• Lightly soiled garments are best washed in cold water.
• Avoid harsh soap bars and bleaches, as they cause discolouring.
• Use very little fabric softener, as it tends to weaken the fibres.
• Ensure that garments are rinsed thoroughly.

Hand-Washing Guidelines:

• Fill a bucket or deep sink with warm water and about a ¼ cup of detergent.
• Put your clothing in the water and, if stained, leave to soak for a while.
• Knead the clothing with your hands in the water for a few minutes (as much as you would knead bread).
• Rinse the clothing until the water runs clear, not soapy.
• Gently wring out the garments.

• Turn the garments inside-out (especially dark colours) and close any buttons or zips to dry.
• Hang clothing out to dry on a clothes line or in a well-ventilated area.
• Bring clothes in when dry. Garments left out in the sun all day will be bleached by the sun.
• Do not tumble dry garments.

• A cool iron should be used on all fabrics.
• Nylon and polar fleece items generally require no ironing.
• Iron on the reverse side of clothing to prevent shining.
• Do not iron on the branding (embroidery or printing).

• Hang up garments after wearing.
• Fasten zips and buttons to help the garment keep its shape.
• Jackets should be placed on a hanger when not being worn (not folded and shelved).
• Hang washed garments on a hanger, whilst damp, for minor creases to drop out.

• Always remove stains (very carefully) before washing and drying, as heat can make stains permanent.
• Do not iron over stains.
• Eucalyptus oil (from the pharmacy) is an excellent oil and grease stain remover. Use a cotton swab and apply the oil to the stained area and wash.

Antiperspirant:
Make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and salt. Apply this to the stain for about 15 minutes, then soak in the detergent water, and wash as normal.

Alcohol or Food:
Use soda water. Place a towel under the area, fizz the soda, and rub it in towards the centre of the stain.

Coffee / Tea:
Soak the stain in lukewarm water with detergent. Then treat it with methylated spirits.

Fruit / Fruit Juices:
Rub the stain with salt before washing. Rinse in cold water and soak in liquid detergent.

Tomato Sauce:
Rinse in cold water and soak in liquid detergent. If necessary, treat with methylated spirits.

Ball Point Pen:
Sponge with methylated spirits or Eau-de-Cologne. Rub any remaining stain with soap, and wash as normal.

Chewing Gum:
Put the stained garment in a plastic bag and freeze it overnight. The gum should scrape off easily. Or brush egg white onto the gum stains with a toothbrush and wash normally.

Blood:
Mop the blood with tissues and soak the stain in strongly salted cold water. Keep changing the salt water solution until it runs clear. Sponge any remaining stain with warm water. Rinse with cold water. Wash the entire garment with detergent before the stain dries.