Yes, fabric softener works—depending on the type you use. Sure, you want soft, fluffy towels, but when used on the wrong material, it can ruin the fiber's absorbency. Turn the clothes inside out. Load whites lightly in the washing machine. Charlie's Soap has a high percentage of sodium carbonate and is claimed to remove washing machine residue. 11. Stir the fabrics a few times, then let them soak for 2 to 3 minutes. The main problems with using too much softener include the following. There are a few things that try to help reduce the sweaty smell and keep the clothes fresh: Wash the clothes after each use. spray bottle. Use the Right Amount of Detergent. At worst, you'll find chlorine bleach that. Step 2. Would it be feasible in your situation to hang the freshly washed clothes to dry outside to see if that would help? I realize that’s not always an option or terribly practical in a lot of people’s living situations but I have found that sometimes it’s the magic trick to getting lingering odors out, both from clothing and from dishes. Like we mentioned before, not all fabrics will benefit from fabric softener. Two chemical reactions, really. Advertisement. Also goes on to say it can make towels somewhat less absorbent as the softener is “infused into fabrics. 5. this helps clothes feel softer as we all know, but eventually will build up in machine. Step 2: Wash With Detergent and Vinegar. Add 1/4 box of baking soda to each load of laundry to soften the water. 9–9. Fabric, on the other hand, coats clothes with an oily film that makes them soft to the touch and gives them a distinct scent. The trade-off might not be a big deal for regular clothing but when it comes to towels and workout clothes, it becomes a real. When I was a senior in high school, I made the decision to purchase a pricey pair of yoga pants. Squeeze the water out of the garment to quicken the drying process. According to their website, Downy's Fabric Conditioner keeps clothes soft and fresh but also keeps colors from fading and reduces fuzz. Whatever you do, however, make sure you wash on the highest temp you can and use a. The first way to use white vinegar to remove the fabric softener smell on clothes is to add a cup of it to your wash cycle to eliminate the residue from the fabric softener. 6. Avoid using fabric softener or bleach. Natural Softener. Brighten and Whiten Clothes1. Polyester is a man-made fiber that’s created by combining various chemicals and materials. Best Fabric Softener for Sensitive Skin: Dropps Fabric Softener Pods at Amazon. Download the app . Use a free and clear detergent. It can be used in place of fabric softener. However, fabric softener is a product that is designed to be diluted in water before being applied to clothing. Skip the fabric softener, as it can get trapped in the fibers of the material and prevent the moisture-wicking properties from working like they should. Adding vinegar to your laundry cycles will leave your clothes and towels feeling soft and fluffy again. Read labels. If the stain has not lifted, consider using fabric bleach that has been. This is why you should put the detergent in first. Carefully peel off the backing from the nylon repair tape and position it over the hole, adhesive side down. To soften your clothes, add 1/2-1 cup of vinegar to the softening dispenser or to the final rinse cycle. This Tide Deep fabric Rinse also isn't a stain remover as it is added at the ( Rinse cycle). Juxtaposing detergent and softener won't "ruin" anything. 5. Machine Wash. When I was given some great-smelling fabric softener from the store, I excitedly tried it. Bottom line: Consider fabric softener a “once in a while” deep. Liquid fabric softeners can be unsafe due to harmful ingredients and. ) and avoid anything abrasive, such as denim or garments with Velcro® or zippers. To eliminate tough odors, add one cup of white vinegar and one tablespoon of baking soda to the washer. As a Water Softener . If you don't have time to do a vinegar-and-bicarbonate-of-soda pre-soak, consider adding a cup of. Fabric softener leaves your clothes feeling soft and smelling good, but when it’s used on stretchy, synthetic workout clothes, it leaves a slick residue that is nearly impossible to remove. Using too much fabric softener may result in stained clothes. 9 ml) of white vinegar to the detergent drawer to deodorize your clothes and run the cycle. Fabric softener coats the fibers and therefore reduces the static that can otherwise irritate you if your clothing tends to cling to your skin. In fact, towels washed with fabric softener are worse at getting you dry than towels washed without. 1. The question of whether fabric softener is essential in laundry care has long been debated for years. Method 1. If you run out of detergent and are. Hand towels should be changed every couple. Restart the washing cycle and use detergent this time around. Soak Them in White Vinegar First. Re-wash your clothes with vinegar. Eco-Friendly Fabric Softener. Fabric softener can cause allergies. Growing up in the states I always used fabric softener and dryer sheets and hated sweat wicking shirts. Fabric softener is a product that is typically used in laundry to soften clothes and make them smell fresher. Air dry. Yes, you can totally skip it. This is a good thing when it comes to your clothes which you wash rather infrequently. "Or for a fuller rinse, manually pause your machine right before the final rinse cycle and add a 1/2 cup of diluted white vinegar to the load. It also helps reduce friction between fibers, which creates less static cling and helps product your clothes from wear and tear, making them last longer than if you. You’ll get the classic Downy fragrance combined with the motion-activated odor shield from Fresh Protect, and you won. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Your dingy clothing; 1/2 cup of Vinegar; Handful of Salt; Normal Laundry Detergent; Step 1. Gain 2x Ultra Joyful Expressions Apple. Sometimes the source of unwelcomed odors is your washer itself. You should clean this often, getting the gunk off. You'll be. Here are a few easy tips on getting the smell out of sweat out of your workout clothes. They are known to be toxic to marine life and can contaminate waterways when they are washed down the drain. Nick Blackmer. Fabric softener can cause allergies. A gentle washing cycle is ideal for these fabrics. com. Fabric softeners were designed to relax the fibers of the garments and make them feel softer. Sheet-style fabric softeners emit a wax-like substance that adheres to the fabric, making it feel softer and reducing static build-up. Rub the stain with the soap. 3. Type: Liquid︱Amount: 65 ounces per bottle︱Number of Loads: 45 loads per bottle︱Scent: Original︱Safe for High-Efficiency Machines: Yes. my mom used fabric softener on all of us and my sister uses it for my nieces clothes. Dave M. Fabric softeners are not recommended for workout clothes as these products can damage the elastic fibres in the fabric. When wet, keep bright coloured gear away from other fabrics. 1. However in the case of your hair, repeated frequent use of fabric softer could result in horrific. Adding detergent to the fabric softener dispenser leads to inefficient washing cycles and the potential for skin irritation. High heat can damage your Under Armour leggings, so either use the dryer on a low heat setting, or hang them up to air dry. Downy's parent company is Procter & Gamble, which also owns. Sweat X Sport Laundry Detergent. The 9 Best Washing Machine Cleaners of 2023. Natural Fibers. Microfiber Towels. If your towel can take it, do a hot temperature cycle. Cationic fabric softeners also are used and actually are the chemical Methyl bis-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate (C14-18). This way, heavier fabrics will be less likely to damage lighter ones in the wash. Then, move the fabrics to the side of the tub and pour the solution directly into the rinse water. Cold water helps to prevent fading and preserve the fit of synthetics. When they’re particularly smelly and dirty, you can use white vinegar to remove. I put all of my workout clothes on its own cycle: cold water, delicate/hand-wash setting for the cycle, and I hang it (bras and tops) or lay it flat (pants/leggings/any tops that say to lay flat) to dry. NEVER USE FABRIC SOFTENER. It’s perfect for people with sensitive skin. Is less likely to cause residue build-up: Fabric softeners aren't great for your washing machine and. Bachelor's Degree. White vinegar is a miracle ingredient that takes the stink and grime out of basically anything, including your workout clothes. Wash the items in the washing machine, but do NOT add soap or detergent to the water. If you've ever tried washing clothing (especially heavy fabrics like denim or cotton) without any kind of fabric treatment, you know the results: stiff jeans, scratchy T-shirts, and towels no one wants to snuggle in. Never use liquid fabric softener on activewear. While some people add fabric softener directly to the washing machine drum, others prefer to use the dispenser designed for fabric softener. Read the product label to know how much of the fabric conditioner you need to use. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets both contain toxic chemicals. You can also boil clothes in water with a few tablespoons of vinegar. Add 1–2 tsp (4. Preventing trash odors: put a used dryer sheet in the bottom of the kitchen garbage pail to keep food odors to a minimum until you take the garbage out. No, you can not put detergent in the fabric softener dispenser of the washing machine. Oh yes, I use it as fabric softener all the time in my front loader. Whatever you do, however, make sure you wash on the highest temp you can and use a powdered. Fabric softeners do not contain cleaning agents or enzymes to dissolve dirt and stains. Never had an issue. Fabric softener is actually your gym clothes' worst enemy. If you remember only one thing about natural fabrics, it should be that cotton is a terrible fabric for activewear (see sidebar). by Rocky. ew!This ensures that the bra won’t get caught on or tangled with other clothing in the same wash. Sometimes, people who make this mistake don't notice right away because the smell of fabric softener works well to mask slight odors at the very beginning. A few drops of shampoo. Habit, for one. To fix the issue, pour two cups of vinegar in your detergent drawer. Best Scented Fabric Softener: Mrs. For an extra-large load, 8-12 wool balls will do the job. Step 2. It’s a good idea to avoid using fabric softener on your moisture-wicking workout clothes. It is not a big deal if you’ve accidentally used fabric softener in place of detergent. 15. Can fabric softener be used as laundry detergent? Unfortunately, the answer to this common question is no. Silk is a delicate material that requires special wash techniques, one of which is to skip fabric softener. Repeating this mistake can also cause residue buildup and possible damage to the washing machine. Regular laundry detergents and fabric softeners are designed to leave behind a residue on your clothes, believe it or not. Fabric softeners can also stain your clothes, liquid softeners can occasionally leave blueish or grey stain spots on garments and overtime the waxy build-up can also cause yellowing on whites. 1. If you are looking for a quick way to. Do not do this. 3. If. I dont know why I just dumped it on the bottom and hit start, but as soon as I did I. The detergent is the cleaning solution in the washing cycle, whereas the fabric softener is simply the lubricant and the product that provides that fresh scent. When they’re particularly smelly and dirty, you can use white vinegar to remove the odor and make washing more effective. It might make it not quite as absorbent after you used the fabric softener, but after you wash it again it should be as good as new. If you still want to use the dryer, wool dryer balls can help reduce static. Key Points. I put a tiny tiny bit of bleach in with most all of my laundry. A regular detergent should be fine for most apparel, but to further cut back on odors and boost wicking performance, you can use an activewear-specific cleaner like Nikwax BaseWash ($26) or Nathan. Shutterstock/Teresa Otto. It’s also a natural fabric softener. I keep my sports bras in a fabric laundry bag and my leggings in another. Fabric softener's main ingredient is a highly processed fat. According to Downy, it runs a “small risk” of staining the fabric if poured directly on clothes. Among the major advantages of using fabric softener is making any fabric feel softer, bouncier, and pleasant to the touch. Wash your polyester in cold water to prevent shrinkage. Then add a solution of 1 parts vinegar to 4 parts water to the water. Keep doing this a couple times THEN take a dry washrag which helps remove the final. The obvious reasons for using fabric softener are valid. To avoid any extra wear and tear while washing workout clothes, remember to do a cold wash. I've noticed that, after a few washes, my clothes aren't as soft. Don't worry—the wrinkles haven't set in forever. The ingredients in fabric conditioner can help combat the pilling, fading and stretching that often occurs as a result of normal wear and tear in the care of your clothes. Whether it's liquid conditioner added to the wash, or sheets tossed in the dryer, the product is used to soften clothes and reduce wrinkles. I do wish it had a fabric softener or sanitizer in it as well so you can use less products equals less plastic. I googled it and discovered many front-loaders get that smell from a build-up of residue. Fabric softener produces a waxy film that can get caught on top of certain fabrics, such as down-filled comforters, coats, and blankets. Fill up your sink with warm water and pour in 1/3 cup of fabric softener or hair conditioner. – does not mix well with laundry detergent. Sure, you want soft, fluffy towels, but when used on the wrong material, it can ruin the fiber's absorbency. And as we learned in the previous section, fabric softeners are cationic, or positively charged, so they equalize the electrons to prevent. Place your clothing that needs a little extra brightening into the washer. $13 at AmazonYou might have noticed on some tags, especially with performance clothing, they specifically say NOT to use fabric softeners. 1. Microfiber towels are designed to soak up liquid, but the lubricants in fabric softener can create a. white vinegar. The process of washing fabric with fabric softener will leave you with clean clothes that still smell great, but they won’t be. Here are some tips on how to use vinegar correctly: Add 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine. If you accidentally put fabric softener into a detergent dispenser, take out any clothing that has already been washed and start over with just detergent –. Fabric Softener. Doing this could still cause the fabric conditioner to stain the clothes as that is always going to be a possibility. Ensure the water is more so that it dilutes the bleach. Amazon. No! You may add fabric softener to your wash cycle in other ways, but never in the bleach dispenser. Fabric softeners are not recommended for workout clothes as these products can damage the elastic fibres in the fabric. Watch on. It contains chemicals that coat the fibers of fabrics while they are being washed, which give them a pleasant scent and softer texture but do not actually remove dirt or stains from clothing. You might be tempted to use fabric softener, dryer sheets, or detergent/ fabric softener product because it makes your clothes smell better. After your clothes are clean, you are left with a coarse fabric. Another helpful tip is to label your laundry containers clearly. Combine oil and vinegar in the spray bottle and shake well. Fabric softener. I'm not a scientist tho so idk. Simply dissolve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of baking soda in 2 quarts (2 liters) of warm water before your wash. Replace the cover back on the top of the bleach dispenser. 2. Add it into the water. Add the recommended amount of fabric conditioner into a bucket of clean water for the final rinse. Many of us own various water-repellent jackets, coats, and puffers. If you have a water softener, baking soda is unnecessary. If wash day is several days away, place the clothes in the vinegar-water solution for a 30-minute soak. Due to its chemical properties, fabric softeners can rough up (or wreak havoc on) certain materials. Additionally, it lessens friction between fibers, which reduces static cling. Wash your Luon separate from your hoodies and towels. Washing your clothes using fabric softener may seem like a great way to keep them feeling soft and smelling fresh, but a popular author and TikToker has spelled. Laundry detergents contain surfactants and enzymes that break down stains, dirt, and oils, allowing them to be washed away. g. Most of the time, if you hang it on a hook or over a chair, it will dry off before you’re out of the shower. Fabric softener should not be used as a substitute for laundry detergent. If your towel can take it, do a hot temperature cycle. In regions where the water supply has a high mineral content (hard water), baking soda added to a load of laundry will prevent the dinginess in clothes washed in hard water. At the last. To tackle odor. Caring for your Thinx period underwear is a breeze: make sure to wash 'em before your first wear and with the rest of your laundry after each use. Run hot water for about a minute to loosen any remaining fabric softener. I know that’s not the answer that you want to hear, but it’s not about using fabric softener or alternative methods to make your baby’s clothing softer. Similar to flame-resistant clothing, fabric softener could alter the fibers in this material too, according to Forte: "It may impact the ability of the finish to repel. For a small to medium-sized load, 3 to 4 balls are enough. Avoid fabric softener, which impairs the breathability of the. Fabric softener may be useful for cotton, linen, and bedding, but should be avoided on flame-retardant fabrics, towels, clothes for sensitive skin, and sports gear. You can also clean lightly soiled and deeply stained microfiber towels in a washing machine. If you accidentally put fabric softener instead of detergent, there is nothing to worry about. You're using dryer sheets. Like moisture-wicking fabrics, water-resistant materials and fabric softeners should never go together. You’ll also want to skip the fabric softener on specialty fabrics like wicking sportswear. Add 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser or directly to the washer at the start of the rinse cycle. Wait until your laundry is in the rinse cycle and then add in 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of vinegar. 1 2. 3. Fabric softeners weaken clothes made from spandex, nylon, polyester, or blended synthetic fiber. During the spin cycle, the water level will rise and evenly distribute the fabric softener throughout the water to soften and protect your clothing. Learn why dryer sheets and fabric softener are damaging your expensive athletic apparel. Remember, our workout gear is synthetic so it shouldn’t take long to dry. FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS $30+ Can I Use Fabric Softener on my Activewear? You trust fabric softener to make your laundry smell good and, of course,. Then take a wet washcloth and rub around the inside. Fabric softeners can leave a coating on your garments that prevents synthetic materials from performing as expected. Dry clothes completely to avoid any leftover vinegar smell. The only sure way to get a liquid detergent out would be to take the machine apart, not too difficult to do if you are mechanically skilled. j. The clothes come out clean and fresh every time!Using fabric softener on various clothing items is arguably a bittersweet experience. even if you do not use a separate fabric softener, major laundry detergents contain additives meant to soften and brighten fabric to counteract the hardness of most water sources. When it comes to towels, we also recommend avoiding conditioner since it makes them lose their absorbent properties. As a general rule, you do not want to use fabric softener on leggings. Fabric softeners and detergents look similar, but they’re formulas for the best results for different purposes. Air dry clothes to reduce static caused by friction of fabrics rubbing together. PeopleImages/Getty Images. , Luxtreme, Nulu, etc. These colorful beads might leave your clothes smelling good for a while,. There are a few things that try to help reduce the sweaty smell and keep the clothes fresh: Wash the clothes after each use. Shutterstock. just re-wash them. Fabric softener can also be used if you’re hand washing your clothes. Note that shirts and pants made from moisture wicking material should never be washed in. Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is a natural de-greaser. It’s just more petrochemicals to pour down the drain. Here are a few tips for avoiding skin irritation: 1. It can make clothes lose their shape by coating the fibers and breaking down the elastic. 1. You can add a cup of vinegar to the rinse water when washing your linens. It is colorless. #8 – Fabric softeners and dryer sheets should not be used with flame-retardant fabrics (like children’s clothing). . Place your clothing that needs a little extra brightening into the washer. Softener. Use clean and heavy materials to hold the edges in place. Karolina Grabowska / Pexels 4. 2. Vinegar contains acetic acid that. It falls under a certain type of materials called quaternary. Gain Ultra Concentrated Liquid Fabric Softener. You should only put liquid softener in the machine via the correct fabric softener dispenser detergent compartment for the washing machine to wash clothes correctly. Your high-tech athletic gear is made to wick sweat. Slightly more expensive than the conventional formula. Well, there are two easy solutions, and the first is vinegar. Rotate LLS into the fabric softener drawer when you wash these things in the future. Check the tag on your Nike clothing, and you will likely see: “do not use softeners. Now all my clothes stink of fabric softener, currently rewashing it with just water hoping it'll make it better. Try. Fight Underarm Odor. Dryer sheets were made for an earlier era, when. Detergent is meant to thoroughly clean fabrics by removing dirt, oils, buildup, and stains, while fabric softener is formulated to reinforce and protect the fabric during washing. Take the wet garment and hold it over a sink. Both should be hung to dry between uses. They contain optical brighteners and conditioners that actually coat fabrics to make them “whiter than white” or “snuggly soft”. Carson recommended adding 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of vinegar to each load of laundry, or you can pre-soak your towels in it. Pour the mixture into the dispenser and run a warm rinse cycle. The acid in the vinegar will unlock oils, dirt and bacteria from the fabric of your workout clothing, so your washing machine can do a better job of eliminating all the nastiness. Microfiber towels are designed to be super absorbent, but fabric softener can create a coating on the microfiber surface, reducing its ability to clean and dry effectively. Table of Contents: Like detergent, fabric softener (aka fabric conditioner) is a laundry staple that many people rely on to keep their clothes in peak condition. moisture wicking clothes and fabric softeners (Read 2193 times) Heather73. By adding the fabric softener during the rinse cycle, the product is left in the fabric to saturate and coat the wet. Liquid fabric softener or fabric conditioner is added to your washer during the rinse cycle. The best way to use fabric softener is to dissolve one tablespoon of it in 1 cup of water. 2. Also, on what clothes should you avoid using fabric softener? Microfiber Softener Should Not Be Used With Fabric Softener. Give your wool or cashmere at least 10 minutes so the fibers can soften and stretch more easily. Microfiber Towels. One DIY method uses vinegar as an alternative to store-bought fabric. Don't put any fabric softener, either, since that coats the fibres of your clothes and basically ruins the sweat-wicking powers of it. Sure, you want soft, fluffy towels, but when used on the wrong material, it can ruin the fiber's absorbency. Properly disposing of fabric softener is a crucial step in ensuring environmentally responsible waste management. Avoid using fabric softeners. Too Much Detergent or Fabric Softener. If you're using dish soap, shampoo or body wash, use your finger to rub the soap into the stain. Fabric softeners are meant to soften fabrics by coating fibers with chemicals. Citrus juice helps to break down oils from your skin that get into the fabric, leaving the clothing free. But for cotton towels, the occasional use of fabric softener is more than okay — it's encouraged! Just make sure not to use. 13 min read. Like with Like. Wool dryer balls are by far my favorite method for a good natural homemade fabric softener. Fabric softeners are also used to keep washed laundry smelling fresh and fragrant even when dried indoors. Some eco-friendly alternatives include using baking soda, homemade dryer balls, or air drying clothes outside. Add at least 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle and stop the cycle. Nice hair feel: Fabric softening ingredients have a stronger charge than many hair conditioners so they may stick to fabric to provide long-lasting softness. I fill the fabric softener dispenser with vinegar (about 1/2 a cup) and a small amount of Snuggle (about a tablespoon) Wash on the heavy cycle and dry as normal. As far as I can tell, it doesn't do anything. Pull the cover off of the chlorine bleach dispenser. Credit: Downy. The softening agents can break down wicking abilities by clogging the fabric’s pores. That's because most fabric softeners conditioners are made with waxy lipid substance that's derived from animal fat. If you’re using the incorrect amount of detergent or fabric softener, forgetting to remove clothes after the cycle, or overloading the washer, then your clothes may not be as clean as you expect. Next, pour it into the dispenser at the same time you add your detergent. Also goes on to say it can make towels somewhat less absorbent as the softener is “infused into fabrics. If you combine this property with a heat source, it can cause a fair bit of shrinking! You can use this technique in two ways. Hot water, depending on the temperature, can and will permanently ruin microfiber. Avoid using fabric. While traditional liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets should not be used when washing workout clothes, new products, like Downy's Rinse & Refresh, are good alternatives. In comparison, a detergent cleans and removes odors and stains from washable fabric items. Step 4: If no discoloration occurs, proceed with washing the garment using your bleach product. Fabric softener and detergent can build up, block filters and harbor bacteria. A softener can’t be used to clean. ”. Choose cold water and the gentle cycle. The vinegar helps remove residue and excess soap from your laundry, which can leave your clothes feeling clean and soft. Here are steps to clean fabric softener out of bleach dispenser. 2. Because static in the dryer is caused by too many loose electrons giving clothing atoms a negative charge, all dryer sheets have to do is balance the electrons with ions, particles with a positive charge. Most softeners recommend you shake the bottle. Try to avoid products that include ingredients you've had a reaction. Fully submerge your clothes in the mixture and leave to soak. Fabric softener's main ingredient is a highly processed fat. Fabric softener can damage certain materials which include wool fabric, workout clothes, and swimwear. Instead of using fabric softener, use dryer balls. Use stickers or labels to. Avoid fabric softener. Submerge your clothes in the Borax or vinegar mixture. Cons. According to Scientific American , some of those chemicals include the carcinogens benzyl acetate, chloroform, and limonene; benzyl alcohol, a respiratory tract. Noticing these blue stains on your laundry is an indicator that the detergent drawer or fabric softener drawer in your washing machine is being overfilled. “Hands down, the worst thing you can do is use the dryer,” says Salardino. Even though you get softer feeling results when using a fabric softener, here are 3 articles that you do not want to use either dryer sheets or fabric softener: Workout clothing: Fabric softeners block the fibers that release sweat and. This is true . It's okay if other Lululemon/athletic wear is in the wash with the vinegar - it will help to get rid of any buildup like the fabric softener. In addition, fabric softeners can also leave a residue on workout clothes, which can lead to a build-up of bacteria and unpleasant odors over time. 3. What the current research says. Over time, the colors will completely disappear. I recommend using this only when it's needed on workout clothes, athletic clothing, work clothes, smelly sweat socks, Barn chore clothes, etc. White vinegar is a miracle ingredient that takes the stink and grime out of basically anything, including your workout clothes. Use 4-6 wool dryer balls for softening, static reduction, and reducing drying time. The short answer to this question is no, fabric conditioner is not an ideal replacement option when you have run out of detergent. Active Detergent recommends putting your clothing in the water and letting it soak for at least 30 minutes. If you’re washing by hand, you can still use fabric conditioner at the end of the washing process.