Cleaning of hard surfaces, washing up pots, pans and cutlery by hand or with a machine.

The removal of grease and dirt with soaps, detergent powders and liquids. Stain removal by treatment of the whole garment or just the stained area with solvents, bleaches and enzymes.

This is a short guide explaining the use of a washing machine in a school and is a response to a number of helpline queries regarding the laundering of textiles in a school.

Clothes-washing detergents are designed to link grease and particulate dirt to water. They may also contain phosphates, enzymes and bleaches such as sodium perborate.