Best Practices for Hand Washing Clothes & Delicates

Hand washing your clothes has several benefits over using the washer. Not only is it gentler on the items but it’ll also save you money on your utility bill.

On this page, we’ll be going over everything you need to know on how to hand wash clothes effectively, from gathering materials to proper drying techniques. Keep reading to learn more!

Preparing Your Clothes

Before starting, you want to make sure you’re properly prepared. This means gathering the necessary materials, checking care tag labels, and sorting your clothes.

Materials Needed

To hand wash your clothes, you’ll need a few things, including ACTIVE Laundry Detergent Sheets, a large sink, and lukewarm water.

Checking Care Labels

Before you wash anything, make sure to check the care labels on your garments They will provide essential information on whether the item can be hand washed and what products to use.

Understanding these symbols and instructions will ensure that you won’t accidentally damage your clothes.

Sorting Clothes

Sorting out your clothes before washing is crucial as it will help prevent dye transfer. More specifically, you want to group similar colors and fabric types together; that will minimize the risk of damage.

Ideally, you want to separate your garments by color—lights, darks, and whites—and by fabric type, such as cotton, silk, and wool. That way, each item will receive the proper care.

Creating a Detergent Solution

For hand washing, you’ll need to create a detergent solution with lukewarm water and a gentle detergent. We recommend using ACTIVE Laundry Detergent Sheets as they are highly concentrated and great for eliminating dirt and stains.

Avoid using hot water as the heat can damage delicate fabrics. For example, you’ll want to hand wash bras with cold water.

While you can use cold water, lukewarm water will help dissolve the detergent and ensure thorough cleaning without damaging the fabric.

Dissolving Detergent Sheets

Detergent sheets are incredibly user-friendly. Unlike regular detergent, they are designed to dissolve and release concentrated cleaning agents that will effectively clean your clothes without leaving behind any residue. These sheets are also hypoallergenic, making them suitable for sensitive skin.

To use the sheets, simply place them in the wash basin and add lukewarm water. As soon as the water hits the sheet, it will dissolve, creating a sudsy solution perfect for hand washing clothes.

DIY Detergent Alternatives

Sometimes, you might find yourself without your go-to detergent. In cases like that, you can get away with using DIY alternatives like dishwashing liquid or bar soap.

For the best results and to maintain the integrity of your delicate garments, it’s best to use laundry sheets. They offer the most effective and eco-friendly solution when it comes to hand washing clothes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hand Washing Clothes

Hand washing clothes is a meticulous process that, when done correctly, will keep your garments looking fresh and new.

In this guide, we’ll break down the process into three main steps: submerging and soaking, treating stains, and rinsing clothes.

Submerging and Soaking

Start by filling your wash basin with warm water. Next, add your garments.

Once submerged, gently swish the cold water with your hands to distribute the soap evenly.

Let the clothes soak for about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the fabric type. That will allow the detergent to work its magic without causing any damage. Avoid scrubbing or twisting the garments as that can cause permanent damage to the material.

Treating Stains

Before you start washing, make sure to pre-treat any visible stains on your garments. We recommend using a gentle detergent or an enzyme-based stain remover to target these areas. Using your fingers, gently work the solution into the fabric. Be careful not to scrub too aggressively as you don’t want to damage the delicate fibers.

Rinsing Clothes

After soaking, you want to rinse the items thoroughly with water.

To do that, drain the dirty water from the basin and refill it with cool water before immersing the garments. Using your hands, gently push them up and down to remove the soap. Repeat this process until the rinse water runs clear.

For particularly stubborn soap residue, you may need to rinse the garments multiple times.

Drying Hand-Washed Clothes

Drying clothes is just as important as washing them.

Squeezing Out Excess Water

After rinsing, gently squeeze out the excess water from your garments. You can also lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel. Simply roll the towel up with the garment inside and press gently; it will absorb additional moisture.

Using Towels and Drying Racks

Once most of the moisture has been removed, lay the garments flat on a drying rack or a clean, dry towel to air dry. That will allow you to maintain the shape and quality of your clothes.

Special Care for Different Fabrics

Different fabrics require specific hand washing techniques to prevent damage.

Cotton and Linen

We recommend washing cotton garments in lukewarm water. Linen, on the other hand, should be washed with cool water to preserve its texture and color.

Silk and Wool

Silk garments should be washed in cool water to prevent damage. Wool items, on the other hand, should not be exposed to any heat as it can cause shrinkage.

To dry silk and wool items, gently press out the water and lay flat them to dry. Never twist or wring the garments.

Synthetic Fabrics

Synthetic materials like polyester are known for their resilience and durability. They also dry quickly after washing, making them a convenient choice for hand washing.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes is not following the care instructions attached to the garment. Remember, always adhere to the guidelines; they will ensure your delicate items remain in good condition. And as a general rule, you want to avoid scrubbing or wringing the fabric, as it can cause damage to the fibers.

Understanding the Environmental Impact

Hand washing clothes has significant eco-friendly advantages. For one thing, it uses 5 to 10 gallons of water per load, compared to around 20 gallons for a standard washing machine. Not only that but hand washing does not require electricity, meaning you’ll save money on your electricity bill.

Reducing Plastic Waste

Using detergent sheets like the ones by ACTIVE is a great way to reduce plastic waste. It also requires fewer resources for transportation compared to a traditional liquid detergent.

The sheets also come in recyclable cardboard packaging, which further reduces their environmental impact.

Lower Carbon Footprint

An average electric washing machine consumes between 0.3 to 1.5 kWh per load. Hand washing clothes, on the other hand, significantly reduces one’s carbon footprint as it uses much less energy.

Knowing How to Wash Your Clothes By Hand

Hand washing clothes is a valuable skill that offers numerous benefits. Not only will it preserve the quality and longevity of your garments but it will also save water and energy. You just need to prepare, use the right materials, and follow the correct techniques.

Key Takeaways

• Proper preparation involves gathering the proper materials, checking care labels, and sorting clothes based on fabric type and color
• Use lukewarm water and a gentle detergent like ACTIVE Laundry Sheets to create a soapy water solution for your garments
• Laundry sheets are much better for the environment compared to traditional liquid laundry detergent or powder detergent

Hand Washing Clothes – Frequently Asked Questions

What are laundry detergent sheets?

Laundry sheets are concentrated, pre-measured sheets that make laundry simple and mess-free while being eco-friendly too. They’re a great way to clean your clothes without the hassle.

What is the main ingredient in ACTIVE Laundry Detergent Sheets?

The main ingredient in ACTIVE Laundry Detergent Sheets is naturally derived surfactants, primarily sourced from coconut oil. It’s a great choice for those looking for eco-friendly cleaning options.

What are the environmental benefits of using laundry detergent sheets?

Using laundry detergent sheets is a great way to cut down on plastic waste and lower your carbon footprint, as they require less transportation and resources than liquid detergents.

Are laundry detergent sheets hypoallergenic?

Yes, laundry detergent sheets are hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin, thanks to their naturally derived ingredients.

Should you hand wash clothes with cold or hot water?

Generally speaking, you want to wash your garments with cool or lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water as the heat can cause certain fibers to degrade prematurely.