It can be an arduous chore, but it's well-worth the extra effort to hand wash your clothes, and keep your most delicate items looking great. Most washing machines have a 'hand wash' setting, however for best results you should wash your clothes yourself. Lingerie, woollen, and silk garments are all best washed by hand. So, where to start?
1. Check The Label
Don't forget to check the care label and take note of the temperature it advises you to use, before starting to hand wash them. If you can't find a label then opt for a lukewarm temperature to be on the safe side, no one wants to shrink their favourite jumper!
2. Add water & soap
Fill a clean sink with water at the correct temperature and chose a mild washing detergent. You'll only need about a teaspoon per item you're hand washing - so use sparingly!
3. Let it soak
Put your clothing into the water so it's completely submerged and gently move it around in the soapy water. Resist the temptation to scrub or twist the fabric as this could stretch or misshape it (this part is hard!). Let the item soak for a few minutes, until clean.
4. Rinse & repeat
Now is the important part. Drain the soapy water and refill the sink with clean, cool water. Gently squeeze the clothing until all the detergent has come out of it. If there are still bubbles coming out of the garment, repeat this step until the water runs clear.
5. Gently squeeze
Gently squeeze out all of the excess water from the clothing, but don't twist it as this damages the fabric. Lay the item down on a clean, dry towel and reshape it so it dries correctly.
6. Roll it up
Roll the item within the towel, this will soak up even more of the water the fabric fibres are holding onto. You could repeat this step as many times as you like to get as much liquid out as possible.
7. Let it dry
Finally, lay the clothing down flat on a fresh towel, and leave it to dry naturally. Flip it over from time to time to help each side get dry - and enjoy wearing your sparkling clean, hand-washed clothes!
