Chemistry in your cupboard

Application Methods

The way Vanish products are applied changes according to product type. We can divide the product range basically into three categories:

• Products which are intended to be used during the wash in a washing machine: these are normally in the form of powders. A scoop of product is added in the washing machine drawer together with the usual detergent. Some products can be added directly in the washing machine drum: an example for this is the Vanish dye magnet. In this case the product is contained in a sachet that slowly delivers the active ingredients during the wash.
• Products that can be used in the wash and as pre-treaters: these are usually liquid formulations. The liquid can be added in the washing machine drawer, together with the detergent. Usually liquid products are supplied with a dosing cup or other device to allow them to be put in the drum. Clearly, in this case, the active ingredients are considerably diluted by the washing water.
• Products that can be used as pretreaters: To pretreat a stain, the liquid is usually poured directly on the stain. In this case there is no dilution of the active ingredients, and this will enhance the performance of the product. Products that are intended to be used as pretreaters only are usually applied using trigger sprays, aerosols or soap bars to apply the product directly to the stain before the wash.

Figure 18: Part of the Vanish range of products showing different methods of application