Don't guess — read the product label. The manufacturers know their garments well: their fabrics, their construction, the dyes. Always follow their instructions! It's the way to get the best possible results from any product — wash, after wash. Here are some important clues to look for:

 

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What's in a Name?

Look closely — the name and the product's identifiers say a lot. A few facts to look for: Is the product a liquid or a powder? Is it a general purpose or a light duty product? Is it concentrated? Is it a multi-purpose combination detergent with extras added, like a bleach or a fabric softener? Is it fragrance free? If the product is a bleach, is it a sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) type or an oxygen (color-safe) one?

The Ingredients

You will often find an ingredient statement, which includes such facts as the ingredient composition of the product and whether or not a fragrance has been added. Some statements add the generic names of the ingredients plus their functions.

Read the Directions First!

Find out the recommended temperature of the wash and rinse waters; the best wash cycle to choose; how much product to use; when to use more — or less; on which fabrics to use the product; in which order to add the detergent, clothes and water.

Laundering Tips

You'll find special techniques and when to use them: presoaking, pretreating, prewashing, bleaching. Also, look for helpful hints on removing stains, keeping "whites" white and colors bright.

Cautions ... and What to Do If

Here you will find common sense guidelines against misuse. Plus, first aid information for what to do in case someone accidently swallows the product or splashes it in their eyes. Liquid detergents also warn against using the package for storing beverages or other liquids, since the package is not food-safe. If refills are available, refilling the package with the same product is fine.

Phosphorus Content

Does the product contain phosphates? This statement or a code on the package tells the amount of phosphorus in the product — by weight.

Biodegradable Statement

Sometimes appears on the label to state that the product contains biodegradable surfactants and enzymes.

Environmental Statement

Tells if the package can be recycled ... if the package is made from recycled paper or plastic ... new innovations in product packaging.

Contact the Manufacturer

Call toll free. Look on the label for the 800-number. Call to get more information about the product; obtain help in using the product; submit comments about the product. Or, look on the label for the manufacturer's name and address, then write.

 

About SDA

The Soap and Detergent Association (www.cleaning101.com), the U.S. Home of the Cleaning Products Industry^SM, is the non-profit trade association representing manufacturers of household, industrial, and institutional cleaning products; their ingredients; and finished packaging; and oleochemical producers. SDA members produce more than 90 percent of the cleaning products marketed in the U.S. The SDA is located at 1500 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005.