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How to Use Laundry Products at La Benanderie (Practical Guide)

Using laundry products properly can improve your final results, help protect fabrics, and help you get the most out of every wash at La Benanderie.

Detergent, fabric softener, bleach, colour catcher sheets, scented beads, and dryer sheets do not all serve the same purpose. This guide explains what each one does, when to use it, and where it should go to help avoid common mistakes.


Why proper product use matters

The right product, used at the right time and in the right place, can make a real difference. On the other hand, a product used incorrectly can leave residue, reduce wash performance, or interfere with rinsing.

  • better cleaning
  • better rinsing
  • better freshness
  • less residue on fabrics
  • fewer machine-use mistakes

💡 At La Benanderie, using products properly also helps improve your overall experience, especially in large-capacity washers.


Detergent: the main cleaning product

Detergent is designed to help lift dirt, oils, odours, and residue from fabrics. It is the main product used to clean clothing, bedding, and bulky items.

At La Benanderie, the way you add detergent depends on what type you are using:

  • Liquid detergent: add it to the detergent compartment after closing the washer door
  • Powder detergent: place it directly in the drum with the load before closing the door
  • Pods: place them directly in the drum with the load before closing the door

💡 Using too much detergent does not necessarily improve cleaning. Excess detergent can leave more residue behind and make rinsing less effective.


Fabric softener: for softness and feel

Liquid fabric softener is mainly used to improve the feel of fabrics after washing. It is often used to make certain items feel softer and more comfortable.

At La Benanderie, liquid fabric softener should be added to the fabric softener compartment.

💡 Fabric softener should not be mixed directly with detergent. Each product should go in the correct compartment so it can work at the right stage of the cycle.


Bleach: use with caution

Bleach can be useful for some white loads or specific cleaning needs, but it should always be used carefully. It is not suitable for every fabric and can damage colours or certain materials if used incorrectly.

Before using bleach, always check the manufacturer’s care label to confirm that the item can handle it.

💡 When in doubt, it is safer to avoid bleach on coloured, delicate, or unfamiliar fabrics.


Colour catcher sheets: for mixed loads

Colour catcher sheets help reduce dye transfer in the wash water. They are especially useful when washing multiple colours together or when you are washing multicoloured items.

  • multicoloured comforters
  • reversible comforters
  • light and dark items together
  • newer or heavily coloured items

At La Benanderie, our recommendations are adapted to our large-capacity washers. The larger the load, the more sensible it becomes to use multiple sheets.

👉 Learn more about colour catcher sheets


Scented beads: for long-lasting freshness

Scented beads are mainly used to give fabrics a stronger and longer-lasting fresh scent after washing. They are often used as an enhancer, especially for bedding, towels, and other items you want to keep smelling fresh for longer.

At La Benanderie, scented beads should be placed directly in the drum at the beginning of the wash cycle.

💡 They do not go in a compartment. They should be placed in the washer with the load from the start.


Dryer sheets: for the drying stage

Dryer sheets are used during drying, not during the wash. They can help lightly scent fabrics and improve the feel of certain items after drying.

Once the cycle is finished, it is important to throw used dryer sheets in the trash instead of leaving them in the dryer or on the floor.

💡 This is a simple step that helps keep La Benanderie clean and supports a more responsible, eco-conscious approach.


Thinking about more eco-friendly choices

If you want to take a more eco-friendly approach, you can focus on:

  • using more concentrated products in moderate amounts
  • sorting loads well to avoid rewashing
  • using dryer sheets in moderation
  • cleaning up product waste after use

💡 A more responsible laundry routine is not only about which product you choose, but also how you use the machine, the products, and the space around you.


Products available on site at La Benanderie

At La Benanderie, several products are available on site to help you wash better, rinse better, protect fabrics, and improve your final results.

Whether you need colour catcher sheets, scented beads, or another laundry add-on, the goal is always the same: to help you get more out of your visit.


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