What are eco-textiles and organic cotton, what are their advantages?

The modern consumer wants to be confident in the quality of the purchased textile products, an important component of which is environmental friendliness, that the products do not contain toxic substances and do not pose a threat to health, especially when it comes to children's textile products.

What is eco- or bio-textiles and how to determine the environmental purity of textile products, says Galina Alekseevna Skripko, Candidate of Technical Sciences, specializing in “technology of textile materials, clothing and knitwear” and chief expert of the Research Expert Forensic Center at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine in Nikolaev region .

What are they?

On the market of automatic washing machines, the greatest preference is given to equipment with a maximum range of functions and an abundance of special programs, because this helps to achieve brilliant washing results and prevent damage to things. You must be able to correctly use one or another type of program and wisely use the capabilities of the machine. First you need to figure out what type of washing modes are classified.

By type of linen

The program is selected taking into account the material - cotton, synthetic fiber, denim, wool, silk, etc.

Economical programs

Here the choice depends on what the housewife would prefer to save: water, time, electricity or washing powder. Savings are achieved by reducing heating or water waste, as well as reducing the time interval.

This type of classification is characterized by a high temperature regime, additional rinsing of washed clothes and is intended for people who need careful treatment of their things: allergy sufferers or children.

The difference between organic cotton and conventional cotton

Biocotton differs from conventional cotton in the following production features:

Raw materials for organic material are grown in environmentally friendly regions. The fertility of the land increases due to crop rotation (different types of plants are grown on the plantation alternately).

When processing organic cotton, the health of factory employees and residents of surrounding communities is not endangered. The situation is opposite with the production of regular cotton.

Description of standard modes

After placing things in the machine, adding powder and pressing the “Start” button, almost any model of washing machine, regardless of the manufacturer, performs a similar procedure:

• water intake and heating;
• the washing itself;
• water removal and spinning;
• rinsing;
• the final wringing out of things.

The sequential execution of all of the above actions constitutes a full cycle of operation of the machine, which regulates the specifics of performing these operations.

"Spin"

The number of revolutions of the spin program in most cases ranges from 600 to 1000. The manufacturer always reserves the right to select the desired program to the user.

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The ease of ironing and the intensity of drying depend on the correct spin cycle.

"Rinsing"

Rinsing removes conditioner and traces of powder from the fabric fibers. If necessary, housewives prefer to use additional rinsing to achieve more thorough cleansing from detergents.

"Soak"

Soaking is a preparatory stage for deeply soiled laundry before the main cleaning procedure. In this case, the laundry is soaked with the drum stationary, and the selected temperature does not exceed 30° C.

Most owners of automatic washing machines do not even realize how wide the range of their programs is. Many of them have the most common modes that are ideal for different types of material. The only differences between the units are temperature conditions and washing duration. But, unfortunately, due to ignorance, users do not always use the full functionality of their washing machine. Although careful study of the details of each washing program ensures not only a long period of use of your favorite items, but also savings in time and money.

There is a certain set of programs found in almost every washing machine. Distinctive features can only be unique functions, designations and symbols on the control panel. Although these differences do not in any way affect the essence of each mode. There are those that are considered frequently used and the most famous.

"Cotton"

“Cotton” is actively used to get rid of stains that appear on the surface of cotton items. The temperature limit is 95° C, and the spin cycle is performed at high speeds. If you have any doubts about the color fastness of a particular product, it is recommended that when choosing this program, you independently adjust the heating degree and the number of revolutions.

There are several options for cotton washes:

• 40 degrees: duration – one and a half hours, designed to remove minor dirt from natural fibers;
• 60 degrees: the duration of the cleansing process is a little less than two hours, it is recommended to wash white items and bed linen using this type;
• 95 degrees: duration – a couple of hours, is an imitation of boiling cotton items, well suited for bleaching light-colored items, as well as getting rid of greasy stains.

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The cleaning process includes: washing, rinsing and spinning. The drum rotates at high speed, because processing items made from natural fiber requires considerable effort. Rinsing is performed several times, and spinning is carried out only at maximum speed. This is explained by the fact that cotton absorbs moisture strongly and takes much longer to dry.

When washing clothes made of cotton of saturated colors, heating the water above 40 degrees is prohibited. This is because the product may change its original color. If there is not very strong pollution, then a high temperature regime will be inappropriate - this will lead to unnecessary energy and time consumption. In addition, hot water causes rapid wear of the fabric.

"Synthetics"

The temperature in this program ranges from 40-60° C. The number of revolutions used during spinning is the maximum. This setting is indispensable for processing clothes that contain synthetic fibers. In addition, the amount of synthetics in the composition does not matter in this case. This type of cleansing lasts on average from one and a half to two hours.

"Wool"

When you select this setting, items are washed at a low temperature (only 5-10° C) without spinning. The drum rotates slowly (up to 80 revolutions) and swings a little. Minimal use of water is necessary to only lightly wet the loaded woolen items. Rinsing takes a fairly long period of time, with repeated addition of water. The duration of such an operation is only 1 hour.

"Silk"

Silk fabrics are processed for about an hour (50-60 minutes). The drum rotates weakly, and spinning occurs at a small number of revolutions or is completely absent. The water temperature reaches 30-40° C. This type of washing is considered delicate and is similar to hand washing. With its help, it becomes possible to wash not only delicate and sensitive fabrics, but also items decorated with decorative elements.

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The setting is suitable for items made of cotton and linen that have been seriously soiled and have complex stains. The water temperature can reach 90° C. The drum rotates quickly, and repeated rinsing is possible. In this case, the use of bleaches and stain removers is provided.

"Preliminary"

This two-hour program is used for heavily soiled items and includes two types of treatment at once: soaking and washing. It is recommended to put the powder in both compartments: the first portion of detergent is used at the first stage of cleansing, and the second after draining the water. The products are first kept at a temperature of 30 degrees, and then washed according to a given cycle at 95° C.

"Daily"

The main distinguishing feature of this type is the half-empty drum. Lightly soiled items should be washed daily. It does not require much time or electricity. Water does not exceed 30° C. Washing duration is 50 minutes. This type of processing is indispensable for work clothes and products of various colors.

physical characteristics

Eco cotton has the following properties:

• High hygroscopicity. The canvas absorbs moisture, and its strength increases.
• Breathability. The fabric is breathable.
• Strength. Withstands the same breaking load as silk. This characteristic is superior to wool.
• Sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. After 39 days of continuous exposure, the strength of organic cotton decreases by 2 times.
• Sensitivity to high temperature. After 72 hours of constant heating to 150°, the fabric becomes less durable.
• Thermoplasticity. The material remembers its shape when heated, that is, there will be no problems when ironing the product.
• Optimal thermal protection characteristics. The fabric retains heat.
• Resistant to organic solvents, e.g. alcohol, vinegar.
• Hypersensitivity to inorganic acids and alkalis.
• Not resistant to the action of microorganisms, that is, susceptible to rotting.
• Highly flammable, burns quickly, smoke smells like burnt paper, does not melt.
• Prone to shrinkage.
• Low elasticity. Therefore, eco-cotton does not stretch and can become deformed.

For your information. Untreated organic cotton is easily abraded and wrinkled. The first problem is solved by adding synthetic fibers to the composition, and the second by treating it with special compounds.

Additional features

In addition to washing, spinning and temperature modes, the machines are equipped with additional programs. The more expensive the model, the wider and more sophisticated its functionality.

Very convenient for additional processing of highly wrinkled fabrics. Linen trousers and blouses do not look wrinkled after ironing, and deep creases disappear. Some machines iron laundry using steam.

The ironing mode is ideal for processing linen clothes.
This mode is necessary if there are people in the family who are allergic to household chemicals. An additional rinse after the main wash ensures that even the slightest signs of powder disappear. This function is also used when washing infant onesies and diapers. In addition, additional rinsing works well when processing items whose structure and material require more thorough washing - fleecy fabrics, wool, soft toys, pillows, faux fur, multi-layered outerwear.

Child lock

The mode allows you to completely block access to the functionality of the washing machine during washing. By pressing one button, you will protect the machine from opening, unauthorized starting and changing settings.

Child lock mode will keep the family calm

Limits water supply, helps save. Convenient for small amounts of washing, when only half the water of its usual volume is enough.

The function during spin helps to distribute things evenly over the entire surface of the drum.

It turns on during the main wash at maximum drum load, when the usual volume of water is not enough to rinse.

On timer

Allows you to set a specific time to start the washing machine.

The on timer will wash while you are at work

The program itself controls the amount of water consumed during washing. Adds more if needed. Limits the supply if there is already enough.

The functionality allows you to monitor all the main “organs” of the washing machine for various problems. Forewarned is forearmed.

No ironing

The no-iron mode consists of incompletely draining the water, so that deep creases and folds do not remain on the clothes.

Disabling spin

Allows you to disable the squeezing function in any washing mode.

Delicate spin

During a delicate spin, the machine spins the laundry at minimum speed.

To increase interest and desire to buy more modern models of washing machines, manufacturers are introducing new additional options that help to better remove stubborn stains and simply refresh the appearance of laundry.

• An additional rinse is an excellent option, which also has another name - “anti-allergy”. It is indispensable for people suffering from allergies to household chemicals, and is perfect for families with children. This option is unique in that it guarantees thorough destruction of even minor traces of the detergent used. The function will also help to process products whose structure requires additional cleaning - carpets, toys made of fabric, outerwear.
• No spinning is a great way to preserve the life of some items. Disabling the corresponding function when processing products made of delicate materials saves them from premature wear.
• Delayed start - if it is impossible to pick up the washed items at the appointed time, they are transferred to water, followed by rinsing and spinning.
• Delayed start is a great find for busy people who don't spend much time at home. The items needed for washing are placed in the drum and powder is added. The device itself will start the wash at the time that the user sets in advance on the panel. Then all that remains is to take out and hang the laundry at a convenient time.
• Drying. Shakes things well and prevents wrinkles from forming. For materials that can be processed at high temperatures, a faster process can be selected.
• Ironing/light ironing. The selected setting does not involve an intermediate spin, and rinsing is carried out using a large amount of water. This method is simply irreplaceable for wrinkled fabrics such as linen, because it helps get rid of severe bruises.
• Wash in cold water. Used for items that should only be washed in cold water. With this installation, the water is heated to a maximum of 30 – 35°C.
• Water level control. The machine itself measures the weight of the items to be washed and determines the required volume of water. If there is not enough water during the washing process, the program adds it, but if, on the contrary, there is enough water, it limits the supply.
• Partial load. This setting ensures that the washing process proceeds according to the usual pattern, but only accelerated, since there is a limited water supply and energy savings. This cleaning method is useful when washing sportswear and everyday items.
• Washing at night - the automatic machine operates as silently as possible. The final spin is not performed, and the process is completed without using a sound signal.
• Child protection. In this type of installation, access to the operation of the washing machine is blocked at any stage of product processing. Clicking the required icon on the control panel guarantees protection against penetration into the settings of a running device.
• Balanced spin. Thanks to this setting, when turning revolutions, the washed items are evenly distributed over the drum surface.
• Extra water. A main wash with a large load can be supplemented with this function, since the standard amount of water may not be enough for rinsing in this type of installation.
• Fault diagnosis. The function provides the ability to analyze the condition of all main parts of the washing machine for damage.
• No ironing. The water is not drained completely, which helps get rid of stubborn creases and wrinkles on clothes.
• Control of water transparency. Also an indispensable function for allergy sufferers and families with small children. The machine itself determines whether things have been rinsed enough, or whether the water is not clear enough and contains soap.
• Foam control. Excess foam clogs the product with unnecessary chemicals. In this case, excess foam formed during spinning and deposited on things is removed from the drum using a special pump.
• Eco Bubble is a unique system that provides the formation of active bubbles, thanks to which the powder dissolves better in water and activates its effect on contaminated areas of fabric.

Bosch washing machine program table: description and designation

The control unit on the Bosch washing machine is very laconic and not overloaded. Most modes are indicated by some kind of symbol. These symbols are informative enough for the user to understand. But it’s better to act for sure and find out the meaning of the icons in advance, so as not to spoil the thing by choosing the wrong mode.

By selecting a mode on the control panel, you can also set the temperature, spin speed and additional functions for it. The table below shows the names and descriptions of the main icons. They are almost the same for all SM models: Bosch Maxx 5, Bosch Classixx 5, Bosch Maxx 4, Bosch WMV 1600 and others.

*The table gives approximate time frames; you can find the exact time in the instructions for your model. In modern machines, the program duration is displayed on the display.

Users often ask us: “What programs can you use to add more laundry, and how to do it?”

Let's start with the fact that not every model has the ability to reload laundry. There are two types of washing machines that allow you to add more laundry without draining the water from the tank:

1. Vertical washing machines
   - their design allows you to stop the wash without draining the water and add more laundry or remove excess items if the drum is unbalanced and the items are bunched up.
2. A separate generation of washing machines with the ability to reload. You can add more laundry through a special mini hatch located on the main hatch. The program is not interrupted - after additional loading or unloading of unnecessary things, the mode starts from the same place where you stopped it. You can use the reloading function in such machines on any washing program. But not all manufacturers currently provide such hatches, and Bosch does not yet produce such models. If you need a washer with reloading, pay attention to the offers from Samsung.

Note! Through the small reloading hatch you will only add small items.

How to load more laundry in a regular Bosch front-facing storage unit?

This cannot be done without draining the water. Therefore, it is worth stopping the program if you have forgotten something important in the drum, and it is not economically profitable to reload the laundry - it will be easier to wash the forgotten item separately and in the next batch than to drain the water, reload the item and start the program again. But, this is your decision, so here are the instructions:

1. Stop the program by pressing the STOP button. The machine will drain the water forcibly.
2. Add things or take out extra ones.
3. Select and start the wash cycle again.

How to choose a washing mode on a Bosch machine

By determining the meaning of the symbols on the panel, you will remember how to install and configure a particular mode. By turning the selector, you can choose any of the programs that suit the type of laundry you have.

The process time depends on the selected mode; also keep in mind that additional rinsing or spinning will extend the operating time of the washing machine.

How to choose?

Before washing things in an automatic washing machine, it is recommended to carefully read the product labels and sort everything by type, color and degree of soiling. Following this simple rule will be the key to the correct choice of treatment function and a successful stain removal result.

Which mode to choose is the prerogative of the owner of the unit. He can either add additional settings to the process of processing things, or disable existing operations in the selected program. But the mode is best determined according to certain criteria, otherwise the chosen option may become dangerous for your favorite things:

• by purpose of things - children's clothing, sportswear, shoes;
• by material – linen, wool, cotton, mixed fabrics;
• according to the conditions - economy, express, combi or steam wash.

Basic recommendations when determining modes:

• cotton products, including items for a newborn baby, can be washed using high temperatures (60 to 95°C) and a high number of revolutions (up to 1400);
• colored items made of natural material – 40°C, permissible number of revolutions – up to 1400;
• linen – 40-50°C, spin – up to 600 rpm, turn off spin for clothes;
• synthetics – 40°C, spin – 600 rpm;
• silk, wool and other delicate fabrics – 40°C, 400-600 rpm;
• jeans – 60°C, spin – 800 rpm.

Samsung WD70J5410AS with Sanitization function

Washing machine with Eco Bubble, dryer and Sanitize function, which allows you to get rid of 100% of bacteria and germs from the surface of clothes. To implement this cleaning, steam is used, the high temperature of which allows you to carefully get rid of all kinds of contaminants. It fights not only germs, but also everyday odors that often permeate clothing, and which are not always removed by washing.

Among the features is the Smart Check function, which allows you to independently diagnose breakdowns using a smartphone. To do this, you need to simultaneously press 4 buttons (Temperature, Rinse, Spin, Power on) and point the smartphone camera with the special application running at the equipment display. As a result, the current problem can be identified and corrected. The manufacturer provides a 3-year warranty.

What kind of washing machine do you have? Does it have Eco Bubble technology built in? How do you evaluate its effectiveness?

Explanation of icons

The designations for washing and processing processes on different models of washing machines differ from each other, since all manufacturers themselves determine which image, in their opinion, will be most understandable to the user. We will talk about the same processes, differing only in their iconic execution.

Washing steps are indicated by:

• circle or diamond with a dash – start/stop;
• triangle and 2 lines – start/pause;
• spiral - spin;
• crossed out spiral – no spin;
• a basin of water with a wriggling line on top - washing;
• a bowl of water and 2 dashes – intensive wash;
• a basin in which the hands are lowered - hand washing;
• basin and 1 line – pre-wash;
• basin and 2 dashes – daily washing;
• basin with items - quick wash;
• snowflake - cold wash;
• a basin with dotted lines or a shower inside – rinsing;
• basin with an arrow - draining water;
• sun - drying;
• iron - ironing.

Drawn symbols for different types of fabrics:

• cotton - cloud;
• synthetics - flask or hanger;
• silk - feather;
• jeans - trousers;
• wool - a ball or skein of thread.

The main modes have:

• thing with spots - intensive mode;
• a flower that looks like a chamomile - delicate mode;
• wood – eco mode (economical washing).

The following video describes the washing modes in the LG washing machine.

When is it used?

The described mode in the washing machine is necessary to save time, water consumption, electrical energy and, accordingly, money. There are several rules for this washing option that must be followed.

• The model of an automatic washing machine must be economical in its main characteristics and capabilities . The most profitable machines are class “A”, they use little water and consume little electricity. For a family of two or three people, a car with a load of 3–4 kg is suitable.
• Load the drum of the machine completely to the number of kg for which it is designed. Incomplete loading leads to excessive energy consumption.
• Use the “Quick Wash” program, thanks to which the cycle of each cleaning stage is significantly reduced in time.
• Wash at average water temperature – +30–40 degrees. Use very hot water if items are heavily soiled. Strong heating of water requires additional electrical energy.
• Before the main wash, use the “Soak” mode. In this mode, the laundry lies in the drum of the washing machine for some time at a temperature of +30 degrees, which allows the dirt to partially come out of the fabric fibers. After soaking, you can turn on the Quick Wash program.
• If your washing machine has a cold or hot rinse option, choose cold. Cold water is no worse than warm or hot water at washing out washing powder and other detergents from laundry, and its cost is much cheaper.
• Save detergents , do not add too much powder, gel and other special products to the cuvette. Excess detergent will cause the program to use more water when rinsing.
• Using the Eco Time program, set the washing time for the night. This step will significantly reduce electricity consumption, because at night it costs much less. Machines with the “delayed wash” function also do this at a minimal rate. Some models of automatic machines in their arsenal have an additional option “Quiet washing mode”, which is very appropriate when everyone is sleeping (Gorenje).
• Be sure to unplug the washing machine from the outlet after washing. Many people are very mistaken in believing that a machine that is not working but connected to power does not consume electricity. An automatic machine in a standby state quietly uses 5–10% of the total energy consumption of all appliances in the house. Over the course of a month and a year, a pleasantly saved amount will accrue.

For information on how to use the modes correctly, see below.

In LG technology

Absolutely all washing machines of this Korean company are equipped with the Cotton Eco program. The interesting thing is that in addition to this mode, washing machines contain several other similar programs, but more on that later. First, let's look at how the unit implements the Cotton Eco program.

1. The temperature is set automatically and is 60 degrees. This is the upper limit. If desired, the user can reduce the water temperature to 40, 30 degrees or even set the washing mode to cold water.
2. The washing time is also set by default and depends on several factors. For example, whether the user turned on the spin and additional rinse modes, what temperature he set. The more additional functions are implemented and the higher the temperature, the longer the work process will take.
3. Also, in parallel with the Cotton Eco mode, you can activate the timer, pre-wash, time saving, and intensive mode.
4. It is possible to deactivate the spin cycle if the need arises.

In addition to the Cotton Eco mode, LG washing machines also have Cotton, Cotton Fast and Mixed fabric programs. They are not much different from each other. The only difference between these modes and Cotton Eco is that you can set the temperature up to 95 degrees yourself. As mentioned above, Eco Cotton washes at a maximum of 60 degrees.

All washing machines have a certain power consumption class. Class A machines are considered the most economical. They consume less than 0.13 kW/kg per hour of washing. Class A cars consume 0.15 kW, A - 0.17 kW, A - 0.17 - 0.19 kW, B - 0.19 - 0.23 kW. And so on increasingly, up to a consumption of 0.39 kW per hour for washing machines of class G. If you are planning to buy a machine in the near future, pay special attention to the energy consumption class.

In addition, almost all modern machines have an “Economic Wash” program. In this mode, the machine consumes a minimum of water and electricity. Things are washed in cool water, and the drum spins less often and less. Similar programs: “Quick wash”, “Accelerated mode”, “Quick 30”.

Self-cleaning washing machine

The eco drum cleaning function does not require the addition of any cleaning agents or disinfectants; the machine cleans everything on its own. The cleaning cycle is carried out at a temperature of 70 degrees for 90 minutes.

This allows you to disinfect the inside of the device, remove scale, mold and unpleasant odors - it is impossible to change these parameters, they are set automatically by the electronics of the washing machine.

The eco-drum cleaning program makes it possible not only to maintain hygiene inside the device, but also significantly extends the performance of the unit. In addition, by regularly cleaning the washing machine, you will save energy, because the electric heater is also cleaned of plaque adhering to it, and, therefore, heats the water much faster and more efficiently.