Equa Blog - News, Views and Ethical Styling...

Wednesday, 25 August 2010

Caring for your Clothing - Hand washing


Hand washing clothes may seem like a time consuming, unnecessary process but it can help maintain the quality of your delicate clothes, including lingerie and knitwear. It is handy when you have only a few items you need clean that wouldn't be enough to fill the machine.

Here is Equa's guide to washing by hand......
  • Plug the sink and add 1/4 cup of delicate washing detergent. Ideally use an eco detergent specifically for delicate hand washing.
  • Fill the sink with the correct water temperature listed on the clothing labels, remembering to leave room for the clothing!
  • Turn all the garments inside out to avoid fasteners catching on the fabric
  • If you have garments of various colours to wash, start with the lightest in case there is any colour run from the darker items.
  • Get the clothing wet and soapy. If you are washing one item, allow it to soak for 5 mins, if you're washing more, leave for 15-20mins
  • Remove marks and stains by rubbing the fabric together. Be careful not to be too vigorous with delicate fabrics. You can also use a spot cleaner for tough stains.
  • Knead the items like you would bread dough, squeeze each item to circulated the water through the fabric, repeating several times.
  • Remove clothing from sink, squeezing out some of the excess water.
  • Empty the sink and refill with clean water at the same temperature. Rinse clothing thoroughly.
  • Repeat this process until the water remains clear, making certain all the soap has been removed. 
  • Squeeze delicate items, being careful not to wring/twist knitwear as it may distort the shape.
  • For knitwear you can roll items in a towel ans press to remove excess moisture.
  • Hang or lay flat to air dry. 
We hope this helps....happy washing!

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