Glossary

Agitator

A mechanism in a washing machine that moves clothes around to help clean them.

Bleach

A chemical used to whiten or disinfect fabrics. It can be chlorine-based or oxygen-based.

Bleach pen

A product similar to a marker that can be used to apply bleach to specific stains or areas of fabric.

Clothesline

A rope or wire used to hang clothes to dry.

Clothespin

A wooden or plastic clip used to secure clothes to a clothesline for drying.

Colourfastness

The ability of a fabric or garment to retain its colour when exposed to water, detergent, and other cleaning agents.

Delicate cycle

A wash cycle with gentle agitation and shorter spin cycles, designed for delicate fabrics that may be easily damaged.

Delicates

Clothing items made from delicate fabrics that require gentle washing and care.

Detergent

A cleaning agent used to remove dirt, stains, and odours from fabrics.

Drip dry

The process of hanging clothes to dry without wringing them out.

Dry cleaning

A process of cleaning clothing or other fabrics using a chemical solvent instead of water.

Dryer

A machine used to dry clothes.

Dryer balls

Balls made of wool or other materials that are placed in the dryer to help fluff and soften clothes while reducing drying time.

Dryer sheets

Small sheets of fabric coated with fabric softener that are added to the dryer to reduce static cling and soften fabrics.

Drying rack

A rack used to air-dry clothes, often made of plastic or metal with several rungs or hooks to hang garments.

Fabric care label

A label attached to clothing that provides instructions on how to properly care for the fabric.

Fabric care symbols

A set of standardised symbols on clothing tags indicating proper care instructions, including washing, drying, ironing, and dry cleaning.

Fabric conditioner

A liquid added to the rinse cycle of a wash to soften fabrics and reduce static cling.

Fabric dye

A product used to change the color of fabric, often used for tie-dye or other DIY projects.

Fabric glue

A type of adhesive used to repair tears or holes in fabric.

Fabric protector

A spray used to protect fabric from stains and spills.

Fabric refresher

A spray used to eliminate odours on fabrics between washes often used on upholstery or bedding.

Fabric softener

A liquid or dryer sheet added to the wash cycle to soften fabrics and reduce static.

Fabric spray starch

A spray used to stiffen fabrics, often used on dress shirts or other crisp garments.

Fabric type

The material that clothes are made from.

Fabric weight

The weight of the fabric used to make clothing, which can affect how it feels and drapes.

Front-loader

A type of washing machine that loads clothes through a door on the front of the machine.

Garment bag

A bag used to protect delicate clothes during washing and drying.

Hanger

An instrument used to hang clothes in a closet.

High-efficiency

A type of washing machine that uses less water and energy than traditional models.

Iron

A tool used to remove wrinkles and creases from fabrics.

Ironing

The process of using an iron to remove wrinkles from clothes, often done after they have been washed and dried.

Ironing Board

A padded board used for ironing clothes. It is usually covered with a heat-resistant fabric.

Laundry bag

A bag used to hold dirty clothes or delicate items during washing to prevent damage or tangling.

Laundry basket

A container used to transport dirty laundry to the washing machine.

Laundry detergent

A cleaning agent used to wash clothes.

Laundry detergent pods

A pre-measured capsule containing laundry detergent that can be tossed directly into the washing machine with the clothes.

Laundry hamper

A container used to hold dirty clothes before they are washed.

Laundry room

A room dedicated to washing and drying clothes.

Lingerie bag

A bag used to protect delicate lingerie during washing and drying.

Lint

Small fibres that come off fabrics during washing and drying.

Lint trap

A filter in a dryer that collects lint.

Load Size

The amount of laundry that can be washed in a single cycle. The load size is usually determined by the size of the washing machine.

Mending

The process of repairing holes or tears in clothes.

Mesh bag

A bag made of mesh or netting used to hold delicate or small items during the washing process to prevent damage or loss.

Permanent press

A setting on a washing machine or dryer that reduces wrinkles in clothes.

Pre-treatment

The process of treating stains or heavily soiled areas of fabric prior to washing to improve the effectiveness of the wash.

Pressing

The process of using heat and pressure to smooth out wrinkles and creases in clothing, typically done with a steam iron or press.

Pressing cloth

A piece of fabric used to protect delicate fabrics from heat and prevent ironing marks.

Rinse cycle

A cycle in a washing machine that uses water to rinse clothes.

Rotary iron

A machine that presses large linens or clothing items, often used in hotels or commercial laundry facilities.

Scent booster

A product used to add scent to clothes during the washing and drying process.

Soak

A pre-wash treatment in which clothes are left to soak in water and detergent before washing to remove stubborn stains.

Soak cycle

A wash cycle that allows clothes to soak in water and detergent before the wash cycle begins to help remove stains and heavily soiled areas.

Sorting

The process of separating clothes by color, fabric type, and washing instructions.

Spin cycle

The final cycle in a washing machine that removes excess water from fabrics.

Spot cleaning

The process of cleaning a small area of a garment or fabric without washing the entire item.

Spot treatment

A technique used to treat stains directly with a cleaning solution before washing.

Stain

A discolouration on fabric caused by a substance such as food, dirt, or ink.

Stain Remover

A product designed to remove specific stains, such as grass stains, oil stains, or ink stains.

Starch

A solution applied to clothes to make them stiffer and more wrinkle-resistant.

Static cling

The phenomenon of clothes sticking together during the drying process.

Steam cleaning

A process of using hot steam to clean and sanitise fabrics often used on upholstery or carpets.

Steam cycle

A cycle in a dryer that uses steam to remove wrinkles from clothes.

Suds

The bubbles and foam created when laundry detergent mixes with water.

Top-loader

A type of washing machine that loads clothes through a door on the top of the machine.

Tumble dry

A drying cycle in which clothes are dried in a machine while tumbling.

Wash cycle

The cycle in a washing machine that uses detergent and water to clean fabrics.

Washboard

A tool used for hand-washing clothes, consisting of a corrugated board with ridges to agitate and scrub fabrics.

Washing machine

A machine used to wash clothes.

Water temperature

The temperature of the water used to wash clothes, which can range from cold to hot and affects how well the clothes are cleaned.

Wool

A natural fibre commonly used in clothing that requires gentle care during washing and drying.

Wool cycle

A setting on a washing machine or dryer that is designed for wool fabrics.

Wringer

A machine used to wring excess water out of clothes.

Wrinkle Release

A product that reduces wrinkles in fabric without the need for ironing. It is typically used by spraying the fabric and then smoothing it out.

Wrinkle release spray

A spray used to remove wrinkles from fabrics without ironing.

Yellowing

The process of white clothing turning yellow due to age, exposure to sunlight, or improper storage.

Zipper

A fastener used on clothing and accessories that can become damaged or snagged during washing and drying.