Uses of Laundry Aids and Equipment

Types of Laundry Detergents

• Enzyme Detergents: Effective for breaking down protein stains found in blood and food. Best used with hot water; boiling destroys the enzymes.
• Soap Powders: Derived from animal and vegetable fats, they can form scum in hard water.
• Synthetic Detergents: Made from synthetic ingredients; they do not form scum, making them suitable for various water types.
• Low Lather Detergents: Specifically designed for front-loading washing machines, resulting in less foam during washes.
• Soft Detergents: Available in pure soap flakes and liquid forms; they are gentle on delicate fabrics and leave clothes feeling soft.
• Non-Ionic Detergents: Focus on removing grease and oil, ideal for heavily soiled items.

Specialized Laundry Aids

• Enzyme Pre-Soak Products: Granule-based products that effectively tackle protein stains such as blood, chocolate, dairy, eggs, and grass.
• Pre-Treatment Soil and Stain Removers: Applied before the wash to help release embedded dirt and stains.

Bleaching Agents

• Bleach: Used to remove stains and enhance the brightness of white cottons and linens. Should be diluted as per recommendations. A strong bleach-water solution aids in stain removal. Two types include chlorine bleach and oxygen bleach.

Colour Management

• Colour Removers: These products can reduce or eliminate color dyes from garments, particularly effective on stains or dye transfers onto white clothes.
• Bluings: A blue solid or liquid added during the rinse cycle to counteract yellowing in fabrics, available separately or as an ingredient in detergents.