We often despair of “hand wash only” labels when doing laundry, seeing them as another inconvenience. This leaves us wondering if clothes are “hand wash only” going into the washing machine. After all, no one really wants to submerge their hands in soapy water to clean clothes.
The good news is yes, “hand wash only” clothes can be put in the washer, but with caution. In fact, there are several rules for washing clothes “hand wash only” in the washing machine without damaging them. Just follow these top tips to wash your delicate items with confidence. Plus, you’ll save money on replacing any favorite clothes!
Why do you need to wash things by hand?
Although the idea of hand washing seems old, it’s a much more gentle wash for clothes that easily stretch, snag and lose their shape. Additionally, hand washing does not include the hot water temperatures or the high spin cycle that you get from a washing machine. Both factors can shrink or spoil the fabric.
In fact, anything made of Lycra or elastic is at risk of damage in high temperatures, so it’s always a good idea to read the care labels. Types of clothing that should be hand washed include hand-knitted garments, beaded or sequined garments, ties, and lace-trimmed garments.
Tips for washing clothes “hand wash only” in the washing machine
Delicate wash cycle: In most cases, you can put “hand wash” items on the “hand wash” or “delicate” cycle of the washer. A delicate wash cycle is equivalent to washing hands in a washing machine.
These settings use cold water with low vibration or slow spin and are the shortest and most gentle cleaning cycle. You can use this cycle to wash silk, wool, synthetic (workout or sports), and some embroidered or sequins.
Use a different detergent than other laundry: Make sure to use a different laundry detergent than your other clothes. Look for a special detergent designed for delicate fabrics that is gentler on the fabric and won’t fade the colors.
Put hand wash items into mesh laundry bags: If you want extra protection, place hand wash items inside mesh laundry bags like Plusmart Mesh Drawstring Laundry Bags ($12, Amazon). These protect delicate clothes from getting snagged by other clothes in the washer and keep their shape.
Always hang dry hand wash clothes: Never put delicate clothes in the dryer because the heat will damage the fabric. Hanging to air dry is the safest way to dry “hand wash only” clothes and will help you hold on to these garments for longer. On top of that, you don’t want your favorite jacket to shrink down to a toddler size!
In any case, if you still don’t want to risk putting your “hand wash only” items in the washing machine, your best bet is to hand wash them with soap and water. It might take a little longer (and elbow grease!), but at least nothing should go wrong. With anything, always follow the care instructions label on your clothing.
Tips for hand-washing items
- Stick to a mild detergent or a specific type of laundry detergent. Stir in a clean sink or large tub of water.
- Ideally, use lukewarm water or room temperature water, rather than cold water.
- Do not submerge a large pile of hand washing clothes in water at once. It is better to wash several pieces at a time.
- Stir the items in the water for about five minutes to allow the soapy water to soak and flow through. You can gently rub the items to remove any dirt.
- Change the water a few times after loading before rinsing thoroughly under the tap to remove soap residue. Rinse it until the water is clear.
- Squeeze the water gently without squeezing the item. Water fogging may damage the material. Instead, lay things out on a dry towel and roll up to absorb most of the water and then hang to dry.
It is also important to know How to clean the washing machine For best performance, otherwise you may notice your washer vibrating violently as it tries to spin as well. If you want to upgrade, check out The best washing machines Now, decide if you will need to Front loading or top loading machine to fit your needs.
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