A Basic Guide to Hand-Washing Clothes

Handwashing your clothes is the ideal choice if you want them to last a lifetime. We’re here to guide you through the process of achieving a gentle, thorough clean by handwashing your clothes at home.

While we've been handwashing clothes for thousands of years, the rise of washing machines has made this process seem unfamiliar and even intimidating. Why would anyone intentionally wash clothes by hand?

However, handwashing is simple, effective, and often the only way to care for delicate items (instead of relying on dry cleaning). With Grove's handwashing guide, you'll gain a valuable skill to keep your wardrobe fresh and clean.

Is it better to wash clothes by hand?

"Better" is a subjective term, but when it comes to certain fabrics, handwashing is undoubtedly effective. It's especially beneficial for delicate items like wool, cashmere, and silk, which should not—or cannot—be washed or dried in a machine.

In addition to its care benefits, handwashing can also help you save money by reducing the need for expensive dry cleaning services.

Can you wash your clothes with body wash or hand soap?

While you technically could use a regular soap, it's best not to. Handwashing clothes operates similarly to machine washing—it involves movement, water, and a cleaning agent to freshen and clean your garments.

Opt for a cleaning agent specifically designed for laundry, rather than one meant for skin. The best laundry detergents are free from harsh chemicals like dyes and fragrances, which can be damaging both to your clothes and your skin.

Now that your laundry is sorted into appropriate groups, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and let your hands work their magic. Here's a simple guide to handwashing your clothes:

The first step is to read the label.

As always, the care label on your clothes is your best guide for proper cleaning instructions. It provides valuable information about temperature settings, detergent types, and whether a garment should be handwashed. Be sure to separate clothes with different washing requirements, such as those needing a specific detergent or temperature, into separate loads to avoid any damage.

Pretreat stains if desired.

Before washing, treat any stubborn stains, particularly on white clothes, just as you would in a regular laundry load. You can use a commercial stain remover, a bit of detergent, hydrogen peroxide, or a paste made from baking soda and water to pre-treat the stain.

Fill your tub or sink halfway with water.

Fill a clean tub, sink, or large basin with water. Room temperature is ideal for most garments, but always check the care tags for specific instructions. Some fabrics, like wool, cashmere, and silk, should only be washed in cool or cold water.

Step 3: Pour in the dishwashing liquid.

Generally, your regular liquid laundry detergent will work fine for handwashing. You'll only need about a teaspoon, much less than what you'd use in a washing machine.

For delicate fabrics like wool, cashmere, and silk, consider using a specialty detergent. Alternatively, choose a detergent that’s free of fragrances, fabric softeners, dyes, and other potentially harmful chemicals.

Step 4: Soak and submerge

Fill your water basin halfway with your sorted clothes. Gently swish them through the water with your hands, mimicking a delicate washing cycle. This helps activate the detergent and ensures effective cleaning. It’s normal for the water to discolor during this process, as dirt and dye may escape from your clothes.

For a deeper clean, press the clothes against the bottom of the basin, as if kneading them. Avoid twisting, wringing, or scrubbing, as this can stretch and damage the fabric.

Let your clothes soak for 15 to 30 minutes after swishing or kneading to ensure thorough cleaning.

Step 5: Rinse and repeat the process.

Drain the soapy water and replace it with cool water. Rinse your clothes by swishing them around and gently pressing non-delicates against the basin's bottom. Drain the water and repeat the process until the water and clothes are free of suds.

Step 6: Rinse thoroughly once more.

Drying clothes with detergent residue can damage the fabric. It's a good idea to give them one final rinse before drying to ensure all cleaning agents are removed.

What's the best way to dry your hand-washed clothes?

Hand-drying clothes takes longer than using a dryer, but it is much gentler on fabrics. The care and attention you give during hand-drying help extend the life of your clothes.

Step 1: Squeeze the water out of the clothes gently.

When hand-drying clothes, it's best to fold, press, and gently squeeze them to remove excess water. Avoid twisting or wringing, as these actions can stretch and damage the fabric over time.

Step 2: Make a flat surface and roll it out.

To remove excess water, lay a dry bath towel on a flat surface. Place your damp clothes on top and roll them up tightly, like a yoga mat. Gently press the roll to absorb any excess water. Repeat the process until your clothes are only slightly damp.

Step 3: Allow for air drying to complete the process.

Place a fresh dry towel on a flat surface or drying rack, ideally in a well-ventilated area with good airflow and sunlight. Lay your damp clothes flat on the towel or drape them across the rack, flipping them occasionally to ensure even drying. If the towel becomes too wet, replace it with a dry one.

Remember, different fabrics dry at different rates, so don't be surprised if lighter materials like athletic wear dry faster than heavier items like denim.