What is the prewash for ~ faeces or mud?

[smarko]

I don’t need to clean engine oil, thick mud or anything like that so I’ve never used the prewash on any of my washing machines.

For one reason or another I was having to wash more and more undergarments soiled with faeces. Not very soiled but enough to notice they were definitely unsavoury.

I’d been using a ordinary wash programme for these undergarments. However the garments couldn’t take more than 40 degrees so I was having to split the washload and wash these soiled undergarments separately from tea towels, flannels, etc. Bit of a chore because the machine loads I have are quite small and I was washing two loads wen one would have done it.

It struck me that the prewash setting was probably useful for undergarments. Not for shifting a lot of bulk soils but because it removed the germs.

It made me think the prewash in an average home might have been designed all along mainly for soiled undergarments and I hadn’t much thought about it.

So what was the prewash designed for? Is it for germs or for dirt & mud? (It’s a serious question.)

Thanks.

Smarko

[Penguin45]

Re: What is the prewash for ~ faeces or mud?

You have partly answered you own question. It is to deal with extra soil. Older machine would run the pre-wash prior to the boil programme. Modern digital machines may have pre-wash as a selectable option.

Basically, it will “soften up” heavy soiling ready for the main wash programme – hence, loading powder into both slots in the soap drawer.

Penguin45.

[iadom]

Re: What is the prewash for ~ faeces or mud?

You need to check your machine user manual carefully.

Some older machines allowed you do do a prewash only then manually select the wash programme you desire. On many of these machines the ‘auto prewash’ is usually always followed by a 90/95° wash.

[StepByStep]

Re: What is the prewash for ~ faeces or mud?

Use “Vanish” Stain Remover, it’s excellent for any stains. The type like a bar of soap is very easy to use. Then you can just add the clothes in along with all your other items and wash as regular.

Anyone with kids has been there…

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