Hand Washing: Definition, Process & How to Prepare Clothes

Hand washing is a manual method of cleaning clothes using water, detergent, and gentle rubbing by hand. It is helpful for fine materials such as silk, lace, wool and anything with embellishments that can be damaged in a machine wash. Choose to hand-wash lightweight clothing or items that require special care, as indicated on their labels. Hand washing prevents your items from stretching, fading and losing their shape or texture. It saves electricity and makes it possible to adjust water temperature and how much detergent is used. This method lengthens the life of your clothes and protects sensitive or special garments.

How to Prepare Clothes for Hand Washing?

Here are 3 important steps to get your clothes prepared for hand washing:

1. Sorting by colour and fabric type

2. Checking care labels for hand-wash instructions

3. Gathering supplies: detergent, basin, etc.

Sorting by Colour and Fabric Type

Sort light, dark and colourful pieces separately to stop transferring colour onto one another. Collect delicate objects such as silk or lace and separate them from hard fabrics such as denim or towels. This prevents the fabric from wearing out too quickly and makes sure that each material is properly washed and rinsed.

Checking Care Labels for Hand Wash Instructions

Check the care label on the garment before you wash it. Notice if there is any hand on some water or the words "hand wash only" on the label. These symbols tell you how sensitive the fabric is and guide you on washing and drying. Proper care according to the tags reduces the chance of the fabric shrinking or fading.

Gathering Supplies

Get a clean plastic basin, bucket, or sink that is large enough to fit all of your clothes. Keep something to measure the water in, soft towels for soaking out the water, a drying rack or a flat surface for air drying clothes without stretching them. Using softeners or gloves is an optional way to add extra comfort and attention to your washing.

What is the Step-by-Step Process for Hand-Washing Clothes?

Here are the 4 steps for effective and safe hand washing:

1. Filling the basin with water

2. Adding detergent

3. Soaking and agitating the clothes

4. Rinsing thoroughly

Filling the Basin with Water

Pour enough water into a clean basin or sink so that the clothes are covered by water. Cold water is suitable for dark, delicate fabrics, and lukewarm water helps clean light-coloured and lightly dirty items. Hot water can cause clothes to shrink, so try to avoid using it. Be sure that the basin does not contain any oil, bleach or chemicals.

Adding Detergent

Add a small amount of mild detergent and mix well to dissolve completely. Choose a detergent made for delicates or soap. Don't use strong bleach or powder for cleaning your clothes by hand. Make sure the water looks lathery and don't scrub the clothes too hard, it can damage the texture or colour of the fabric.

Soaking and Agitating the Clothes

Put the clothes in the soapy water and leave them there for about 10 to 15 minutes. Lightly move the fabrics in the water to let the dirt come loose; do not wring or twist harshly. Start rubbing the dirty parts of your clothing together lightly. Don’t rub fabrics with hard brushes or tools that can damage the threads.

Rinsing Thoroughly

Remove the dirty water from the basin and refill it with fresh water. Now, wash the garment by moving it up and down in the freshwater. Continue until there is no soap left. Make sure the fabric gets cleaned well, just give it a good press with your hands without twisting it. Rinsing well prevents detergent residue, stiffening or possible discomfort on your skin.