Bring your own detergent, or buy it here:
You are free to bring your own detergent — liquid or capsules — or to use the dispensers found in most laundrettes, which deliver doses of detergent and fabric softener. Liquid detergent or capsules are the most practical in a laundrette: they dissolve quickly, even on short, low-temperature cycles.
For large machines and heavily soiled laundry, allow slightly more product than for a home wash, but without excess: too much foam rinses badly and leaves the laundry rough.
The right dose, neither too much nor too little:
Overdosing is the most common mistake. Too much detergent creates a lot of foam, rinses badly and can leave white marks or a sticky feel on the laundry. Too little, on the other hand, simply does not clean. Follow the instructions on the detergent, bearing in mind the large capacity of the machine and the hardness of the water.
Fabric softener is optional: it softens and perfumes, but it is not recommended on towelling (which it makes less absorbent), on technical fabrics (sportswear, microfibre) or on feather duvets.
Where to pour the products:
On front-loading laundrette machines, detergent goes in depending on the model: either straight into the drum, on top of the laundry, before closing the door, or into the sliding drawer (wash compartment for detergent, the compartment marked with a flower for softener). If in doubt, instructions are displayed, and the drum is always a safe bet for liquid detergent.
Add the products before starting the cycle at the terminal. Once the machine has started and the door is locked, nothing more can be added: better to get the dose right from the start.