Do you hate feeling dirty and smelling after every hand wash cycle? If so, you’re not alone. A recent study conducted by HEI International found that nearly half of Americans (48%) feel really dirty and smelly after hand washing their clothes. This has repercussions since it can impact how comfortable we feel and also how well our clothes smell.
Hand washing is one of the most important hygiene steps you can take for your clothes. Not only does it remove dirt, bacteria, and sweat from your clothing, but it also cleans the work surface where the soap was applied. In fact, countries with higher rates of clothing-specific bacterial organisms (CBOs) often have low rates of water-borne Typhoid fever.
There are a few straightforward things that everyone can do to improve their hand-washing habits and improve the quality of their clothes. Follow these simple steps and you will have your clothes looking and smelling great in no time!
To hand wash clothes, first, fill a large basin or sink with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of laundry detergent and stir to dissolve. Submerge the clothes in the water and gently agitate them with your hands to help the detergent penetrate the fabric. Let the clothes soak for at least 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Gently wring out excess water, and lay the clothes flat to dry on a clean towel or drying rack. Avoid using hot water or harsh scrubbing motions, as these can damage the fabric. Repeat the process for any heavily soiled items.
Why hand washing is important
Hand washing is important for several reasons. First, it can help remove dirt, germs, and other contaminants from clothes, which can improve their cleanliness and extend their lifespan. Second, hand washing can be gentler on clothes than machine washing, which can help prevent damage and preserve the color and fit of the clothes. Third, hand washing can be more environmentally friendly than machine washing, as it uses less water and energy. Finally, hand washing can be a more affordable and accessible option for people who don’t have access to a washing machine. Overall, hand washing is a useful skill to have and can help keep your clothes clean and in good condition.
What you will need
To hand wash clothes, you will need the following items:
- A clean sink or basin
- Lukewarm water
- Mild laundry detergent
- A clean towel
- A well-ventilated area to hang the clothes to dry
You may also want to have a clothes hanger or drying rack on hand to hang the clothes to dry. Additionally, you may want to use a laundry brush or sponge to help scrub any particularly dirty areas.
Step-by-step guide
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to hand-wash clothes:
- Fill a clean sink or basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild laundry detergent.
- Submerge the clothes in the water and gently agitate them to create suds.
- Let the clothes soak for a few minutes, then use your hands or a laundry brush or sponge to gently scrub any particularly dirty areas.
- Rinse the clothes thoroughly in clean water to remove all the soap.
- Gently squeeze out any excess water and transfer the clothes to a clean towel.
- Roll the towel up with the clothes inside to remove even more water.
- Unroll the towel and hang the clothes to dry in a well-ventilated area.
It’s important to avoid rubbing the clothes too hard, as this can cause damage and cause the fabric to fade or shrink. Additionally, avoid wringing the clothes to remove water, as this can also cause damage. Once the clothes are dry, you can iron them if desired to remove any wrinkles.
How to remove stains when hand washing
To remove stains when hand washing clothes, follow these steps:
- First, try to remove as much of the excess stain as possible by blotting the area with a clean cloth or sponge.
- Next, apply a stain remover or a mixture of water and laundry detergent directly to the stain.
- Gently rub the stain remover into the stain using your fingers or a soft-bristled brush.
- Let the stain remover sit on the stain for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate the fabric.
- Rinse the stained area thoroughly with clean water to remove the stain remover.
- Repeat steps 2-5 as needed until the stain is gone.
If the stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to try using a stronger stain remover or repeating the process several times. It’s also a good idea to treat the stain as soon as possible, as older stains can be more difficult to remove. Finally, be sure to read the care instructions on your clothes before treating the stain, as some fabrics may be sensitive to certain types of stain removers.
How to dry hand-washed clothes
To dry hand-washed clothes, follow these steps:
- Gently squeeze out any excess water from the clothes and transfer them to a clean towel.
- Roll the towel up with the clothes inside to remove even more water.
- Unroll the towel and hang the clothes to dry in a well-ventilated area.
It’s important to avoid wringing the clothes to remove water, as this can cause damage and cause the fabric to shrink or stretch. Instead, gently squeeze out any excess water and let the clothes air dry.
If you have a clothes hanger or drying rack, you can use these to hang the clothes to dry. This will allow the clothes to dry more evenly and can help prevent wrinkling. If you don’t have a clothes hanger or drying rack, you can hang the clothes on a line or over a shower rod. Just be sure to hang them in a well-ventilated area to allow for proper air circulation.
It can take several hours for the clothes to fully dry, depending on the temperature and humidity of the room. Avoid drying the clothes in direct sunlight, as this can cause fading. Once the clothes are dry, you can iron them if desired to remove any wrinkles.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about hand-washing clothes:
Can I use regular laundry detergent to hand wash clothes?
Yes, you can use regular laundry detergent to hand wash clothes. However, it’s important to use a mild detergent that is designed for hand washing. Regular laundry detergents can be too harsh for hand washing and can cause damage to the clothes.
Can I use hot water to hand wash clothes?
It’s generally not recommended to use hot water to hand wash clothes. Hot water can cause the colors in clothes to fade and can also shrink or damage certain fabrics. Instead, use lukewarm water, which is less likely to cause damage and will still effectively remove dirt and stains from the clothes.
How often should I hand wash my clothes?
How often you hand wash your clothes will depend on a number of factors, including how often you wear them, how dirty they get, and the type of fabric they are made from. In general, it’s a good idea to hand wash clothes after wearing them a few times to remove dirt and sweat. However, if the clothes are heavily soiled or have visible stains, you may need to hand wash them more frequently.
Can I hand wash all types of clothes?
Most types of clothes can be hand washed, including cotton, linen, and synthetic fabrics. However, some types of clothes are not suitable for hand washing, including delicate fabrics like silk and wool, and clothes with embellishments or decorative details. It’s always a good idea to check the care instructions on your clothes before hand washing to ensure that they can be safely cleaned in this way.
Conclusion
Hand washing clothes is a useful skill to have and can help keep your clothes clean and in good condition. To hand wash clothes, you will need a clean sink or basin, lukewarm water, mild laundry detergent, and a clean towel. Fill the sink or basin with lukewarm water and detergent, then gently agitate the clothes to create suds. Let the clothes soak for a few minutes, then scrub any dirty areas with your hands or a brush. Rinse the clothes thoroughly in clean water and transfer them to a clean towel to remove excess water. Hang the clothes to dry in a well-ventilated area, and iron them if desired. Hand washing is gentler on clothes than machine washing, and can also be more environmentally friendly and affordable.
