How To Hand Wash Delicates

  • December 10, 2007
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When it comes to fine knits or lacy, sheer, or shrinkable clothing, you have two choices: cough up the cash for the dry cleaner or take a few extra minutes to give your delicates the TLC they deserve.

You Will Need

  • A sink or basin
  • Some cool water
  • A mild, delicate-wash detergent
  • At least 1 clean, light-colored towel
  • And a place to dry the garment
  • And some white vinegar (optional) (optional) (optional)
How To Hand Wash Delicates: Check label

Step 1: Check label

Check the “proper care” label of the garment for any specific instructions.

It’s a good idea to hand-wash knit items that have buttons, sequins, beading or other adornments, as they can be easily damaged in a washing machine.

How To Hand Wash Delicates: Fill sink

Step 2: Fill sink

Fill the sink or basin with cool water.

How To Hand Wash Delicates: Add just enough detergent.

Step 3: Add just enough detergent.

Add just enough detergent to cover the surface of the water.

How To Hand Wash Delicates: Dissolve detergent

Step 4: Dissolve detergent

Swirl the water with your hand to make sure the detergent is fully dissolved.

To make sure that fine knits retain their shape, pay attention what the article looks like now, dry, so that once it’s wet you’ll be able to reshape it correctly.

How To Hand Wash Delicates: Immerse article

Step 5: Immerse article

Immerse the article in the water.

How To Hand Wash Delicates: Work in the suds

Step 6: Work in the suds

Gently swirl and squeeze the clothing, working the suds through. Don’t pull, stretch, or wring the fabric.

How To Hand Wash Delicates: Soak garment

Step 7: Soak garment

Allow the garment to soak for 2 to 5 minutes.

How To Hand Wash Delicates: Squeeze water out

Step 8: Squeeze water out

Gently squeeze the excess water out of the garment—but don’t wring or twist it. Drain the sink or basin.

How To Hand Wash Delicates: Rinse item

Step 9: Rinse item

Refill the sink or basin with fresh water, and swirl the item around to rinse.

When washing silk, add a quarter cup of white vinegar to the first rinse to help remove the soap residue.

How To Hand Wash Delicates: Keep rinsing

Step 10: Keep rinsing

Continue draining the soapy water, refilling it with fresh water, and swirling the item until there are no more suds in the water.

How To Hand Wash Delicates: Transfer to towel

Step 11: Transfer to towel

After your final rinse, lift the garment, gently squeeze out the excess water, and transfer it to a flat towel.

How To Hand Wash Delicates: Roll up towel

Step 12: Roll up towel

Roll the towel up with the article inside, pressing on it gently to soak up more water.

If the garment soaks through the towel quickly, repeat the process on a second dry towel.

How To Hand Wash Delicates: Hang or reshape

Step 13: Hang or reshape

Hang up the item if it won’t stretch, or, in the case of knits that need to be reshaped, place it on a dry towel and arrange it to its original shape.

The Federal Trade Commission instituted the use of “proper care” tags on all U.S. clothing in 1972.

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