When you purchase a new washer / dryer model:

• Compare energy labels to find an appliance with a high water and energy efficiency. Such appliances may cost more and have longer standard cotton cycles than models with a lower efficiency class, but they are better for the environment. Remember, if you use the standard cotton cycle during the whole lifecycle of your washer and/or dryer you will save money through lower water consumption and smaller energy costs.
• Capacity of machines. Select the capacity that suits your specific needs.
• Spin speed of washing machines. If you use a tumble dryer select a washing machine with high spin speed and a good spin efficiency classification on the energy label.
• Stacking appliances. Not all dryers can safely be placed on top of your washing machine. Anyone wishing to stack appliances to save space should carefully refer to the advice given in the user manual. If the installation instructions state that the tumble dryer can be placed on top of a washing machine, it should be stated which washing machines are suitable for staking purposes. Instructions should be given for the safe assembly of the tumble dryer and washing machine. If you decide to put the tumble dryer on top of a washing machine, use an original staking kit available from your authorised vendor. Read the installation leaflet carefully before installation.
   

How to pre-treat your laundry:

• Pre-treat all stains. This is a better option than increasing the quantity of detergent for the entire load.

How to run a washer / dryer:

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• If possible, only start a new cycle when the machine is full, otherwise you will waste energy and water. The user's guide will detail the maximum loads for individual programmes, always citing the weight of the washing when dry.

Which detergent should be used?

• Use the correct quantity of detergent. The quantity depends on the water hardness, dirtiness of the clothes to be washed and the amount of laundry. Follow the recommendations of the detergent manufacturer.

How dirty is your washing?

• Please refer to the user manual when selecting an appropriate washing or drying programme depending on the degree of soiling and type of fabric.

Reading care labels

Washing method: A hand in the tub means hand wash only; a number indicates the maximum temperature for a machine wash. One or two dashes indicate gentle wash cycles.
Dryer: One or two dots in the drum shows whether a textile can tolerate less or more heat.
Dry cleaning: "P" for perchlorethylene is the most common symbol. A newer symbol, which is still rather uncommon, is "W". This stands for 'wet' cleaning.

Ironing: The dots in the iron icon reflect settings on the iron itself. The more dots there are, the higher the temperature tolerated.
Bleaching: A crossed-out triangle means 'no bleaching'.

Select the programme

• Use the start time delay function for your own convenience or if inexpensive or renewable energy is available.
• It is strongly recommended to use the standard cotton programme as this can save energy and water.
• In most cases there is no need to use pre-wash or cotton 90°C programmes. Lower temperature programmes reduce energy consumption.
• Items that are considered to be high risk (like those worn by an ill person) should be separated from the rest of the laundry and washed at 60°, if the label allows. Normally soiled items can be washed at a low temperature (30°) if they are only slightly soiled. For any items that might have been in contact with bodily fluids (especially underwear) it is recommended to wash at 30-40° and to use a general purpose washing machine detergent.
• If you will use a tumble dryer after washing select the highest possible spin speed to reduce energy consumption of the drying process

What to do after washing / drying:

• Making ironing easier - After removing your wash from the dryer, if you smooth it out while it is still warm it will be easier to iron and may not need ironing at all.
• Switch off your washing machine directly after the completion of the cycle.
• Please leave the door and detergent dispenser open to reduce moisture in the appliance.
• Fluff filter - Regularly empty fluff filters and also clear any fluff collecting elsewhere in the dryer. Only then will the air be able to flow freely

The information available on the energy labels for both washing machines and tumble driers can be found on this website.