Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Travel
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Property
  • Health
  • TV
  • Podcasts
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Travel
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Property
  • Health
  • TV
  • Podcasts
Subscribe
YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

This is how often you should be washing your bras

This is how often you should be washing your bras

How to wash up the right way

How to wash up the right way

This is how often you’re supposed to wash your pyjamas

This is how often you’re supposed to wash your pyjamas

The smart new way to do laundry

The smart new way to do laundry

{headline}

{headline}

This is how often you should be washing every item in your home

This is how often you should be washing every item in your home

How often should you wash your duvet?

How often should you wash your duvet?

Five things the French know about laundry

Five things the French know about laundry

{headline}

{headline}

How bad is it to skip washing your sheets every week?

How bad is it to skip washing your sheets every week?

How long can I leave wet washing on the clothesline?

How long can I leave wet washing on the clothesline?

Genius laundry trick means never losing a sock again

Genius laundry trick means never losing a sock again

How long can you leave your washing in the machine for?

How long can you leave your washing in the machine for?

The laundry mistake that could be ruining your clothes

The laundry mistake that could be ruining your clothes

Brilliant trick for cleaning containers

Brilliant trick for cleaning containers

Simple trick to stop you hating laundry so much

Simple trick to stop you hating laundry so much

  1. Home
  2. Better Life

How to wash clothes by hand

Washing clothes by hand is a little extra work, but it's a well-worth it laundry chore. - by Better Homes and Gardens
  • 18 Sep 2017
How to wash clothes by hand
Getty Images

Most washing machines offer a delicate or hand-wash setting, but there are times when the best results will come from hand-washing certain types of clothing. Always check the care label for directions. If the label says "dry-clean only," avoid washing it at home. If the label says "dry-clean," you may want to try hand-washing. Before you wash the garment, check a small inconspicuous area first to make sure the fabric is colourfast.

Items such as delicate lingerie, wool sweaters, and silk blouses may retain their color and shape best when washed by hand. Silk garments should not be hand-washed if they are brightly colored, patterned, or darkly colored, as the dyes may bleed.

How to Wash Clothing by Hand

Step 1

Read the garment label for specific product recommendations. Then choose the appropriate detergent. If no care label exists, choose a mild detergent or dishwashing liquid.

Step 2

Fill a small tub or sink with water at the temperature recommended on the care label. If no care label exists, choose cool to lukewarm water.  Add about a teaspoon of detergent. You may need more detergent if you are hand-washing a large item or multiple items.

Step 3

Submerge the garment in the soapy water and soak. Use gentle movements to swish the item through the sudsy water. Avoid scrubbing or twisting actions that can stretch or damage the fabric. Gently swish the garment through the sudsy water until the item is clean.

Step 4

Drain the sink or tub, and refill it with cool rinse water. Push the garment up and down in the water until all soap is removed. If you're unsure, sniff the garment to make sure it is no longer scented. Repeat the process with clean water if necessary.

How to Dry Hand-Washed Clothing

Step 1

Gently squeeze the excess water from the garment. Do not twist or wring the item as it may stretch the fibers and ruin the fabric.

Step 2

On a flat surface, lay out a clean, dry white bath towel that has been laundered several times to remove lint. Lay the just-washed garment on the towel, patting it into shape. Roll up the towel, encasing the garment in the towel. Gently press on the rolled-up towel to encourage water absorption. Repeat with another clean, dry towel if the first one becomes saturated.

Step 3

Follow the garment's label directions for reshaping and drying. If no care label exists, lay the washed garment on a clean, dry white towel spread over a flat surface that is moisture-resistant. Flip the garment over periodically, and replace the damp towel with a dry one as needed. Air-dry delicate lingerie on a drying rack. If the dry garment is wrinkled, check the care label for appropriate ironing temperature, and if necessary, press the garment gently to finish. If no care label exists, test in an inconspicuous area before pressing.

This article originally appeared on www.bhg.com

Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price!

Subscribe for $4.95 per issue

Subscribe Now
Get your mag delivered!

Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price!

Subscribe for $4.95 per issue

Subscribe Now
Get your mag delivered!

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

This is how often you should be washing your bras

This is how often you should be washing your bras

How to wash up the right way

How to wash up the right way

This is how often you’re supposed to wash your pyjamas

This is how often you’re supposed to wash your pyjamas

The smart new way to do laundry

The smart new way to do laundry

{headline}

{headline}

This is how often you should be washing every item in your home

This is how often you should be washing every item in your home

How often should you wash your duvet?

How often should you wash your duvet?

Five things the French know about laundry

Five things the French know about laundry

{headline}

{headline}

How bad is it to skip washing your sheets every week?

How bad is it to skip washing your sheets every week?

How long can I leave wet washing on the clothesline?

How long can I leave wet washing on the clothesline?

Genius laundry trick means never losing a sock again

Genius laundry trick means never losing a sock again

How long can you leave your washing in the machine for?

How long can you leave your washing in the machine for?

The laundry mistake that could be ruining your clothes

The laundry mistake that could be ruining your clothes

Brilliant trick for cleaning containers

Brilliant trick for cleaning containers

Simple trick to stop you hating laundry so much

Simple trick to stop you hating laundry so much

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Instyle
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • Airtasker
  • 7NEWS
  • SocietyOne
  • Health Engine
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price!

Shop This Offer
Get your mag delivered!