Handwashing

The care labels for some clothes specify that they should be washed by hand. But if you occasionally handwash the clothes that you normally wash in the machine, you will help to prolong their life.

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Tips for Best Results

Just as with machine-washing, the first thing to do is sort your clothes by colour so that you are washing whites, light colours and dark colours separately.

Check the care label to see whether your clothes require washing in cold or hand-hot water, and whether there are instructions about detergent type (eg for delicate fabrics).

Make sure you add the right amount of detergent. Check our dosing information. Make sure the washing detergent has completely dissolved in the water before immersing items in the wash solution.

Add your clothes to the water and, if they are heavily stained, leave them to soak.

After washing the clothes by gently squeezing the garments through the wash solution, rinse three or more times, until the water runs clear.

Try to avoid keeping your hands in the detergent for too long. Wash and dry them immediately afterwards. People with sensitive or damaged skin should be especially careful to do this, and may wish to use rubber gloves.

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Handwashing Particular Fabrics

Delicates

We recommend that you use a pH neutral non-enzymated detergent because they does not contain enzymes, bleach or brightening agents.

Modern Fabrics

Many modern fabrics can also be handwashed in a powder or liquid detergent, but check the care label carefully for instructions.

Woollens

  • Check that the care label on the article advises washing - some woollens are labelled 'dry clean only'.
  • Use warm water (around 30 -40°C).
  • Use a pH neutral non-enzymated detergent.
  • Wash quickly, squeezing the garment gently in the suds. Give extra-dirty woollens two washes with a rinse between, rather than one long wash.
  • Add a fabric conditioner in the final rinse water, to ensure that the garment stays soft.
  • Gently squeeze out the excess moisture, then roll in a towel or spin dry in your machine to remove as much water as possible to prevent possible dye migration. Dry flat on a towel away from direct heat and sunlight to prevent white or light colours from discoluring. Do not tumble dry.