Handwashing is the gentlest method for cleaning and maintaining all types of clothing, particularly delicate fabrics labeled as "hand wash only" or "dry-clean" on care labels. Items like lingerie, delicate fabrics, wool, cashmere, and lace often fall into this category. Handwashing effectively protects garments with straps, such as bras and swimsuits, as well as stretchy fabrics like activewear and loungewear. It is also ideal for clothing with intricate details, such as embroidery and embellishments.

Instructions to hand wash clothes

Fill a sink or basin with cool water before hand wash your clothes.

If you have a sufficiently large sink, you can use it to soak your items. Alternatively, consider using your bathtub for longer garments, such as maxi dresses, rompers, or large linen sheets and duvet covers. If your sink is too small for these larger items, a freestanding washbasin can be a practical solution, as it can easily be stored away when not needed. Remember that some detergents may not be safe for food preparation areas, so if you decide to use your kitchen sink, be sure to clean and sanitize the surfaces afterward.

Turn your clothes that need to hand wash clothes inside out and sort them by color

If you haven’t presoak your garments yet, this is the perfect time to separate them into groups of similar or matching colors. Next, be sure to turn each piece inside out. According to Whiting, every item is unique, so you might need to adjust your method based on the fabric you’re washing. For instance, the washing techniques for wool and cashmere differ from those for lighter materials like silk. However, Boyd and Whiting have created a straightforward process for hand washing nearly any clothing item in your wardrobe, starting with the step of "turning it inside out," as Whiting suggests.

Wash your clothes by hand

Next, rinse your clothes under cool water until the rinse water runs clear and is no longer soapy. Avoid wringing out the fabric, as this can damage delicate details and cause wrinkles. Instead, gently press the water out by squeezing the item between your hands or against the side of the wash basin or sink. If you see some color or dye in the water, don't be alarmed. "This is normal; it's just the fabric or yarn releasing some color. You won't see any significant loss of color in the final result," Boyd explains.

Lay out to dry after hand wash clothes

Once you've removed as much water as possible from your garment, lay it flat in its natural shape on a hard surface or a drying rack to prevent stretching. If you decide to hang the item on a hanger, make sure to position the neckline correctly to avoid distortion, Whiting advises.

Other Cleaning Clothes Articles for You:

👉 How to get ink stains out of clothes