How to Hand-Wash Clothes: A Step-by-Step Guide 2024

If you don't have enough laundry for a full load, hand washing is an excellent option. It isn't reserved for delicate only, you can opt for most types of clothing. Whether you want to be hand-washing a bra, underwear or a sweater, always check your garment's care instructions before getting started. The key to maintaining the good condition of your clothes and preventing them from permanent damage is hand-washing.
You can see the fabric tag to get to know about the temperature and suitable laundry products. If the label tag says "dry-clean only," avoid washing it at home and search for the best dry cleaners. In this article, we will share a step-by-step method about how to hand-wash your clothes.

What You Will Need

See the material and tools you need to start washing your clothes by hand.

• A large sink or plastic tub
• Soft-bristled nylon brush
• Drying rack or automatic dryer
• Absorbent towels (1 or 2)
• Laundry detergent
• Enzyme-based stain remover
• Baking soda

Steps or Tips to Hand Wash Your Clothes

For the best results, follow our step-by-step guide on how to hand wash laundry to prevent damage.

Sort Your Laundry

When washing, sorting is one of the most important steps. You might be aware of lights and dark laundry to avoid whites turning into greys but there’s more for you. See how you can separate laundry and colors you can wash together. Make 4 groups of laundry: light colors, white, dark colors and delicate (silk, wool etc) and then wash them separately. You can also sort your clothes by fabric type and level of dirtiness.

Read the Label

Do not forget to check the care label for washing directions. See whether your garment features the hand wash symbol, portraying a hand in a tub of water. Remember, you can wash only those garments with hands that have the symbol. Check a small, inconspicuous area before you hand-wash the garment to make sure the fabric is colorfast.

Fill a Tub with Water

The next step is filling a small tub or sink with water at the temperature recommended on the care label. You can choose cool to lukewarm water if there is no care label. Now add a teaspoon of washing detergent. However, washing large items or multiple items requires more detergent.

Submerge and Soak the Item

What to do next? Submerge your garment in soapy water and soak it. Swish the item through the sudsy water using gentle movements. You must not scrub or twist because it can stretch or damage the fabric. Keep swishing the garment through the sudsy water until it is clean. You can also purchase hand-washing clothes tools if you hand-wash clothes regularly.

Rinse Your Items

Afterward, run cool water through your items until the rinse water is no longer soapy. Avoid wringing your clothes, as this can easily tarnish details and lead to wrinkles. Then push the item between your hands or against the surface of the wash basin or sink to press the water out of the item. Do not worry if you notice color or traces of dye in the water. It is normal because it's simply the fabric or yarn-releasing color.

Layout to Dry

Lay the item flat in its natural shape on a hard surface or a drying rack, as it is the best for those worried about any stretching. Make sure to position the neckline appropriately if you choose to hang the item on a hanger to prevent stretching. You can use a dryer for cotton or other durable fabrics but do not place cashmere, wool, faux fur, silk, delicate synthetics (such as rayon and nylon), or highly embellished clothes in the dryer. It can cause color fading, shrinkage, and even melt certain materials.

When Should You Hand-wash Your Clothes?

We cannot deny the importance of hand washing your delicate clothes made from materials like a fine wool blend, 100% cashmere, or silk. When you put a cloth into the washing machine, even on a gentle wash, it is rolled around and around continually in a metal drum for around half an hour.

It will prove too much for delicate fabric, which could lose its luster, its colour or at worst shrink. It is your decision whether you want these clothes to be washed at home or hire wash and fold services. There are so many wash and folding services in London so try to contact professionals.

Wrapping up, and knowing the best way to handwash clothes is beneficial. No doubt it's the best option to clean clothing without a washing machine. We recommend always hand washing bras, bathing suits, delicate underwear and other delicacies like woolens, lace, and embellished items.