When laundry day approaches, most of us like to turn to the washing machine to get the job done — and for good reason. These machines can wash several loads of clothes and fabrics in an hour or two. But there are also times when washing clothes by hand is the only way to go — especially for delicate fabrics or a few pieces of clothing.
In this article, we’ll take you through an easy, step-by-step guide that should make you a certified hand washing expert in no time.
1. Inspect the label for fabric care and recommendations
Before even washing clothes, it’s always a good idea to check the garment or care label for any specific washing instructions or recommendations. This will also help you find the best cleaning detergent or solution to complement the fabric. However, if the care label doesn’t mention anything about instructions, it’s always best to use a mild cleaning detergent to avoid the risk of damaging the cloth.
2. Fill tub or sink with water and add cleaning detergent
Fill a small tub or basin with water following the washing temperature on the care label. If this instruction or the label itself doesn’t exist, you can choose lukewarm water as your default temperature. After your tub is full, add about one teaspoon of your mild laundry detergent. Mix the solution thoroughly and let it sit for a couple of seconds before soaking the fabric.
3. Submerge the fabric in the water and wash
So how to wash clothes by hand? Soak the fabric in the soapy water and begin hand washing. Make sure to only use gentle movements as you wash the clothing through the soap and bubbles in the tub. Gently swish the fabric through the water until you’ve removed all dirt or stains.
If you’re a beginner, it’s always a good idea to use rubber hand gloves to prevent skin irritation or flaking. Make sure to avoid scrubbing the fabric too hard to prevent damaging your clothes.
4. Drain and replace with clean water
Once you’re done washing, drain the sink or the tub and refill it again with clean water. Make sure to swish every surface with water to eliminate any soap sud or bubbles. Rinse it thoroughly with another round of water until you’re sure all the soap is entirely gone.
5. Squeeze out excess water and soap from the fabric
With the tub or sink filled with clean water, squeeze out the remaining soap from the fabric by wringing it gently. Do this repeatedly until the fabric has gotten rid of all soap suds and any traces of bubbles. For best results, do this 2-3x with a fresh tub of clean water.
6. Remove lint from the fabric until clean
If you’ve been hand washing different pieces of clothing in one tub, chances are there are traces of lints hanging all over the surface. On a flat surface, lay out a dry white towel and press the freshly washed clothes against the fabric. Roll up the dry towel and encase the garment inside. Gently press on the rolled-up towel to increase water absorption. Do this repeatedly until you’re satisfied with the results.
7. Dry the fabric completely
Once you’re done removing the excess water and lint from the clothing, let them air-dry by hanging them in a cool shade away from the sun. However, if your clothes are built for heavy-duty drying or spinning, you can throw them in your washing dryer for faster results.
Although the idea may seem challenging, knowing how to wash clothes by hand is a useful skill that every homeowner should know. Aside from saving power and electricity, can also help you protect your garments from unnecessary shrinking or discoloration brought on by washing machines.
If you’re on the lookout for a professional home cleaning service, give us a call here at Luce! Our expertly trained home cleaners are always ready to help you give your home its much-deserved sparkle and shine.
