Modern laundry staff yes it’s pretty easy: dirty clothes, towels and bed linen in the washing machine and came out clean, job done. But knowing how to wash clothes by hand is more helpful than you think.
Sometimes access to the washing machine is limited – when traveling, for example – and certain types of clothing benefit from hand washing because they are so fragile. Underwear, embellished sweater and Expensive workout clothes All items will look better and last longer if they are hand washed, not machine washed. And then there are times when you just can’t manage the full load of laundry but you really, really want to wear favorite sports bra to tomorrow’s spinning class! Hand washing has many uses and the task is easier than you think.
To understand when, why and how to hand wash a piece of clothing, we spoke with Wayne Edelman, founder and president of Garment Care Meuricewho shared his extensive knowledge of fabric care.
How to wash clothes by hand
Washing clothes by hand is surprisingly simple and easy. Edelman explains the six-step process for washing your clothes at home.
- Step 1: Fill a basin with cool water, make sure there is enough water to cover the clothes and move through it.
- Step 2: Add Detergents. In the absence of detergents such as Soak wash, one capful is enough; If regular detergent is used, Edelman says, “Add just enough detergent to create a slippery feel for water and some stains. When you use too much detergent, you will have to rinse too much to remove the soap.”
- Step 3: Use your hands to stir the clothes.
- Step 4: If using regular detergent, rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent.
- Step 5: Take the clothes out of the water, support the weight of the shirt on the sleeve so that the shirt does not stretch. Gently squeeze out the water, but do not squeeze; Twisting or twisting can damage the fibers and distort the shape of the garment. Then, roll the item in a dry, jelly-roll style towel and wring to remove the water.
- Step 6: Spread or hang the clothes to dry. Clothing such as sweaters should always be hung flat rather than dry (hanging a wet sweater will stretch and swell), while clothing like gym shorts or yoga pants can be hung for drip dry. Avoid drying wet clothes on wooden furniture or floors, or on metal radiators to dry, as it can cause damage to both the clothes and the surfaces.
What to hand wash (and what to skip)
Almost everything can be washed by hand – after all, until 1851, when the modern washing machine was invented, everything was washed by hand! But some items of clothing allow for better hand washing than others. If you’re looking to give hand washing a try (literally), the workout gear is a good place to start because it’s lightweight and quick-drying.
Here are some garments that are good candidates for hand washing:
- Underwear and knitwear
- Activewear like sweatshirts, yoga pants, and sports bras
- Sweater
- Nice clothes
- Clothes have new stains
There are also items that are not good to wash by hand. “Clothing items like blankets and sheets are difficult to hand wash, and heavier outerwear is also difficult to wash,” says Edelman. While bulky items can certainly be washed by hand, for towels, sweatshirts, trousers, jeans, and other bulky items, it’s best to use the machine wash or professional wash method. Karma.
Products that make hand washing easy
You don’t need any fancy equipment to wash your clothes by hand – water, detergent and a towel are all you need! – but there are products that can make the job easier and more efficient.
Hand washing can be done in the kitchen, bathroom, or utility sink or bathtub. But if those options aren’t available or convenient, a wash basin works just as well. Sinks come in a variety of styles, but one has a drain plug on the bottom that makes cleanup very easy.
Regular laundry detergent can be used to hand wash any type of clothing, but a specialized detergent like Soak Wash can be great if you hand wash frequently. The rinse-free, soak-in formula is our top choice when it comes to hand sanitizer because of its ease of use.
Le Blanc Silk & Lingerie Wash
Specialty cleaners make a great gift because they are items we don’t normally use on our own. If you’re looking for a delicate cleaner at a great value to gift a knitter or a fashionista, Le Blanc’s Silk and Underwear Laundry Detergent is a wonderfully fragranced cleaner. luxurious.
After washing, it can be helpful to roll the sweater in a towel to push the water out without wringing or twisting the garment, which can cause the fibers to stretch or break. Using a quick-drying super absorbent towel for work is ideal – they’re also a smart choice to use when washing hands while traveling.
When choosing a multi-function drying rack, look for models with ample space to dry flat like the Honey-Can-Do propeller mount.
Regardless of whether you are washing by machine or by hand, sweaters should always dry flat; Hanging a wet sweater will cause it to stretch and swell. A flat mesh drying rack is ideal for sweaters because it allows air to circulate evenly even when the sweater is flat.
Annaklin Plastic Washer Clip and Drip Dryer Hanger
Small items like socks and underwear can slip through the legs of a traditional drying rack. Clip-on clothes hangers solve that problem.
If your home lacks floor or storage space, a wall-mounted clothes rack will give you plenty of space to air dry clothes without taking up space that you don’t have much to spare.
