Don't guess _ read the product label. It's the way to get the
best possible results from any product _ wash, after wash.
There's more on the label than you might think. Here are some important
clues to look for.
What's in a Name?
The Ingredients
Read the Directions First!
Laundering Tips
Cautions...and What to Do If
Phosphorus Content
Biodegradable Statement
Environmental Statement
Contact the Manufacturer
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Does the product contain phosphates? This statement or a code on
the package tells the amount of
phosphorus in the product _ by
weight.
Sometimes appears on the label to state that the product contains
biodegradable surfactants and enzymes.
Tells if the package can be recycled ... if the package is made from
recycled paper or plastic ... new
innovations in product packaging.
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.
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