Buzz
Avoid excessive scrubbing when washing by hand—a soft kneading motion is all that's necessary.
Hemera/ThinkstockKey Points to Remember
- Hand-washing is vital for delicate and high-value clothing items that may get damaged in a washing machine.
- Important advice includes using a clean basin, cool to lukewarm water, and gentle detergent formulated for hand-washing or delicate fabrics.
- Gentle agitation and a thorough rinse are key. Lay garments flat to dry to preserve their shape.
Today, the term "washboard" often refers to someone's well-defined abs. But before the 1900s, hand-washing laundry—whether with a washboard or not—was the only method available. It's no wonder that Monday was dreaded as laundry day, and people did their best to wash as little as possible. Thankfully, modern washing machines have made laundry day much easier, though some garments still require manual washing.
Delicate and often pricey garments are typically the ones that require hand-washing—sometimes indicated on the care label, other times it's just a personal decision to avoid machine washing. Before diving in, let's go over some essential dos and don'ts:
- Trust the Difference: Hand-washing and even machine washing on a gentle cycle are not the same. The gentle cycle's agitation can still stretch, snag, or damage fabrics. While a front-load machine causes less agitation, hand-washing remains distinct from the delicate cycle.
- Check the Labels: When the label says "dry clean only," proceed carefully. This may signal that water could ruin the fabric or that agitation is harmful. If you choose to hand-wash, you're taking a risk, especially with valuable or irreplaceable items. Weigh the risks before proceeding.
- Know Your Fabrics: Fabrics like solid-colored garments, cashmere, some silks, and woolens are generally good candidates for hand-washing. However, fabrics such as velvet or taffeta are better left to the dry cleaner. Dupioni silk, made from two different types of silkworms, shrinks and loses its crispness and sheen when washed.
- Don't Overload: While hand-washing is a great solution when traveling, it's not ideal for heavy items like towels or jeans. Hand-washing such items will use more water than a machine would. Stick to smaller items or delicate pieces like undergarments.
How to Hand-wash Clothes
Assuming your garment is safe for hand-washing, here’s how to do it:
- Start with a clean sink: Make sure to clean the sink before you begin—it's a simple yet essential step.
- Check the water temperature: Aim for cool to lukewarm water. Steve Boorstein, host of "The Clothing Doctor" radio show, suggests a temperature around 85°F (29°C) or "just warm to the touch" at RealSimple.com. Hot water works well for stains but can cause colors to bleed.
- Use a mild detergent: Opt for a detergent specifically designed for hand-washing or delicates. These soaps rinse out more easily and don’t require hot water to be effective. Follow the instructions on the bottle for the right amount to use.
- Gently agitate: After adding the clothes, keeping similar fabrics and colors together, gently swish them around for 2 to 5 minutes. Most dirt comes out within the first few minutes of soaking, so avoid harsh motions. Think of it like kneading dough—gentle and light.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinsing requires multiple cycles, and it's often the hardest part. Drain the water, refill, rinse again, and repeat until the soap is completely gone. Some people recommend adding a quarter cup of distilled vinegar to the rinse water, which helps break down soap residues. Just make sure to rinse the vinegar out thoroughly so you don’t end up smelling like a salad dressing.
- Dry flat: Gently press out the excess water without wringing or twisting. Lay the garment on a towel and roll it up to squeeze out more water. Once done, lay it flat on a drying rack or towel to dry. Avoid using hangers, as they can stretch out the shape of the fabric.
If the label says "Dry Clean Only," it's best to avoid washing it yourself. However, if it just says "Dry Clean," washing might be an option—it just means dry cleaning is recommended. Be sure to test for color fastness, and if there are embellishments like sequins, check that they are sewn on, not glued.
