How to properly wash delicates by hand?

Judging by the name, delicates need a bit more attention and gentle care when it comes to cleaning. Tossing them in the washing machine will reduce their lifespan. We suggest that you start washing them by hand in order to keep them in good condition for longer. Extend their wearability and keep them away from the agitator in the washing machine. Not only will it beat them, but it might also cause breakage of the stitches or fabric.
You will see a great improvement in the condition of your undergarments. They will last longer and stay healthy. What is more, stain removal is much easier when washing by hand.

In this article we will discuss and share the benefits of hand washing delicates, how to pick a suitable detergent, how to pretreat stains, as well as a full list of steps that you should take when hand washing any delicates.

What will you need?

In fact, washing clothes by hand is not so complicated at all. Our grandmas used to do it and you can surely do it too. There are a few things that you need in order to make sure everything is done properly.

1. Laundry detergent – The choice of laundry detergent is absolutely up to you. For delicates, it is best to use а non-fragranced, natural detergent that will not cause irritation to your sensitive zones when wearing your delicates.
2. A sink – Make sure your sink is clean and has a functioning plug that will help you soak the clothing in it.
3. A teaspoon – Since when washing by hand you will need much less detergent than a washing machine, use a teaspoon to measure it. Avoid using too much detergent since it might make it hard to rinse.

How to choose a suitable detergent?

Not all detergents are suitable when it comes to washing your delicates. There are a few key things you should look for when picking a laundry detergent. Make sure it is suitable for all materials ( cotton, silk, satin etc.) Ensure that it is hypoallergenic and suitable for all skin types. Another thing you can pay attention to is the lack of dyes, artificial fragrances, phosphates or ultraviolet brighteners. Look for a detergent that will rinse out without leaving a residue and will be able to remove trapped odours.
Using a detergent with such qualities will not only ensure the proper cleaning of your delicates, but also prolong their cleanliness.

Pretreating spots and stains prior to hand washing.

Stains are something we often have to deal with when it comes to laundry. If you have any tough stains on your delicates, here are the steps which you can take in order to clean them.

1. Place the stained clothing in the sink.
2. Put a small amount of detergent on it. Measure 1/10 of the amount that a washing machine would use.
3. Pour some water over the clothing, in order to make the detergent wet. If the stain is especially stubborn, gently rub that detergent in until you see it is starting to fade.

How to wash delicates by hand?

Make sure you do not only pour hot water on top of the clothing. That might reduce their life expectancy. Run both taps and mix a warm flow. Once you reach the perfect temperature, plug the sink. Fill the sink halfway up and put in ½ to 1 teaspoons of detergent in the water.
When treating a stain, gently rub the area. Do not rub it too hard since you may actually cause damage to the fabric. Do not rub one side of the fabric against the other. This might cause stretched areas or damage the piece of clothing. Use a scrub brush instead. When dealing with more stubborn stains, apply a small amount of detergent, let the stain sit soaked in it and gently rub multiple times until the stain is gone, do not use excessive force.

Once you are done with stain removal, it is time to clean the entire garment. Lightly rub any soiled areas with your hands. Dip the clothing in and out of the water frequently, squeeze the water out after each dip. You will see the water becoming dark and dirty – that is what you want. Avoid wringing your delicates out, instead keep dipping them in the water and back out.

Once the water is discoloured and nasty looking, remove the delicate clothing from it and squish all the water out of them. Rinse the sink and re-fill it with clean warm water. Avoid twisting your delicates since they are prone to lose their shape when wet.

Once you fill your sink with clean warm water, place the clothing back inside. Gently squeeze all your clothes underwater. Raise the clothing above the water and squeeze all the water out. Drain the sink once more and run lukewarm water. Run the delicates directly under the stream. squeeze them out until all foam and dirty water stops coming out.

Drying process

Do not put your delicates in the dryer. It might cause any misshaping or damage to your garments. Instead, try line drying or hanging them inside. If you don’t have a balcony or a yard, hang them in the bathroom so that the excess water dripping out of them does not cause a mess. You can flat dry lighter delicates such as silk ones, since they do not absorb as much water as cotton bras would, for example.

If you are hesitant about any of the steps, or you have some especially delicate garments, check the care label to make sure you are not doing anything wrong.