It may happen that you do not have the opportunity to use the washing machine, but have to wash dirty and smelly clothes or to have clothes that can only be washed by hand because they are too delicate. In these cases, first choose a detergent that is not too aggressive on the fibers, then use the water and the product to gently wash the garments; finally, dry them properly so that they are clean and do not create potential damage.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Appropriate Detergent
Step 1. Get some detergent for delicate clothes
Neutral is suitable for most garments, as long as they are not made of fabrics that are particularly susceptible to damage, such as silk, lace, wool or knitted fibers. Choose a liquid product as it is more suitable for delicate laundry. Some brands like Soflan or Woolite are great options.
- You can also use any detergent for delicate clothes that are not lace, silk or wool.
- Baby shampoo or mild liquid soap can also work.
Step 2. Get a detergent that doesn't need to be rinsed off to wash silk or lace
For these delicate items you must choose a product that does not require rinsing, once you have done the initial soaking; in this way it is easier to wash them and you avoid damaging them due to excessive rinsing.
These non-rinsing products are sold online or in supermarkets in the sectors dedicated to detergents
Step 3. Use a lanolin-based product for wool and knits
Lanolin is a natural oil produced from sheep skin that waterproofs the fur; it is able to make any woolen or knitted garment softer, so that it does not get felted or damaged during washing.
You can find this detergent online or in supermarkets among the shelves of detergents
Part 2 of 3: Hand Wash Clothes
Step 1. Wash light and dark colored items separately
Start with the lighter ones and keep the dark ones last. Wash clothes individually one at a time to prevent the colors from transferring from one dress to another.
If you have a new colored or dyed garment, wash it separately in another tub or basin to prevent the color from transferring to another dress
Step 2. Fill two tubs with water
Use containers deep enough to hold at least one garment; if you wish, you can also use the sink. Fill both containers 3/4 of the way with hot water at about 30 ° C or in any case hot to the touch. Avoid boiling water, as it can fade colors, as does cold water, as it is not very effective on stains.
- If you are concerned that the garment will shrink, use cold water in both containers.
- You can use the same tub of water for similarly colored clothes, for example for the dark or light group.
Step 3. Add the detergent to one of the two pans
Use a teaspoon (equivalent to 5 ml) of product for each garment and mix it in the water.
Step 4. Wash the laundry
Dip it into the tub with the soapy water and move it gently with your hands to loosen the dirt. Shake it a little for about 2-3 minutes or until it looks clean.
- Avoid rubbing, wringing, or rubbing the garment in water to avoid damaging it.
- Don't let it soak for more than 3-4 minutes, or it may shrink.
Step 5. Rinse it in the other basin
Once the garment has been thoroughly washed, remove it from the soapy water and gently transfer it to the other container of clean water. Rinse it by dipping and lifting it for 2-3 minutes; this action should remove any detergent residue from the fibers.
- Check that it is clean and free of soap; if you still see detergent, throw the water out of the compartment and proceed with more clean water.
- If you are using a product that does not require rinsing, skip this step.
Part 3 of 3: Dry Clothes
Step 1. Don't squeeze them
Avoid squeezing and squeezing them, otherwise you could deform and ruin them; instead you have to extract them from the water and let the liquid drip into the tray or container.
Step 2. Unfold them to dry
Place wet clothing on a clean surface, such as a kitchen counter or table. lay them flat and reshape them so they regain their appearance.
You can also place them on a drying rack to dry, as long as they are held horizontally and are not hung vertically, otherwise they could warp
Step 3. Turn them to dry completely
Wait 2 to 4 hours for them to dry on one side, then turn them upside down to remove moisture from the other as well; let them dry overnight and check both sides the next morning.
