eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Hand Wash Clothes

Contributor
By Lisa Haas
eHow Contributing Writer
(5 Ratings)

Washing your clothing as the manufacturer recommends will add life to your clothes. Your clothes will stay brighter and will remain the same size. Most silk, lace, satin and vintage clothing should be hand washed.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Double sink basins (like kitchen sinks)
  • Sink drain plug
  • Gentle detergent like Woolite
  • Stain remover like Spray 'n Wash
  • Fabric softener if desired
  • Drying rack or surface
  1. Step 1

    Fill the sink approximately half full with cold water and add soap while it is filling. Adding the soap before it is filled will enable the water flow to help agitate the water and help disperse or dissolve the soap. Ensure the soap is dissolved prior to adding any clothing.

  2. Step 2

    Fill the other sink basin with clean water to be used to rinse.

  3. Step 3

    Inspect the item you wish to wash for any stains. If you find a stain, use stain remover to remove the stain per the directions on the stain remover bottle. Ensure that the stain remover is safe for your delicates. Lemon can also be used directly on the stain for a natural stain remover. If this does not work, try soaking the item in the sink all day.

  4. Step 4

    Place the item in the sink and ensure it is fully covered by the soapy water. Let it soak approximately 15 minutes.

  5. Step 5

    Remove the item and gently squeeze or twist as much soapy water from the garment as possible.

  6. Step 6

    Rinse the item in your clean rinse water and then remove as much water as you can by gently squeezing or twisting. Do not twist the item too hard. Some labels may say "Do not wring." In that case, skip this step.

  7. Step 7

    Lay the garment on a towel and gently roll the towel. This will help remove excess water. Then hang the item on plastic hangers or on a drying rack.

Tips & Warnings
  • Many washing machines come with a hand wash cycle. Check the machine. This could save you a lot of time.
  • If you have a few same colored items, you can wash them together. Do not overfill sink.
  • Hang clothing to on your shower rod. Drips will fall into the bathtub instead of your floor.
  • Never lay or hang clothing on metal or wood. Metal can leave rust stains and wood can transfer wood stain. Also the water can damage the wood.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

eHow Article: How to Hand Wash Clothes

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Get Free Fashion, Style & Personal Care Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Fashion, Style and Personal Care
eHow_eHow Fashion, Style and Personal Care