pour directly on fabrics, because this may cause staining or spotting.

 

IMPORTANT: Fabric softeners may reduce the effectiveness of flame retardancy on fabrics, like those used in children's sleepwear.

Prewash Soil and Stain Removers

Benefits
Effective in pretreating heavily soiled and stained garments, especially those made from polyester fibers. Work well on oil-based stains like animal fats, body soils, cooking oils, cosmetics and motor oils. Soap bars work well on fabric softener, perspiration and tobacco stains.

Types
Liquids, sprays, gels, sticks and soap bars

Techniques
It's best to treat the stain as quickly as possible. Use liquid, gel and spray removers just before washing the garment. If the stain still remains, apply a second treatment, rubbing directly into the stain.

When using the stick type, immediately rub the stick on the fresh stain, then set it aside and wash later — even as much as a week later.

 

 

IMPORTANT: Do not use prewash soil and stain removers on neon and fluorescent colors. The colors might fade or run.

Starches, Fabric Finishes and Sizings

 

Benefits
Give body to fabrics ... make fabrics more soil-resistant ... make ironing easier.

Types
Powders, liquids and sprays.

Techniques
Use starches on cottons and cotton blends ... use fabric finishes and sizings on synthetic fabrics. 

Water Softeners

Benefits
Help detergents do their job better by inactivating calcium and magnesium minerals which make water hard.

Types
Powders and liquids.

Techniques
Add powders to the wash or rinse water. Add liquids to rinse water only.

 

About ACI

The American Cleaning Institute℠ (ACI - formerly The Soap and Detergent Association) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $30 billion U.S. cleaning products market.  ACI  members include the formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and oleochemical producers.  ACI and its members are dedicated to improving health and the quality of life through sustainable cleaning products and practices.