Treating stubborn stains
Sweat, blood, fruit, wine and chocolate stains generally disappear with customary
detergents, but other stains need specific treatment before being put into the machine.
First, perform a test on a hidden area of the fabric and rinse thoroughly. If you apply a
stain remover, always start with the outside of the stain to avoid rings.
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Alcoholic liquids: wash the stain in cold water, then dab it with a mixture of glycerine
and water and rinse with a mixture of water and vinegar.
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Wax: scrape the stain lightly without damaging the fabric, scrub with a detergent
and rinse. If the stain persists, scrub with 1 volume pure alcohol (96°) mixed with 2
volumes of water, then wash in warm water.
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Tea and coffee: stretch the stained part of the fabric over a container and pour over
water that is as hot as possible for the type of fabric. Wash with detergent if this does
not risk damaging the fabric.
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Chocolate and cocoa: soak your laundry in cold water and scrub the stain with soap
or detergent, then wash at the maximum temperature possible for the type of fabric. If
a greasy stain persists, scrub with hydrogen peroxide (3% solution).
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Ketchup: scrape the dried stains without damaging the fabric, leave to soak in cold
water for about 30 minutes and wash by scrubbing with a detergent.
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Fat, egg: scrape off the worst of the dry stains and dab with a sponge or cloth
soaked in cold water. Scrub with a detergent, then wash with diluted detergent.
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Grease, oil: absorb the residue with a sponge. Scrub the stain with detergent and
wash with warm soapy water.
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Mustard: dab the stain with glycerine. Scrub with a detergent and wash. If the stain
persists, dab with alcohol (on synthetic and coloured fabrics use a mixture of 1 volume
of alcohol to 2 volumes of water).
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Blood: leave your laundry to soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. If the stain
persists, soak the laundry in a mixture of water and ammonia (3 tablespoons of
ammonia in 4 litres of water) for 30 minutes.
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Cream, ice cream and milk: leave your laundry to soak in cold water and scrub the
stain with detergent. If the stain persists, dab the fabric with an appropriate amount
of detergent. (Do not use detergent for coloured laundry.)
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Mould: mould stains must be cleaned as quickly as possible. Wash the stain with a
detergent. If the stain persists, dab with hydrogen peroxide (3% solution).
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Ink: run cold water over the stain until the ink is fully diluted. Then scrub with lemon
water and a detergent, wait 5 minutes then wash.
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Fruit: stretch the stained part of your laundry over a clean container and pour cold
water over the stain. Do not pour on hot water. Dab with cold water and apply
glycerine. Wait for an hour or two and rinse before dabbing the stain with a few drops
of white vinegar.
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Grass: scrub the stained part with a detergent. Wash with detergent if this does not
risk damaging the fabric. Scrub your woollens with alcohol. (For coloured woollens, a
mixture of 1 volume of pure alcohol to 2 volumes of water.)
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Oil paint: Apply a solvent to the stain before it dries. Scrub with a detergent and
wash.
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Rust: if the fabric allows, wash with detergent. For woollens, place a cloth soaked in
hydrogen peroxide onto the stain and iron, placing a dry cloth between the iron and
the soaked cloth. Rinse thoroughly then wash.
Using stain removers
CAUTION To avoid any risk of fire or explosion:
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If you use the products recommended in the recipes above, take care to rinse your
laundry thoroughly before placing it into your appliance.
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If you use shop-bought stain removers, follow the product manufacturer's
recommendations carefully.
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We would remind you that, in general, stains treated immediately lift easily. However,
old stains that have been ironed or dried in a tumble drier may no longer be removable.
Preparing laundry for washing
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White laundry must be separated from coloured
laundry.
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Wash new laundry separately as colours may run
when washed for the first time.
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Empty pockets and remove all foreign bodies
such as coins, safety pins, brooches, screws, etc.
These can cause major damage if they are left in
the laundry.
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Do up zips and buttons on garments.
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Place small items such as socks, belts, etc. in a
washing net or pillowcase.
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