Laundry
Laundry is a necessary task that everyone has to tackle at some point. However, while the basics of washing clothes may be the same worldwide, there are some differences in how laundry is done in Europe compared to other parts of the world.
Here are a few things to know about laundry in Germany:
Washing machines are common: In Germany, it is very common for households to have a washing machine.
Drying clothes is different: In many parts of Germany, it is common to dry clothes on a clothesline or drying rack rather than using a dryer. This is often due to the cost of electricity and the desire to save energy. However, if you have a dryer, it will likely be a condensation dryer; more on this below.
Laundry care symbols must be used on all clothing sold in Europe.
Overall, doing laundry in Germany is not much different than in other parts of Europe. Just be prepared to hang your clothes up to dry and pay attention to the care instructions on clothing labels. Happy laundering!
Clothing Care Symbols
Laundry symbols instruct how to care for clothing and other household items. These symbols can be found on labels attached to the item and provide information on how to wash, dry, and iron the item.
By following these symbols, you can ensure that your clothes and other household items are properly cared for and stay in good condition.
Washing Care Symbols
Wash using a normal cycle.
Maximum water temperature in celsius at which the item can be washed.
Wash cycle should have a reduced temperature rinse and reduced spin cycle.
Use gentle cycle for items of clothing that could be damaged by a vigorous washing.
Wash garment in a sink or small tub, using a mild detergent.
Item needs to be dry cleaned.
Bleaching Care Symbols
Bleach may be used when needed.
Use only non-chlorine bleaches. (i.e. Bleach for colors)
Item should not be bleached.
Drying Care Symbols
Tumble dry on normal cycle.
Tumble dry on lowest heat.
Tumble dry on medium heat.
Tumble dry on high heat.
Do not tumble dry, air dry only.
Ironing Care Symbols
Item may be ironed.
Iron on lowest possible heat. Maximum 110ºC
Iron using medium heat. Maximum 150ºC
Iron using high heat. Maximum 200ºC
Do not iron item.
Dry Cleaning Care Symbols
Item must be professionally cleaned.
Dry clean only with PCE (Perchloroethylene).
Gentle dry clean only with PCE (Perchloroethylene).
Item should be professionally cleaned using the wet method.
Item should be professionally cleaned gently using wet method.
Item should be professionally cleaned very gently using the wet method.
Item should be professionally cleaned using the dry method.
Item should be professionally cleaned using a petroleum solvent.
Item should be professionally cleaned gently using a petroleum solvent.
Item should not be dry cleaned.
Washing Machines
One significant difference is the type of washing machine most popular in each country. In Germany, front-loading washing machines are the most common type, while top-loading washing machines are more prevalent in the United States. Front-loading washing machines are known for their high performance, low energy consumption, and gentle wash cycles, making them ideal for caring for delicate fabrics.
You may find you are a little confused by the care symbols and wash cycles. While these symbols and cycles are designed to help you properly care for your clothes and household items, they can be intimidating if you are unfamiliar with them.
But don't worry – with our helpful guide below, you can become a pro at understanding and using German washing machine symbols and care cycles.
Detergent Drawer Dispensing Compartments
1
3
2
1
2
3
Main Wash: Powder or Liquid Detergent
Fabric Softener
Prewash: Bleach or Stain Removing Agents
Do not use American-made laundry detergent in a washing machine manufactured in Europe. American detergent is formulated for high-efficiency washers using less water. American detergent may cause excess suds, damaging the electronic components in the washer.
Water Temperature Conversion
Celsius
30
40
60
90
Fahrenheit
86
104
140
194
Common Washing Machine Symbols
Off
Rinse Plus Additional rinse cycle with more water for areas with very soft water
Fast/Mix/Mixed Laundry Fast washing, mixed textiles
Rotations per Minute Spin Speed
Pre-wash Pre-wash cycle at a low temperature before the main wash cycle
Energy-Optimization Saves energy with the same washing outcome
Finished In Indicates the cycle time remaining
To Pump Out Drains all water out before moving the machine or after cycle stopped during the rinse phase (set spin rotation to "0")
Cold Uses only cold water
Anti-Crease/Light Ironing Reduces wrinkles Uses only cold water
Synthetics or Max Load Clothing made of synthetic fibers or cotton/synthetic blend
Start/Pause Pauses the cycle to add more clothing and resumes (starts) the cycle.
Decalcifying Your Washing Machine
It is best to decalcify your washing machine every three to six months.
Decalcifying your washing machine is easy using common household products or commercial descaler (Maschine Entklaker).
Set the water temperature to at least 60˚C with either method.
How to Decalcify with White Vinegar and Baking Soda
1. Spray the washer drum with white vinegar. Wipe the drum with a microfiber cloth.
2. Wipe around the rubber gaskets on the door.
3. Pour two cups of distilled White Vinegar into the detergent dispenser.
4. Set the washer on the longest cycle at its hottest temperature.
5. Add 1/2 cup baking soda directly into the drum. Rerun the washing machine.
6. Leave the door open to allow the machine to dry.
Translations
English
Bleach
Fabric Softener
Laundry Detergent
Washing Machine
German
Bleichmittel
Weichspüler
Waschmittel
Waschmaschine
*Text coloring indicates the article's gender
der/die/das/die
An excellent resource for user manuals in English can be found here.
User Manuals in English
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Dryers
In Europe, ventless condenser (condensation) dryers are more common than the large vented dryers used in the United States. This is because condenser dryers are smaller, do not need special ventilation, and are more energy-efficient. However, condenser dryers do not get as hot and may take longer to dry clothing. Therefore, it is more common in Germany to air dry your clothing.
Nevertheless, if you have a dryer, the
symbols, and cycles, can be intimidating if you are unfamiliar with them. Don't worry! Stuttgart FAQ will help you navigate the ins and outs of your German dryer.
Air Drying Clothing
Air drying your clothing is a simple and eco-friendly way to dry your laundry. Not only does it save energy and money on your energy bill, but it also helps extend the life of your clothing by avoiding the heat and tumbling of a dryer.
You'll need a clothesline or drying rack to air dry your clothing. If you don't have an outdoor space or access to a clothesline, you can also use indoor drying racks or hang your clothes on hangers and place them near a window or other airy spot.
When hanging your clothes to air dry, it's important to avoid overcrowding the clothesline or drying rack. This will allow proper airflow and help your clothes dry faster. Separating your clothes by weight and fabric type is also a good idea, as some materials will dry more quickly than others. For example, cotton and linen tend to dry faster than synthetic materials like polyester.
To get the most out of air drying your clothing, try to hang your clothes in a sunny spot. The natural heat and UV rays from the sun can help speed up the drying process and leave your clothes with a fresh, outdoor scent.
Air drying your clothes is a simple and eco-friendly way to do your laundry. It's a great alternative to using a dryer and can help extend the life of your clothing.
How Do Condensation Dryers Work?
Credit: BSH Home Appliances Connection & Reviewed.com
1. Ambient (cool) air enters the dryer.
2. Ambient air enters the heat exchanger and is heated.
3. Ambient air (warm and dry) exits the heat exchanger.
4. Process (heated) air enters the drum to absorb moisture and dry load.
5. Process (wet) enters the heat exchanger, is cooled releasing moisture.
6. Process air (dry) exits the heat exchanger.
7. Process air enters the heater and is heated up.
Drain. Water is collected and pumped to the drain.
Common Dryer Symbols
Dryer Settings & Programs
Cotton Cotton laundry, bed linen, towels, & underwear
Synthetics Clothing made of synthetic fibers or cotton/synthetic blend
Mixed Fibers Cotton, linen, & mixed fibers
Silk Silk Items
Wool Wool items including hand-wash wool items
Duvet/Blanket Duvets, comforters & blankets
Indicator Lamps
Water Tank
Needs Emptied
Bottom Filter
Needs Cleaned
Water Tank
Needs Emptied
Lint Trap
Needs Emptied
Translations
English
Condenser Dryer
Drying Rack
Dryer
Dryer Sheet
Iron
Ironing Board
German
Kondenstrockner
Trockenständer
Wäschetrockner
Trocknertuch
Bügeleisen
Bügelbrett
*Text coloring indicates the article's gender
der/die/das/die
Our website is supported by our users. This site contains links to an affiliate website. We receive a small affiliate commission for any purchases you make on the affiliate website using such links.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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