Instructions for Hand-Washing Clothes

Follow the care instructions on the item's label.

An item may need to be washed by hand for a variety of reasons; it may be delicate, or have colors that are prone to bleeding. Either way, it's important to take heed and hand-wash an item if the care instructions call for it. It is essential to know how to hand-wash correctly, because doing it incorrectly can be just as damaging as machine washing.

Things You'll Need

• Large basin (optional)

Instructions

1. Sort your laundry into three piles: whites, light colors and dark colors. Then for each pile, separate the items that require hand-washing from items that can go in the washing machine.

2. Fill your sink or a large basin with cool water. Add a few drops of a mild laundry detergent. Use your hand to make sure the detergent is dissolved in the cold water.

3. Submerge the item you are washing into the cold, soapy water. Let it soak for five to 10 minutes.

4. Gently squeeze the item while it's still in the water. Do not wring it or swirl it around, as this may damage it or cause it to bleed dye excessively.

5. Drain the water from the basin while the item is still in it. Refill the basin with cold water for rinsing.

6. Gently squeeze the garment again to remove the soapy water. Once no more soap seems to be coming out, leave the item in the basin and empty it again. Repeat the rinsing process until you see no trace of detergent in the rinse water.

7. Remove the item from the basin and lay it flat on a bath towel. Roll up the towel to gently express excess water from the item. Then lay the item flat and let it air dry.

References

• "Laundry:The Home Comforts Book of Caring for Clothes and Linens"; Cheryl Mendelson; 2005
• Mrs Clean USA: How to Wash and Dry Your Clothes