How to Hand Wash Clothes – A Complete Guide

Hand washing might seem a painstaking and challenging job, but believe us, it may be the safest method for your clothes!

With the advancement of machine cycle the concept of hand washing is becoming less common, But there are many fabrics that are delicate that should be washed by hand only such as, woolen, cashmere, scarfs and what not!

The other materials which need hand washing only are silk or other items which contains fancy laces, undergarments.

Or it might be possible that you are in such a place where washing machine or laundering service is not available. Then the only option you are left with is hand washing your clothes.

Accessories that you need while Washing the clothes

For making the washing process more accessible, there are some types of equipment that you have to purchase it.

Laundry Tub

It is the most practical solution fro this purpose. Because it makes the soaking process more comfortable and convenient.

Many sizes and materials of the tub are available in the market. But the best material is stainless steel because of its durability and extended run for up to 20 years.

Scrubbing Brush

Hard to remove stains cannot be wiped out easily. For this, you need a special brush so that the stains can be eliminated quickly.

Drying Rack

It will be a great addition to your laundry items; it will make the entire drying process easy. It will prevent your clothes from damaging and also keep it in the best shape when the iron is not available.

Things to remember while Hand Washing

1. Before washing your clothes always clean your bucket or sink to make sure any dirt or dust particle does not remain.
2. Before filling your tubs or sink, always check the temperature and do it according to your clothes.
3. You have to choose the Detergent or soap according to your clothes.
4. Never wash dark cloths fabric together; otherwise, it will bleed.

Detergent Type

1. Liquid detergent: cotton
2. Powder Detergent: For heavy Soiled Stain
3. Shampoo/ woolen detergent: for delicates

Now, we provide you with detail on how you can wash your clothes according to your fabric.

Washing woolen/Delicates

Supplies

1. Tub
2. Towel
3. Woolen Detergent

Pre-soak

First, you have to create a mixture in the tub by adding one tablespoon of shampoo or woolen detergent in the cold water. You can take half a tablespoon of detergent if your woolen garment is small.

Place your garment in that solution for five to ten minutes so the entire solution can penetrate it. It also saves your clothes from shrinking.

Twirl the Cloth

Gently move your fabric in the solution by your hand, so if any stains are there in the cloths, it can get off. But keep your hand gentle because Rubbing can Damage your woolen.

When the dirt and stains have been removed, make a ball of your sweater, and gently squeeze to get rid of the excess detergent.

Rinse the Cloth

After 10 to 5  minutes of cleaning. Empty your bucket or sink and fill it with the clean cold water, place the piece of cloth in it so any residues of detergent might be wiped off..

Continue to rinse your cloth until the residues completely  removed .

Absorbing the Excess Moisture

As the woolen/delicate cloth can be damaged. Hence you have to apply a specific technique to wiping out the excess of moisture.

Spread your towel over the surface then put your sweater over it. Afterwards, start rolling your clothes when the cloth has been completely rolled, press it with the towel, so that excess water can be absorbed.

When it has been completely absorbed, unroll it.

 Place it into Ventilated Place

When the water has been absorbed completely. Get it back into its shape and place in a dry area with ventilation.

Washing Silks

Supplies

1. Detergent
2. Towel
3. Vinegar

Pre-treatment of stains and Smells

If you fine any marks like food or drink spills on the cloth that can’t be removed by simple washing, so you need to use specific products for getting it off.

Moreover, you can also scrub off the stains by the scrubbing brush.

You can apply the specific stain removing solution or staining removing wipes directly on the particular area where there the marks are. For removing any smell, you can spray the vinegar mixture on the cloth and soak it for 30 minutes.

Create the Mixture

You have to add a tablespoon of mild detergent in water. You can adjust the quantity according to the size of the fabric.

Always keep the water temperature less because hot or warm temperature can damage the fabric.

Soak the Silk

Let the silk settle for three to five minutes and move it in the solution by the gentle hand so the whole solution can penetrate it.

After this, rinse with clean water so that the solution can pass out.

Dried the Silk

Dry out and wipe out excess of water with the help of a towel. Then place it on the drying rack. After that, iron your cloth so it can be wrinkled free.

Always iron you’re when they are slightly wet.

Washing the undergarment/ Accessories

Supplies

1. Detergent
2. Tub
3. Towel

Underwear

As the underwear gets dirty and stained easily. Hence, it is necessary to clean it regularly so you have to remain very conscious while washing it otherwise it can be damaged easily.

Fill the bucket with warm water, and then put the mild detergent it. Rub out the stains by the brush.

After that keep your underwear soaked in water for 30 minutes. Moreover, keep moving the underwear from time to time. When it is has been washed, hang it for drying or place it on the drying rack.

Bras

Before washing the bras, check out the hooks are open and can’t be trap in any lace or embellishment. Moreover, always wash the same color or like color clothes together.

Fill your sink or bucket with a quarter of water and add the mild detergent in it. Stir it well. Leave your bra for an hour. After that, scrub the stains off by the brush so the stains can be removed completely.

Wipe off the excess of the water with the towel by pressing it gently over it. Then hang the bra.

Socks

Before starting washing, sort out the same color of socks. The best advice is to wash each pair separately to prevent it from losing or mixing.

First, remove any stains from the sock by any home remedy and brush off the stains by scrubbing brush. Then make a mixture of soapy water by using mild detergent and cold water.

Turn the soaks upside down then put it in the solution. Twirl the socks from time to time in the mixture. Afterwards, keep it for five to thirty minutes in the mixture depend on the dirt and stain

Then, wash out the residues and lay them straight on the towel to absorb the mixture.

Washing Sequined Clothing

Supplies

1. Mild Detergent
2. Stain remover

Eliminating the Marks

Before cleaning the clothes, you need to remove the stains first. For this, you can use many ways, such as applying  commercial stain remover or cleaning by wipes.

You can also create your homemade stain remover by taking ¼ cup vegetable glycerin 1 TB hydrogen peroxide, 40 drops lemon essential oil mix it all the ingredients in the water. Then apply it to the area where the stains are

Wash Gently

After treating stains. Fill your bucket with  cold water and add mild detergent into it. Turn your dresses inside out. This will allow the detergent to fully absorb in the fabric also protect the sequence from damaging.

You can also add vinegar for removing the odor. Moreover, instead of rubbing the cloth always dab the stains because Rubbing can damage your clothes and also gently twirl your clothes in the solution to avoid damage.

Drying Up

Make a ball of the fabric and squeeze it lightly to get rid of the excess of water. After that, lay them straight on a towel so that it can dry or place it on a rack to dry.

 Washing Daily Wear

1. Supplies
2. Detergent
3. Stain remover
4. Tub
5. Scrubbing brush

Jeans

Jeans come in a variety of shapes and colors. All jeans are wash in the same fashion except black, which needs a specific treatment. Before putting it the solution scrub off the stains by the brush

Add a gentle laundry detergent in cold water and mix it well and keep your jeans for 20 to 30 minutes. But if you have black jeans then soak it for 15 to 30 minutes

After that, wash your jeans to remove its excess water. Twirl your jeans to remove the excess of water. The last step is to hang your cloth in the sunshine.

Shirt/Jersey

The very first step is to unbutton the shirt. Then remove any stain or stain remover solutions or wipe. Moreover, you can also apply home remedies over the marks along with that use scrubbing brush to wipe out the marks.

Check the instructions given on the label and fill your bucket by the mentioned temperature and include the mild detergent into it.

Leave your shirt for 10 minutes in that solution.

Wash out and get rid of excess water by rolling over on the towels. For best results, iron your shirt when they are a little bit dampened. In this way, your shirt will remain wrinkle-free.

Tights/ Trousers

Always remain careful while washing the trouser because hot water can damage the elasticity of the trouser. It’s better to take Luke warm water because it also helps to wipe out the stains with the scrubbing brush.

Prepare a mixture by adding a half cup of detergent and swirl your tight or trouser it. Soak it for 10 to 15 minutes. After it rinse with cold water until no residue is left. Moreover, squeeze the water and lay them straight on a towel for drying.

 Washing while Traveling

Supplies

• Mild Detergent
• Plastic bag
• Scrubbing brush

Tub technique

You can create a mixture in the sink or a bathtub. By filling it with the warm and adding a detergent according to the number of clothes.

Place your clothes in it and start rubbing the fabric against each other so the mixture can absorb well. After that, keep your clothes for soaking up to 30 minutes. After the wash out the soap and hang for drying. You can also hang it on the shower rod.

Plastic bag technique

If the sink or bathtub facility is not available.

Then don’t worry, fill your plastic bag with Lukewarm water, add detergent, and place your clothes.

Afterwards, shake it vigorously till 5 minutes. Then take out the cloth and wash out with clean water. The last step is to hang it.

Washing Jacket

1. Scrub brush
2. tub
3. Heavy Detergent

Procedure

You will be astonished to read, but some jackets are made up of such fabric that washing machine can damage its fabric.

First of all, scrub out any particle by hand before washing. Then place your jacket in warm water, so every part of the jacket gets wet. Make a mixture of warm water with heavy detergent and stir it well.

After that soak your jacket in water for three minutes and twirl the jacket in the solution, so every part gets the detergent. After that rinse your jacket by lukewarm water.

Cover your jacket with a towel and dry according to given instructions.

Conclusion

We have provided you a washing procedure of almost every common clothing. Always be cautious while choosing the detergent because washing detergent varies from fabric to fabric.

We hope that you find this article helpful enough.