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.
