Use these hand-washing tips for sweaters, lingerie, and other delicate apparel to prolong the life of those precious pieces in your closet. Most washing machines provide a delicate option when it comes time to do laundry, but sometimes doing it by hand gives the greatest results. If you need clarification about how to hand-wash clothes, we are here to help you.
Certain exotic textiles need special handling. Hand washing is the most effective way to preserve the color and shape of delicate items like silk blouses, wool sweaters, and lingerie. But which products are best and for how long should you soak an item?
Below, we’ve gathered step-by-step directions for you on how to hand-wash clothes the best way possible.
How to Hand-Wash Clothes:
Not every piece of clothes fits in your washing machine. These easy step-by-step instructions for hand washing clothes can be used for delicate goods or clothing labels that indicate “hand wash.”
Step 1: Read the label.
Always look for directions on the care label. If the hand wash symbol—which shows a hand in a tub of water—is present on your clothing, wash it by hand according to the directions provided below. A label indicating “dry-clean only” should be ignored when washing at home. if the label only states “dry-clean,” you may consider giving it a hand wash. Ensure the fabric is colorfast by checking a tiny, discrete piece of the garment before hand-washing it.
Step 2: Add water to a bathtub.
The care label recommends filling a small tub or sink with water at a specific temperature. If there isn’t a care label, use cool to lukewarm water. Add a teaspoon or so of detergent. In case you are hand-washing a large item or several items, you might need some additional detergent.
Step 3: Let the item soak in the water.
Let the clothing soak in soapy water. Rub the item gently through the water with soap. Avoid motions like scraping or twisting that could rip or tear the cloth. Wash the clothing gently in the soapy water until it is clean. Tools for hand washing garments are also available, although they are only essential if you routinely wash your clothes by hand.
Step 4: Rinse and repeat
After emptying the sink or tub, fill it back up with cold water to rinse. Till all of the soap is gone, move the clothing up and down in the water. Smell the clothing to make sure it is odor-free. If needed, repeat the procedure with clean water.
How to Dry Hand-Washed Clothing
Once you’ve finished washing your clothes by hand, you’ll need to line-dry your clothing. Use our experts’ tips for success.
1) Squeeze out excess water and avoid twisting or wringing to prevent fabric damage.
2) Lay the garment on a clean, dry white bath towel, patting it into shape and rolling it to encourage water absorption. Repeat with another towel if the first one becomes saturated.
3) Allow the clothes to air dry according to the garment’s label directions. If no care label exists, lay the garment on a clean, dry white towel spread over a moisture-resistant surface. Flip the garment over periodically and replace the damp towel as needed.
4) Air-dry delicate pieces on a drying rack. Check the care label for the appropriate ironing temperature and always press gently. If no care label exists, test in an extra area before pressing. Hang or fold clothing as soon as possible to avoid wrinkles.
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