ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.4 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/ |
| Last Crawled | 2026-03-27 08:40:55 (10 days ago) |
| First Indexed | 2021-09-03 20:55:11 (4 years ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | How to Hand-Wash Clothes: 7 Easy Steps for All Types of Clothing |
| Meta Description | This step-by-step guide will teach you how to hand-wash clothes, including how to hand-wash bras and other delicates. Good news: It's easy! |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | Knowing how to hand-wash clothes may not be essential, but it sure does come in handy. Let me set the scene: It was early 2020, and all the laundromats in my neighborhood and the surrounding areas had shut down for several weeks. I had no way to machine-wash clothing and household linens. And nobody knew when things would get back to normal. Thankfully, I’m a cleaning expert with more than a decade of experience and knew exactly how to hand-wash clothes.
While you may never find yourself without access to laundry facilities, it’s still worth learning
how to do laundry
by hand. Not only is it an easy skill to master, but it’s also well worth having in your arsenal for more than emergency situations. It’s useful to
separate laundry
by laundering delicate fabrics and embellished clothing, when traveling, for in-a-pinch laundry (like, you really want to wear your favorite leggings to yoga tomorrow!) and in a disaster.
Because I’ve been there, done that, I’ve created a guide to explain the basics of how to hand-wash clothes and offer tips for what can and can’t be successfully washed by hand. I’m even including special instructions for hand-washing sweaters, bras, lingerie and underwear. And don’t worry: This step-by-step guide will also cover drying techniques, including when to
air-dry or machine-dry clothes
that have been washed by hand.
GetÂ
Reader’s Digest
’sÂ
Read Up newsletter
for more cleaning, humor, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.
On This Page
Which items should be hand-washed?
Is hand-washing as effective as machine-washing?
How to hand-wash clothes
How to hand-wash sweaters
How to hand-wash bras and lingerie
How to hand-wash underwear
FAQs
Which items should be hand-washed?
Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images
Anything safe to machine-wash is a candidate for washing by hand, including clothing, accessories and household linens. That said, certain items—typically those made from lightweight and quick-drying fabrics—are better suited to hand-laundering.
Before you jump in, check the care tag. Garments that have rayon and viscose in their fiber content, for instance, are best cleaned with dry-cleaning solvents.
Ideal for hand-washing
Yes, you can
wash delicate fabrics like silk
, wool, cashmere and angora by hand. In fact, hand-laundering these materials is often the better option for preserving the look and feel of these natural fibers.
The following types of clothing and accessories are ideal for washing by hand:
Activewear
Bras, underwear and lingerie
Embellished items
Hosiery
Lightweight outerwear, like puffer coats and fleece
Silk clothing and accessories
Sweaters, especially lightweight and/or delicate natural fibers like angora,
cashmere
and merino. (Â RELATED: Hand-washing
baseball hats
is your safest bet as they can lose their shape with much jostling and manipulation.)
Ideal for machine-washing
Bulky and/or heavy items are best washed in the machine, rather than by hand, when possible. The weight and size of the following items can make the hand-laundering process an energy-consuming slog—and better to skip it if you can!
Bedspreads, duvets and quilts
Heavy outerwear
Jeans and other work-weight pants
Sweatshirts, sweatpants and other bulky leisurewear
Towels
Hand-washing dry-clean-only items
Certain garments labeled “dry-clean only” can be successfully hand-washed. To determine if a
dry-clean-only item can be washed by hand
, look at the fabric content. If it includes cotton, linen, spandex, nylon or polyester, you can safely wash it by hand, even if the care tag says to dry-clean it.
“If the garment is structured, like a suit jacket or coat, it should not be hand-washed because of the interfacings that give it its shape. Save it for the dry cleaner,” adds fabric-care expert Mary Marlowe Leverette.
Reader's Digest
Is hand-washing as effective as machine-washing?
When done correctly, hand-washing is as effective as machine-washing. The most important thing to bear in mind when hand-laundering clothing and other items is to use the correct dose of detergent. Using too much detergent will add unnecessary time and labor to the process of rinsing clothes clean, and residue from detergent will leave clothing and accessories that have been washed by hand feeling stiff. That residue can even lend a dingy, dull appearance to otherwise clean clothing.
In addition to
using the wrong amount of detergent
, using unnecessary laundry boosters like fabric softeners and scent beads when hand-washing can lead to a less-than-ideal outcome. Repeat after me: Less is more when it comes to products.
One of my most trusted fabric-care experts, Wayne Edelman, CEO of New York City’s Meurice Garment Care, once instructed me, “Only add enough detergent to create a slippery feel to the water and some sudsing.” I always loved the way he put that—”a slippery feel to the water”—because it is so normal to think that a sink full of suds is the path to super-clean clothes, when the opposite is true. That tactile instruction is so helpful for gauging what the right amount of detergent should look and feel like.
I strongly recommend using a no-rinse detergent when hand-washing clothing and accessories. These detergents are formulated with delicate fabric types in mind and do not require rinsing, making hand-washing a less labor-intensive effort and reducing the amount of handling needed.
How to hand-wash clothes
Reader's Digest
For dirty delicates and other items that can’t go into the washer (look for that hand-wash-only symbol on the label!), follow the steps below to launder by hand.
Step 1: Read the care tag
Consult the care label for washing instructions, taking particular note of guidance on what
water temperature
to use as well as any products to avoid using.
Step 2: Treat stains
Pre-treat stains on the garment, if necessary, before hand-washing. The method will differ depending on the fabric and type of stain, and a good place to start is with our
guide to stain removal
.
Step 3: Fill the sink with soapy water
Fill the sink with water, leaving enough space to submerge the garment and to move your hands through the water without displacing it. If the care instructions do not indicate an ideal water temperature, default to cool water.
Add laundry detergent following dosing directions provided by the detergent manufacturer. If the detergent does not come with dosing instructions, use approximately 1 teaspoon of detergent per item being washed by hand.
♦
Pro tip
If a sink is not available, use a washing basin or bathtub.
Step 4: Submerge and soak items
Liudmila Chernetska/getty images
Place the garment in the detergent solution. Use your hands to submerge and gently agitate it so that the water and
laundry detergent
fully penetrate the fibers. Then allow the garment to soak for five to 15 minutes.
Step 5: Rinse
If you’ve used regular detergent, rather than a no-rinse formula, drain the sink of soapy water and thoroughly rinse the garment to remove all detergent. You can do this by either holding the garment under running water or refilling the basin and rinsing the item by gently agitating it to release detergent. The latter method is best for delicate items, as it is gentler on fabrics than flushing with the force of running water. Use the same water temperature for rinsing that you did for washing.
If you used a no-rinse detergent, this step is not necessary.
Step 6: Press out excess water
After draining the sink
,
leave the garment in the basin and gently press down on it to push out as much water as possible. Take care not to wring, twist or otherwise roughly handle the fibers—overhandling can cause stretching, fraying and other damage.
When you’ve forced out all the water, carefully lift the garment out of the sink, supporting its weight to prevent stretching, and place it on a clean, dry, absorbent towel. Roll the garment up in the towel, gently pressing down to force out more water.
Step 7: Dry the garment
Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images
You’ll either air- or machine-dry items, depending on the fabric, so be sure you’ve read the care tag. Most items that require hand-washing, especially delicate materials like silk or cashmere and
performance wear
that contains spandex, Lycra or elastane, should be air-dried. Either lay them flat or hang to dry, depending on the type of garment. The same goes for sweaters—check out the full list of sweater-washing steps below.
Cotton, linen and polyester can be air-dried or machine-dried per the instructions on the care label.
♦
Pro tip
Avoid draping wet clothing on wood furniture or floors, or over metal radiators. Doing so can stain and damage both the wet fabric and the wood or metal surfaces.
How to hand-wash sweaters
Reader's Digest
Sweaters made from natural and synthetic fibers can be washed by hand, and when it comes to materials like cashmere, merino or angora, hand-laundering is the gold standard. The instructions for hand-washing sweaters also apply to
washing other woolens
, like scarves, hats, gloves and mittens.
Step 1: Read the care tag
Noticing a pattern? That’s right: The first step to laundering items without destroying them is always to consult the care label for washing instructions.
Step 2: Fill the sink
Fill the sink with cool water and detergent. If the sweater is made from natural fibers, use a wool-safe no-rinse detergent. Sweaters made from synthetic fibers do not require a specialty detergent.
When adding detergent, follow the measurement directions on the container. If the detergent doesn’t offer dosing instructions, use approximately 1 teaspoon of detergent per item being washed by hand.
Step 3: Submerge and soak the sweater
Wash the sweater
by submerging it fully in the detergent solution and using your hands to gently agitate it. Take care not to overhandle the sweater, which can stretch the fibers. Allow the sweater to soak for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse
If you’ve used regular detergent, drain the sink and then thoroughly rinse the sweater in cool water. Take care not to overhandle the garment by filling the basin with fresh water for rising, rather than rinsing the sweater under running water.
If you used a no-rinse detergent, this step is not necessary.
Step 5: Press out excess water
Drain the sink. Gently press the sweater against the bottom of the basin to push out as much water as possible. Carefully lift the sweater out of the sink, supporting its weight to prevent stretching, and place it on a towel.
Roll the sweater up in the towel, gently pressing down to remove more water. Remember, you never want to wring, twist or otherwise roughly handle the fibers.
Step 6: Air-dry on a flat surface
Kseniya Ovchinnikova/Getty Images
Take extra care when drying your sweaters—hanging a wet sweater to dry will cause it to stretch and become misshapen, and it’ll weaken the fibers, leading to fraying and other damage. Also a big no-no? Tossing them into the dryer. Always lay sweaters flat to air-dry, either on a towel or on a flat mesh drying rack.
How to hand-wash bras and lingerie
Reader's Digest
These delicate and finely constructed garments do not like to be overhandled, making hand-washing the ideal choice when
cleaning your bras
and lingerie.
Step 1: Read the care tag
Yup, you’re once again beginning by reading the washing instructions on the care label. Pay special attention to the recommended water temperature and any products, like bleach, to avoid.
Step 2: Fill the sink
Fill the sink with water, then add detergent. While a delicates detergent is not necessary—regular
liquid or powder detergents
are fine, though liquid detergents tend to dissolve more easily, making them a better choice for hand-washing—one can be fun to use, because it makes washing bras feel like a special occasion!
Follow the dosing directions provided by the detergent manufacturer. If the detergent container doesn’t specify a hand-washing dose, use approximately 1 teaspoon of detergent per item being washed by hand.
♦
Pro tip
Use a no-rinse detergent when washing bras. Doing so eliminates a step of the hand-washing process and reduces the amount of handling required.
Step 3: Submerge and soak items
Place the bra (or bras—you can wash more than one at a time) in the water. Submerge and gently agitate it with your hands. Let it soak for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse
If you’ve used regular detergent, drain the water and thoroughly rinse the bra by refilling the basin with cool water and gently agitating the bra while it’s submerged. To protect the item’s delicate construction from the force of the faucet, avoid rinsing it directly under running water.
This step is not necessary if you used a no-rinse detergent as recommended.
Step 5: Press out excess water
Drain the wash water from the sink. Push as much water as possible out of the bra by gently squeezing the cups. Do not wring, twist or otherwise roughly handle a bra or other lingerie—it can leave items misshapen.
Step 6: Air-dry items
harpazo_hope/getty images
Air-drying is your best bet when it comes to delicates, including bras and lingerie. Ideally, you’ll lay them on a flat surface, such as a towel or a flat mesh
drying rack
.
Do you prefer to drip-dry items? You can, if the design permits. But do so with care. Never hang a bra to dry by its straps, which will cause them to stretch, ruining the fit of the bra. Instead, hang it by its center gore.
How to hand-wash underwear
Reader's Digest
Washing underwear
by hand is a fairly straightforward process, similar to washing bras and other lingerie. The most important step? Rinse the underwear thoroughly after washing to avoid itching, inflammation and other discomfort caused by exposure to detergent residue.
Step 1: Read the care tag
By now, you know the drill: Check the care label for washing instructions, paying special attention to any products, like bleach, that you should avoid.
The
laundry symbols
on the tag will tell you what water temperature to use, but in general, go with the hottest water the fabric can tolerate. That’ll help ensure your undies are free of buildup, bacteria and other germs.
Step 2: Fill the sink
Fill the sink with water and detergent, being very careful with the dosage. When washing underwear, err on the side of less detergent rather than more.
Follow the dosing directions provided by the detergent manufacturer. Don’t see any instructions on the container? Use about 1 teaspoon of detergent per item being washed by hand. Don’t go overboard! Remember, excess detergent can leave behind residue that may irritate your skin with wear.
Step 3: Submerge and soak the underwear
Place the underwear in the soapy water, fully submerging it. Rub the fabric of the gusset against itself to dislodge any buildup of secretions and remove stains. Then allow the underwear to soak for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse
Drain the detergent solution and thoroughly rinse the underwear either by holding them under running water or refilling the basin, making sure no detergent residue remains.
Step 5: Press out excess water
Drain the wash water from the sink and push as much water as possible out of the underwear by gently squeezing it.
Gently
is the operative word here—avoid roughly handling your underwear. Wringing it out or twisting the fabric can stretch it out or break its elastic.
Step 6: Dry the underwear
ssuaphoto/Getty Images
Pick your preferred method here: You can either machine- or air-dry underwear. if you go the air-drying route, either lay items flat, hang them on a line or put them on a drying rack.
FAQs
Do you need special detergent for hand-washing clothes?
No, you don’t need to use a specialty detergent to hand-wash clothes—standard liquid or powder laundry detergents get the job done.
If you only haveÂ
detergent pods
, Leverette recommends dissolving the pod in a cup of very warm water. Use 1 teaspoon of the solution per item you are hand-washing.
Specialty detergents can be nice to have for hand-washing clothes, though. They’re formulated to be gentler on certain fabric types, and they can elevate the hand-washing experience by making it feel a little special. (Anything to make the chore feel less like a chore, right?)
I strongly recommend using a no-rinse detergent formula for hand-laundering. These products have the benefit of reducing the amount of handling required when hand-washing a garment, which is gentler on fabrics. Plus, they save you time by eliminating a step.
Should you use fabric softener when hand-washing?
No,
fabric softener
isn’t necessary for hand-washing. In fact, it can leave a residue that may cause skin irritation. Additionally, fabric softener should not be used on many fabrics that are frequently hand-washed, including spandex, Lycra and elastane.
How do you hand-wash heavy clothes?
You don’t, if you can avoid it! I don’t recommend hand-washing heavy or bulky items like blankets or
down comforters
. There’s a good deal of physical effort involved, and the drying time can be so lengthy.
With that said, you
can
hand-wash heavy clothing using the methods outlined in this guide.
“Use the bathtub for an emergency hand-washing of jeans or athletic uniforms,” says Leverette. “The added space gives the clothes more room to absorb the cleaning ingredients of the detergent, and they are easier to wash and rinse.”
Why are my clothes so stiff after hand-washing?
If clothing is stiff after being washed by hand, the likely culprit is detergent residue. To fix this problem, rinse the garment well in cool water to wash out any product buildup that’s affecting the look and feel of the item.
Why trust us
At
Reader’s Digest
, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts in the cleaning industry. For this piece, longtime cleaning writer Jolie Kerr, author of
My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag … and Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha
, tapped her extensive experience as a cleaning expert, and then Mary Marlowe Leverette, fabric-care and stain-removal expert, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our
team
, our contributors and our
editorial policies
. |
| Markdown | [Skip to main content](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/#content)
![]()
MENU
[](https://www.rd.com/)
A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
- [The Healthy](https://www.thehealthy.com/)
- [Games](https://www.rd.com/article/brain-games-quizzes-puzzles/)
- [Home](https://www.rd.com/home/)
- [Humor](https://www.rd.com/funny/)
- [Knowledge](https://www.rd.com/knowledge/)
- [Holidays](https://www.rd.com/holidays/)
- [Subscribe](https://order.readersdigest.com/servlet/OrdersGateway?cds_mag_code=RDA&cds_page_id=283450&int_campaign=rda_20221014_mainnav&cds_response_key=IB7ADU108&int_source=direct&int_medium=rd.com&int_placement=mainnav&int_keycode=IB7ADU108)
[ How to Do Laundry the Right Way: A Step-by-Step Guide](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-do-laundry/)
[ This Is the Only Washing Machine Cycle You Need to Use, According to a Laundry Expert](https://www.rd.com/article/ideal-washing-machine-cycle/)
[ How to Wash "Dry Clean Only" Clothes at Home](https://www.rd.com/article/do-you-need-to-dry-clean/)
[ How to Get Makeup Out of Clothes, According to Laundry Experts](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-get-makeup-out-of-clothes/)
[ How to Wash Underwear the Right Way](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-underwear/)
[ How to Remove Odors from Your Clothes, According to Cleaning Experts](https://www.rd.com/article/remove-odors-from-clothes/)
[ 14 Laundry Myths That Are Ruining Your Clothes](https://www.rd.com/list/laundry-myths-that-are-ruining-your-clothes/)
[ The Best Temperature to Wash Clothes to Keep Them Looking New](https://www.rd.com/article/what-temperature-to-wash-clothes/)
[ How to Wash White Clothes to Keep Them Looking Bright and New](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-white-clothes/)
[ How to Wash Cashmere at Home—and Save a Bundle](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-cashmere/)
[ Laundry Expert Explains: Why You Shouldn't Follow the TikTok Trend of Using Dish Soap in Your Washing Machine](https://www.rd.com/article/dont-use-dish-soap-in-your-washing-machine/)
[ Here's How Long It's OK to Leave Wet Clothes in the Washing Machine Before You Have to Rewash Them](https://www.rd.com/article/leave-wet-clothes-in-washing-machine/)
[ This Is the ONLY Way You Should Be Cleaning Your Underwear](https://www.rd.com/article/clean-laundry-bacteria/)
[ 11 Cleaning Secrets Only Professional Dry Cleaners Know](https://www.rd.com/list/cleaning-secrets-from-dry-cleaners/)
[ How to Wash Wool Sweaters and Blankets So You Don't Ruin Them](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-wool/)
[ How to Wash Silk Without Damaging Your Clothing](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-silk/)
[ The One Laundry Mistake Almost Everybody Makes—And Why It's a Bigger Problem Than You Probably Think](https://www.rd.com/article/laundry-mistake/)
[ 16 Best Laundry Detergents, According to Cleaning Experts](https://www.rd.com/list/best-laundry-detergents/)
[ How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent for the Best Results](https://www.rd.com/article/homemade-laundry-detergent/)
[ How to Clean a Washing Machine—And What Happens If You Don't](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/)
Mariakray/Getty Images
[RD.COM](https://www.rd.com/)
[Home](https://www.rd.com/home/)
[Cleaning](https://www.rd.com/home/house-cleaning/)
# How to Hand-Wash Clothes the Right Way, According to Laundry Experts
Mariakray/Getty Images
By [Jolie Kerr](https://www.rd.com/author/jolie-kerr/)
Reviewed by [Mary Marlowe Leverette](https://www.rd.com/author/mary-marlowe-leverette/)
Updated on May 22, 2024
Machines do most of our laundry for us, but learning how to hand-wash clothes is a skill that's definitely worth mastering
Knowing how to hand-wash clothes may not be essential, but it sure does come in handy. Let me set the scene: It was early 2020, and all the laundromats in my neighborhood and the surrounding areas had shut down for several weeks. I had no way to machine-wash clothing and household linens. And nobody knew when things would get back to normal. Thankfully, I’m a cleaning expert with more than a decade of experience and knew exactly how to hand-wash clothes.
While you may never find yourself without access to laundry facilities, it’s still worth learning [how to do laundry](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-do-laundry/) by hand. Not only is it an easy skill to master, but it’s also well worth having in your arsenal for more than emergency situations. It’s useful to [separate laundry](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-separate-laundry/) by laundering delicate fabrics and embellished clothing, when traveling, for in-a-pinch laundry (like, you really want to wear your favorite leggings to yoga tomorrow!) and in a disaster.
Because I’ve been there, done that, I’ve created a guide to explain the basics of how to hand-wash clothes and offer tips for what can and can’t be successfully washed by hand. I’m even including special instructions for hand-washing sweaters, bras, lingerie and underwear. And don’t worry: This step-by-step guide will also cover drying techniques, including when to [air-dry or machine-dry clothes](https://www.rd.com/article/better-to-air-dry-or-machine-dry-clothes/) that have been washed by hand.
**Get *Reader’s Digest*’s** [**Read Up newsletter**](https://www.rd.com/newsletter/?int_source=direct&int_medium=rd.com&int_campaign=nlrda_20221001_topperformingcontentnlsignup&int_placement=incontent) **for more cleaning, humor, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.**
##
On This Page
Toggle
- [Which items should be hand-washed?](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/#which-items-should-be-hand-washed "Which items should be hand-washed?")
- [Is hand-washing as effective as machine-washing?](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/#is-hand-washing-as-effective-as-machine-washing "Is hand-washing as effective as machine-washing?")
- [How to hand-wash clothes](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/#how-to-hand-wash-clothes "How to hand-wash clothes")
- [How to hand-wash sweaters](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/#how-to-hand-wash-sweaters "How to hand-wash sweaters")
- [How to hand-wash bras and lingerie](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/#how-to-hand-wash-bras-and-lingerie "How to hand-wash bras and lingerie")
- [How to hand-wash underwear](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/#how-to-hand-wash-underwear "How to hand-wash underwear")
- [FAQs](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/#faqs "FAQs")
## Which items should be hand-washed?
Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images
Anything safe to machine-wash is a candidate for washing by hand, including clothing, accessories and household linens. That said, certain items—typically those made from lightweight and quick-drying fabrics—are better suited to hand-laundering.
Before you jump in, check the care tag. Garments that have rayon and viscose in their fiber content, for instance, are best cleaned with dry-cleaning solvents.
### Ideal for hand-washing
Yes, you can [wash delicate fabrics like silk](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-silk/), wool, cashmere and angora by hand. In fact, hand-laundering these materials is often the better option for preserving the look and feel of these natural fibers.
The following types of clothing and accessories are ideal for washing by hand:
- Activewear
- Bras, underwear and lingerie
- Embellished items
- Hosiery
- Lightweight outerwear, like puffer coats and fleece
- Silk clothing and accessories
- Sweaters, especially lightweight and/or delicate natural fibers like angora, [cashmere](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-cashmere/) and merino. ( RELATED: Hand-washing [baseball hats](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-hat/) is your safest bet as they can lose their shape with much jostling and manipulation.)
### Ideal for machine-washing
Bulky and/or heavy items are best washed in the machine, rather than by hand, when possible. The weight and size of the following items can make the hand-laundering process an energy-consuming slog—and better to skip it if you can\!
- Bedspreads, duvets and quilts
- Heavy outerwear
- Jeans and other work-weight pants
- Sweatshirts, sweatpants and other bulky leisurewear
- [Towels](https://www.rd.com/article/washing-bath-towels-often/)
### Hand-washing dry-clean-only items
Certain garments labeled “dry-clean only” can be successfully hand-washed. To determine if a [dry-clean-only item can be washed by hand](https://www.rd.com/article/do-you-need-to-dry-clean/), look at the fabric content. If it includes cotton, linen, spandex, nylon or polyester, you can safely wash it by hand, even if the care tag says to dry-clean it. “If the garment is structured, like a suit jacket or coat, it should not be hand-washed because of the interfacings that give it its shape. Save it for the dry cleaner,” adds fabric-care expert Mary Marlowe Leverette.
Reader's Digest
## Is hand-washing as effective as machine-washing?
When done correctly, hand-washing is as effective as machine-washing. The most important thing to bear in mind when hand-laundering clothing and other items is to use the correct dose of detergent. Using too much detergent will add unnecessary time and labor to the process of rinsing clothes clean, and residue from detergent will leave clothing and accessories that have been washed by hand feeling stiff. That residue can even lend a dingy, dull appearance to otherwise clean clothing.
In addition to [using the wrong amount of detergent](https://www.rd.com/article/using-too-much-laundry-detergent/), using unnecessary laundry boosters like fabric softeners and scent beads when hand-washing can lead to a less-than-ideal outcome. Repeat after me: Less is more when it comes to products.
One of my most trusted fabric-care experts, Wayne Edelman, CEO of New York City’s Meurice Garment Care, once instructed me, “Only add enough detergent to create a slippery feel to the water and some sudsing.” I always loved the way he put that—”a slippery feel to the water”—because it is so normal to think that a sink full of suds is the path to super-clean clothes, when the opposite is true. That tactile instruction is so helpful for gauging what the right amount of detergent should look and feel like.
I strongly recommend using a no-rinse detergent when hand-washing clothing and accessories. These detergents are formulated with delicate fabric types in mind and do not require rinsing, making hand-washing a less labor-intensive effort and reducing the amount of handling needed.
## How to hand-wash clothes
Reader's Digest
For dirty delicates and other items that can’t go into the washer (look for that hand-wash-only symbol on the label!), follow the steps below to launder by hand.
### Step 1: Read the care tag
Consult the care label for washing instructions, taking particular note of guidance on what [water temperature](https://www.rd.com/article/what-temperature-to-wash-clothes/) to use as well as any products to avoid using.
### Step 2: Treat stains
Pre-treat stains on the garment, if necessary, before hand-washing. The method will differ depending on the fabric and type of stain, and a good place to start is with our [guide to stain removal](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-remove-stains/).
### Step 3: Fill the sink with soapy water
Fill the sink with water, leaving enough space to submerge the garment and to move your hands through the water without displacing it. If the care instructions do not indicate an ideal water temperature, default to cool water.
Add laundry detergent following dosing directions provided by the detergent manufacturer. If the detergent does not come with dosing instructions, use approximately 1 teaspoon of detergent per item being washed by hand.
| |
|---|
| **♦** ***Pro tip*** |
| *If a sink is not available, use a washing basin or bathtub.* |
###
### Step 4: Submerge and soak items
Liudmila Chernetska/getty images
Place the garment in the detergent solution. Use your hands to submerge and gently agitate it so that the water and [laundry detergent](https://www.rd.com/list/best-laundry-detergents/) fully penetrate the fibers. Then allow the garment to soak for five to 15 minutes.
### Step 5: Rinse
If you’ve used regular detergent, rather than a no-rinse formula, drain the sink of soapy water and thoroughly rinse the garment to remove all detergent. You can do this by either holding the garment under running water or refilling the basin and rinsing the item by gently agitating it to release detergent. The latter method is best for delicate items, as it is gentler on fabrics than flushing with the force of running water. Use the same water temperature for rinsing that you did for washing.
If you used a no-rinse detergent, this step is not necessary.
### Step 6: Press out excess water
After draining the sink**,** leave the garment in the basin and gently press down on it to push out as much water as possible. Take care not to wring, twist or otherwise roughly handle the fibers—overhandling can cause stretching, fraying and other damage.
When you’ve forced out all the water, carefully lift the garment out of the sink, supporting its weight to prevent stretching, and place it on a clean, dry, absorbent towel. Roll the garment up in the towel, gently pressing down to force out more water.
### Step 7: Dry the garment
Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images
You’ll either air- or machine-dry items, depending on the fabric, so be sure you’ve read the care tag. Most items that require hand-washing, especially delicate materials like silk or cashmere and [performance wear](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-athleisure/) that contains spandex, Lycra or elastane, should be air-dried. Either lay them flat or hang to dry, depending on the type of garment. The same goes for sweaters—check out the full list of sweater-washing steps below.
Cotton, linen and polyester can be air-dried or machine-dried per the instructions on the care label.
##
| |
|---|
| **♦** ***Pro tip*** |
| *Avoid draping wet clothing on wood furniture or floors, or over metal radiators. Doing so can stain and damage both the wet fabric and the wood or metal surfaces.* |
## How to hand-wash sweaters
Reader's Digest
Sweaters made from natural and synthetic fibers can be washed by hand, and when it comes to materials like cashmere, merino or angora, hand-laundering is the gold standard. The instructions for hand-washing sweaters also apply to [washing other woolens](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-wool/), like scarves, hats, gloves and mittens.
### Step 1: Read the care tag
Noticing a pattern? That’s right: The first step to laundering items without destroying them is always to consult the care label for washing instructions.
### Step 2: Fill the sink
Fill the sink with cool water and detergent. If the sweater is made from natural fibers, use a wool-safe no-rinse detergent. Sweaters made from synthetic fibers do not require a specialty detergent.
When adding detergent, follow the measurement directions on the container. If the detergent doesn’t offer dosing instructions, use approximately 1 teaspoon of detergent per item being washed by hand.
### Step 3: Submerge and soak the sweater
[Wash the sweater](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-wool/) by submerging it fully in the detergent solution and using your hands to gently agitate it. Take care not to overhandle the sweater, which can stretch the fibers. Allow the sweater to soak for 15 minutes.
### Step 4: Rinse
If you’ve used regular detergent, drain the sink and then thoroughly rinse the sweater in cool water. Take care not to overhandle the garment by filling the basin with fresh water for rising, rather than rinsing the sweater under running water.
If you used a no-rinse detergent, this step is not necessary.
### Step 5: Press out excess water
Drain the sink. Gently press the sweater against the bottom of the basin to push out as much water as possible. Carefully lift the sweater out of the sink, supporting its weight to prevent stretching, and place it on a towel.
Roll the sweater up in the towel, gently pressing down to remove more water. Remember, you never want to wring, twist or otherwise roughly handle the fibers.
### Step 6: Air-dry on a flat surface
Kseniya Ovchinnikova/Getty Images
Take extra care when drying your sweaters—hanging a wet sweater to dry will cause it to stretch and become misshapen, and it’ll weaken the fibers, leading to fraying and other damage. Also a big no-no? Tossing them into the dryer. Always lay sweaters flat to air-dry, either on a towel or on a flat mesh drying rack.
## How to hand-wash bras and lingerie
Reader's Digest
These delicate and finely constructed garments do not like to be overhandled, making hand-washing the ideal choice when [cleaning your bras](https://www.rd.com/article/how-often-should-you-wash-your-bra/) and lingerie.
### Step 1: Read the care tag
Yup, you’re once again beginning by reading the washing instructions on the care label. Pay special attention to the recommended water temperature and any products, like bleach, to avoid.
### Step 2: Fill the sink
Fill the sink with water, then add detergent. While a delicates detergent is not necessary—regular [liquid or powder detergents](https://www.rd.com/article/liquid-vs-powder-detergent/) are fine, though liquid detergents tend to dissolve more easily, making them a better choice for hand-washing—one can be fun to use, because it makes washing bras feel like a special occasion\!
Follow the dosing directions provided by the detergent manufacturer. If the detergent container doesn’t specify a hand-washing dose, use approximately 1 teaspoon of detergent per item being washed by hand.
| |
|---|
| **♦** ***Pro tip*** |
| *Use a no-rinse detergent when washing bras. Doing so eliminates a step of the hand-washing process and reduces the amount of handling required.* |
##
### Step 3: Submerge and soak items
Place the bra (or bras—you can wash more than one at a time) in the water. Submerge and gently agitate it with your hands. Let it soak for 15 minutes.
### Step 4: Rinse
If you’ve used regular detergent, drain the water and thoroughly rinse the bra by refilling the basin with cool water and gently agitating the bra while it’s submerged. To protect the item’s delicate construction from the force of the faucet, avoid rinsing it directly under running water.
This step is not necessary if you used a no-rinse detergent as recommended.
### Step 5: Press out excess water
Drain the wash water from the sink. Push as much water as possible out of the bra by gently squeezing the cups. Do not wring, twist or otherwise roughly handle a bra or other lingerie—it can leave items misshapen.
### Step 6: Air-dry items
harpazo\_hope/getty images
Air-drying is your best bet when it comes to delicates, including bras and lingerie. Ideally, you’ll lay them on a flat surface, such as a towel or a flat mesh [drying rack](https://www.rd.com/list/best-clothes-drying-rack/).
Do you prefer to drip-dry items? You can, if the design permits. But do so with care. Never hang a bra to dry by its straps, which will cause them to stretch, ruining the fit of the bra. Instead, hang it by its center gore.
## How to hand-wash underwear
Reader's Digest
[Washing underwear](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-underwear/) by hand is a fairly straightforward process, similar to washing bras and other lingerie. The most important step? Rinse the underwear thoroughly after washing to avoid itching, inflammation and other discomfort caused by exposure to detergent residue.
### Step 1: Read the care tag
By now, you know the drill: Check the care label for washing instructions, paying special attention to any products, like bleach, that you should avoid.
The [laundry symbols](https://www.rd.com/article/laundry-symbols/) on the tag will tell you what water temperature to use, but in general, go with the hottest water the fabric can tolerate. That’ll help ensure your undies are free of buildup, bacteria and other germs.
### Step 2: Fill the sink
Fill the sink with water and detergent, being very careful with the dosage. When washing underwear, err on the side of less detergent rather than more.
Follow the dosing directions provided by the detergent manufacturer. Don’t see any instructions on the container? Use about 1 teaspoon of detergent per item being washed by hand. Don’t go overboard! Remember, excess detergent can leave behind residue that may irritate your skin with wear.
### Step 3: Submerge and soak the underwear
Place the underwear in the soapy water, fully submerging it. Rub the fabric of the gusset against itself to dislodge any buildup of secretions and remove stains. Then allow the underwear to soak for 15 minutes.
### Step 4: Rinse
Drain the detergent solution and thoroughly rinse the underwear either by holding them under running water or refilling the basin, making sure no detergent residue remains.
### Step 5: Press out excess water
Drain the wash water from the sink and push as much water as possible out of the underwear by gently squeezing it. *Gently* is the operative word here—avoid roughly handling your underwear. Wringing it out or twisting the fabric can stretch it out or break its elastic.
### Step 6: Dry the underwear
ssuaphoto/Getty Images
Pick your preferred method here: You can either machine- or air-dry underwear. if you go the air-drying route, either lay items flat, hang them on a line or put them on a drying rack.
## FAQs
### Do you need special detergent for hand-washing clothes?
No, you don’t need to use a specialty detergent to hand-wash clothes—standard liquid or powder laundry detergents get the job done. If you only have [detergent pods](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-use-laundry-pods/), Leverette recommends dissolving the pod in a cup of very warm water. Use 1 teaspoon of the solution per item you are hand-washing.
Specialty detergents can be nice to have for hand-washing clothes, though. They’re formulated to be gentler on certain fabric types, and they can elevate the hand-washing experience by making it feel a little special. (Anything to make the chore feel less like a chore, right?)
I strongly recommend using a no-rinse detergent formula for hand-laundering. These products have the benefit of reducing the amount of handling required when hand-washing a garment, which is gentler on fabrics. Plus, they save you time by eliminating a step.
### Should you use fabric softener when hand-washing?
No, [fabric softener](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-use-fabric-softener/) isn’t necessary for hand-washing. In fact, it can leave a residue that may cause skin irritation. Additionally, fabric softener should not be used on many fabrics that are frequently hand-washed, including spandex, Lycra and elastane.
### How do you hand-wash heavy clothes?
You don’t, if you can avoid it! I don’t recommend hand-washing heavy or bulky items like blankets or [down comforters](https://www.rd.com/article/wash-down-comforter/). There’s a good deal of physical effort involved, and the drying time can be so lengthy.
With that said, you *can* hand-wash heavy clothing using the methods outlined in this guide. “Use the bathtub for an emergency hand-washing of jeans or athletic uniforms,” says Leverette. “The added space gives the clothes more room to absorb the cleaning ingredients of the detergent, and they are easier to wash and rinse.”
### Why are my clothes so stiff after hand-washing?
If clothing is stiff after being washed by hand, the likely culprit is detergent residue. To fix this problem, rinse the garment well in cool water to wash out any product buildup that’s affecting the look and feel of the item.
## Why trust us
At *Reader’s Digest*, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts in the cleaning industry. For this piece, longtime cleaning writer Jolie Kerr, author of [*My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag … and Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha*](https://www.amazon.com/Boyfriend-Barfed-Handbag-Things-Martha/dp/0142196932), tapped her extensive experience as a cleaning expert, and then Mary Marlowe Leverette, fabric-care and stain-removal expert, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our [team](https://www.rd.com/our-editorial-team/), our contributors and our [editorial policies](https://www.rd.com/about-readers-digest/).
[ Werayuth Tessrimuang/Getty ImagesHow to Shrink Clothes Properly](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-shrink-clothes/)
[ Ramon Portelli/Getty ImagesHow to Unshrink Clothes](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-unshrink-clothes/)
[ Eskay Lim/Getty ImagesBaking Soda and Vinegar for Laundry](https://www.rd.com/article/ingredients-in-washing-machine/)
Author
Jolie Kerr
Jolie is a cleaning and fabric-care expert and the author of the New York Times bestseller My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag … and Other Things You Can't Ask Martha. She has been a contributing writer and the resident cleaning expert at Esquire, Town & Country, Elle, the New York Times and CNN, as well as the host of the weekly cleaning-advic...
[Read More](https://www.rd.com/author/jolie-kerr/)
Reviewer
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary is a fabric-care, stain-removal and housekeeping expert with 40-plus years of experience, and as the daughter of a farmer and the mother of two sons, she has seen and cleaned up every kind of mess. She works as a consultant in laundry-product development and writes articles about home care, gardening and more for The Spruce, Real Simple, the N...
[Read More](https://www.rd.com/author/mary-marlowe-leverette/)
[](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/%20https://www.rd.com/%20)
- [The Healthy](https://www.thehealthy.com/)
- [Food](https://www.rd.com/food/)
- [Home](https://www.rd.com/home/)
- [Humor](https://www.rd.com/funny/)
- [Knowledge](https://www.rd.com/knowledge/)
- [Travel](https://www.rd.com/travel/)
- [Videos](https://www.rd.com/videos/)
- [Subscribe](https://order.readersdigest.com/servlet/OrdersGateway?cds_mag_code=RDA&cds_page_id=283450&int_campaign=rda_20221014_footermagazine&cds_response_key=IB7BDU103&int_source=direct&int_medium=rd.com&int_placement=footer&int_keycode=IB7BDU103)
Our Brands
- [Taste of Home](https://www.tasteofhome.com/)
- [Family Handyman](https://www.familyhandyman.com/)
- [Birds & Blooms](https://www.birdsandblooms.com/)
- [The Healthy](https://www.thehealthy.com/)
- [LifeRich Publishing](https://www.liferichpublishing.com/en)
- [Advertise with Us](https://www.trustedmediabrands.com/brands/readers-digest/)
- [About Us](https://www.rd.com/about-readers-digest/)
- [Contact Us](https://www.rd.com/contact-us/)
- [Customer Care](https://w1.buysub.com/pubs/RD/RDA/index.jsp?cds_page_id=69616&cds_mag_code=RDA)
- [Terms of Use](https://www.trustedmediabrands.com/terms-of-use/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.trustedmediabrands.com/privacy-policy/)
- [Your CA Privacy Rights](https://www.trustedmediabrands.com/ca-privacy-notice/)
- [Accessibility Statement](https://www.trustedmediabrands.com/our-commitment-to-accessibility/)
- [About Ads](https://www.trustedmediabrands.com/privacy-policy/#advertising)
- [Affiliate Program](https://www.rd.com/affiliate-program/)
- [Cookie Settings]()
- [License our Content](https://info.wrightsmedia.com/reader-digest-licensing?hs_preview=puNcKrRF-113923499407)
© 2026 Trusted Media Brands, Inc.
### Sign Up for Our Newsletters
Enjoy the BEST stories, advice & jokes\!
[](https://order.readersdigest.com/servlet/OrdersGateway?cds_mag_code=RDA&cds_page_id=283450&int_campaign=rda_20221014_footerright&cds_response_key=IB7BDU104&int_source=direct&int_medium=rd.com&int_placement=footer&int_keycode=IB7BDU104)
We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices.
We recommend our users to update the browser.
[]()
- [Google Chrome](https://www.google.com/chrome/)
- [Apple Safari](https://www.apple.com/safari/)
- [Mozilla Firefox](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/)
- [Microsoft Edge](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge)
- [Arts & EntertainmentMore Items](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/)
- [Books](https://www.rd.com/arts-entertainment/books/)
- [Personality Type](https://www.rd.com/arts-entertainment/personality-types/)
- [Quotes](https://www.rd.com/arts-entertainment/quotes/)
- [Royal Family](https://www.rd.com/arts-entertainment/royal-family/)
- [Zodiac](https://www.rd.com/arts-entertainment/zodiac/)
- [ALL ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT](https://www.rd.com/arts-entertainment/)
- [Beauty & FashionMore Items](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/)
- [Clothing](https://www.rd.com/beauty-fashion/clothes/)
- [Hair Care](https://www.rd.com/beauty-fashion/hair-care/)
- [Hair Styles](https://www.rd.com/beauty-fashion/hair-styles/)
- [Makeup](https://www.rd.com/beauty-fashion/makeup/)
- [Shoes & Accessories](https://www.rd.com/beauty-fashion/accessories/)
- [Skincare](https://www.rd.com/beauty-fashion/skin-care/)
- [ALL BEAUTY & FASHION](https://www.rd.com/beauty-fashion/)
- [Community Hub](https://www.rd.com/article/readers-digest-community/)
- [FoodMore Items](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/)
- [Healthy Eating](https://www.rd.com/food/healthy-eating/)
- [Food Tips](https://www.rd.com/food/food-tips/)
- [Recipes](https://www.rd.com/food/recipes/)
- [ALL FOOD](https://www.rd.com/food/)
- [Holidays & Observances](https://www.rd.com/holidays/)
- [HomeMore Items](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/)
- [Cleaning](https://www.rd.com/home/house-cleaning/)
- [Decor](https://www.rd.com/home/home-decor/)
- [DIY](https://www.rd.com/home/diy/)
- [Gardening](https://www.rd.com/home/gardening/)
- [Organizing](https://www.rd.com/home/organizing/)
- [Pest Control](https://www.rd.com/home/pest-control/)
- [Repair](https://www.rd.com/home/home-repair/)
- [ALL HOME](https://www.rd.com/home/)
- [HumorMore Items](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/)
- [Cartoons](https://www.rd.com/funny/cartoons/)
- [Funny Stories & Photos](https://www.rd.com/funny/funny-pictures/)
- [JokesMore Items](https://www.rd.com/funny/jokes/)
- [Funny Jokes](https://www.rd.com/list/short-jokes/)
- [Corny Jokes](https://www.rd.com/jokes/corny/)
- [Funny One-Liners](https://www.rd.com/list/funniest-one-liners-you-havent-heard-yet/)
- [Knock-Knock Jokes](https://www.rd.com/list/knock-knock-jokes-for-kids/)
- [Submit Your Joke](https://www.rd.com/submit-joke/)
- [Submit Your Cartoon](https://www.rd.com/cartoon-submissions/)
- [ALL HUMOR](https://www.rd.com/funny/)
- [KnowledgeMore Items](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/)
- [Brain Games](https://www.rd.com/knowledge/brain-games/)
- [Etiquette](https://www.rd.com/knowledge/etiquette/)
- [Facts](https://www.rd.com/knowledge/facts/)
- [Grammar & Spelling](https://www.rd.com/knowledge/grammar-spelling/)
- [Psychology](https://www.rd.com/knowledge/psychology/)
- [ALL KNOWLEDGE](https://www.rd.com/knowledge/)
- [MoneyMore Items](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/)
- [Budgeting](https://www.rd.com/money/saving-money/budgeting/)
- [Deals](https://www.rd.com/money/saving-money/shopping-deals/)
- [Retirement](https://www.rd.com/money/saving-money/retirement/)
- [Scams](https://www.rd.com/money/scams/)
- [Spending](https://www.rd.com/money/spending/)
- [Taxes](https://www.rd.com/money/saving-money/taxes/)
- [ALL MONEY](https://www.rd.com/money/)
- [News](https://www.rd.com/news/)
- [Pets & AnimalsMore Items](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/)
- [Cats](https://www.rd.com/pets-animals/cats/)
- [Dogs](https://www.rd.com/pets-animals/dogs/)
- [ALL PETS & ANIMALS](https://www.rd.com/pets-animals/)
- [RelationshipsMore Items](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/)
- [Dating](https://www.rd.com/relationships/dating/)
- [Friendships](https://www.rd.com/relationships/friendships/)
- [Marriage](https://www.rd.com/relationships/marriage/)
- [Parenting](https://www.rd.com/relationships/parenting/)
- [ALL RELATIONSHIPS](https://www.rd.com/relationships/)
- [TechMore Items](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/)
- [Internet](https://www.rd.com/technology/internet/)
- [Personal Tech](https://www.rd.com/technology/personal-technology/)
- [ALL TECH](https://www.rd.com/technology/)
- [TravelMore Items](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/)
- [Airlines](https://www.rd.com/travel/airlines/)
- [Airport Security](https://www.rd.com/travel/airport-security/)
- [Packing & Accessories](https://www.rd.com/travel/packing/)
- [Vacations](https://www.rd.com/travel/vacations/)
- [ALL TRAVEL](https://www.rd.com/travel/)
- [True StoriesMore Items](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/)
- [Holiday Stories](https://www.rd.com/real-life-stories/holiday-stories/)
- [Inspiring Stories](https://www.rd.com/real-life-stories/inspirational-stories/)
- [Love Stories](https://www.rd.com/real-life-stories/love-stories/)
- [Nicest Places](https://www.rd.com/real-life-stories/nicest-places/)
- [Survival Stories](https://www.rd.com/real-life-stories/survival-stories/)
- [ALL TRUE STORIES](https://www.rd.com/real-life-stories/)
- [Work & CareerMore Items](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/)
- [Career Planning](https://www.rd.com/career-advice/career-path/)
- [Succeeding at Work](https://www.rd.com/career-advice/success-at-work/)
- [ALL WORK & CAREER](https://www.rd.com/career-advice/)
- [Videos](https://www.rd.com/videos/)
- [Contests](https://www.rd.com/submit-joke/)
- [Shop](https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BXX3K95V)
- [Subscribe](https://order.readersdigest.com/servlet/OrdersGateway?cds_mag_code=RDA&cds_page_id=283450&int_campaign=rda_20221014_hamburger&cds_response_key=IB7RDU102&int_source=direct&int_medium=rd.com&int_placement=hamburger&int_keycode=IB7RDU102)
- [Newsletters](https://www.rd.com/newsletters/?int_campaign=nlrda_20220101_hamburger&int_source=direct&int_medium=rd.com&int_placement=hamburger)
- [About Us](https://www.rd.com/about-readers-digest/)
- [Follow UsMore Items](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/)
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ReadersDigest/)
- [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/readersdigest/)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/readersdigest/)
- [Twitter](https://twitter.com/readersdigest/) |
| Readable Markdown | Knowing how to hand-wash clothes may not be essential, but it sure does come in handy. Let me set the scene: It was early 2020, and all the laundromats in my neighborhood and the surrounding areas had shut down for several weeks. I had no way to machine-wash clothing and household linens. And nobody knew when things would get back to normal. Thankfully, I’m a cleaning expert with more than a decade of experience and knew exactly how to hand-wash clothes.
While you may never find yourself without access to laundry facilities, it’s still worth learning [how to do laundry](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-do-laundry/) by hand. Not only is it an easy skill to master, but it’s also well worth having in your arsenal for more than emergency situations. It’s useful to [separate laundry](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-separate-laundry/) by laundering delicate fabrics and embellished clothing, when traveling, for in-a-pinch laundry (like, you really want to wear your favorite leggings to yoga tomorrow!) and in a disaster.
Because I’ve been there, done that, I’ve created a guide to explain the basics of how to hand-wash clothes and offer tips for what can and can’t be successfully washed by hand. I’m even including special instructions for hand-washing sweaters, bras, lingerie and underwear. And don’t worry: This step-by-step guide will also cover drying techniques, including when to [air-dry or machine-dry clothes](https://www.rd.com/article/better-to-air-dry-or-machine-dry-clothes/) that have been washed by hand.
**Get *Reader’s Digest*’s** [**Read Up newsletter**](https://www.rd.com/newsletter/?int_source=direct&int_medium=rd.com&int_campaign=nlrda_20221001_topperformingcontentnlsignup&int_placement=incontent) **for more cleaning, humor, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.**
On This Page
- [Which items should be hand-washed?](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/#which-items-should-be-hand-washed "Which items should be hand-washed?")
- [Is hand-washing as effective as machine-washing?](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/#is-hand-washing-as-effective-as-machine-washing "Is hand-washing as effective as machine-washing?")
- [How to hand-wash clothes](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/#how-to-hand-wash-clothes "How to hand-wash clothes")
- [How to hand-wash sweaters](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/#how-to-hand-wash-sweaters "How to hand-wash sweaters")
- [How to hand-wash bras and lingerie](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/#how-to-hand-wash-bras-and-lingerie "How to hand-wash bras and lingerie")
- [How to hand-wash underwear](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/#how-to-hand-wash-underwear "How to hand-wash underwear")
- [FAQs](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/#faqs "FAQs")
## Which items should be hand-washed?
Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images
Anything safe to machine-wash is a candidate for washing by hand, including clothing, accessories and household linens. That said, certain items—typically those made from lightweight and quick-drying fabrics—are better suited to hand-laundering.
Before you jump in, check the care tag. Garments that have rayon and viscose in their fiber content, for instance, are best cleaned with dry-cleaning solvents.
### Ideal for hand-washing
Yes, you can [wash delicate fabrics like silk](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-silk/), wool, cashmere and angora by hand. In fact, hand-laundering these materials is often the better option for preserving the look and feel of these natural fibers.
The following types of clothing and accessories are ideal for washing by hand:
- Activewear
- Bras, underwear and lingerie
- Embellished items
- Hosiery
- Lightweight outerwear, like puffer coats and fleece
- Silk clothing and accessories
- Sweaters, especially lightweight and/or delicate natural fibers like angora, [cashmere](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-cashmere/) and merino. ( RELATED: Hand-washing [baseball hats](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-hat/) is your safest bet as they can lose their shape with much jostling and manipulation.)
### Ideal for machine-washing
Bulky and/or heavy items are best washed in the machine, rather than by hand, when possible. The weight and size of the following items can make the hand-laundering process an energy-consuming slog—and better to skip it if you can\!
- Bedspreads, duvets and quilts
- Heavy outerwear
- Jeans and other work-weight pants
- Sweatshirts, sweatpants and other bulky leisurewear
- [Towels](https://www.rd.com/article/washing-bath-towels-often/)
### Hand-washing dry-clean-only items
Certain garments labeled “dry-clean only” can be successfully hand-washed. To determine if a [dry-clean-only item can be washed by hand](https://www.rd.com/article/do-you-need-to-dry-clean/), look at the fabric content. If it includes cotton, linen, spandex, nylon or polyester, you can safely wash it by hand, even if the care tag says to dry-clean it. “If the garment is structured, like a suit jacket or coat, it should not be hand-washed because of the interfacings that give it its shape. Save it for the dry cleaner,” adds fabric-care expert Mary Marlowe Leverette.
Reader's Digest
## Is hand-washing as effective as machine-washing?
When done correctly, hand-washing is as effective as machine-washing. The most important thing to bear in mind when hand-laundering clothing and other items is to use the correct dose of detergent. Using too much detergent will add unnecessary time and labor to the process of rinsing clothes clean, and residue from detergent will leave clothing and accessories that have been washed by hand feeling stiff. That residue can even lend a dingy, dull appearance to otherwise clean clothing.
In addition to [using the wrong amount of detergent](https://www.rd.com/article/using-too-much-laundry-detergent/), using unnecessary laundry boosters like fabric softeners and scent beads when hand-washing can lead to a less-than-ideal outcome. Repeat after me: Less is more when it comes to products.
One of my most trusted fabric-care experts, Wayne Edelman, CEO of New York City’s Meurice Garment Care, once instructed me, “Only add enough detergent to create a slippery feel to the water and some sudsing.” I always loved the way he put that—”a slippery feel to the water”—because it is so normal to think that a sink full of suds is the path to super-clean clothes, when the opposite is true. That tactile instruction is so helpful for gauging what the right amount of detergent should look and feel like.
I strongly recommend using a no-rinse detergent when hand-washing clothing and accessories. These detergents are formulated with delicate fabric types in mind and do not require rinsing, making hand-washing a less labor-intensive effort and reducing the amount of handling needed.
## How to hand-wash clothes
Reader's Digest
For dirty delicates and other items that can’t go into the washer (look for that hand-wash-only symbol on the label!), follow the steps below to launder by hand.
### Step 1: Read the care tag
Consult the care label for washing instructions, taking particular note of guidance on what [water temperature](https://www.rd.com/article/what-temperature-to-wash-clothes/) to use as well as any products to avoid using.
### Step 2: Treat stains
Pre-treat stains on the garment, if necessary, before hand-washing. The method will differ depending on the fabric and type of stain, and a good place to start is with our [guide to stain removal](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-remove-stains/).
### Step 3: Fill the sink with soapy water
Fill the sink with water, leaving enough space to submerge the garment and to move your hands through the water without displacing it. If the care instructions do not indicate an ideal water temperature, default to cool water.
Add laundry detergent following dosing directions provided by the detergent manufacturer. If the detergent does not come with dosing instructions, use approximately 1 teaspoon of detergent per item being washed by hand.
| |
|---|
| **♦** ***Pro tip*** |
| *If a sink is not available, use a washing basin or bathtub.* |
### Step 4: Submerge and soak items
Liudmila Chernetska/getty images
Place the garment in the detergent solution. Use your hands to submerge and gently agitate it so that the water and [laundry detergent](https://www.rd.com/list/best-laundry-detergents/) fully penetrate the fibers. Then allow the garment to soak for five to 15 minutes.
### Step 5: Rinse
If you’ve used regular detergent, rather than a no-rinse formula, drain the sink of soapy water and thoroughly rinse the garment to remove all detergent. You can do this by either holding the garment under running water or refilling the basin and rinsing the item by gently agitating it to release detergent. The latter method is best for delicate items, as it is gentler on fabrics than flushing with the force of running water. Use the same water temperature for rinsing that you did for washing.
If you used a no-rinse detergent, this step is not necessary.
### Step 6: Press out excess water
After draining the sink**,** leave the garment in the basin and gently press down on it to push out as much water as possible. Take care not to wring, twist or otherwise roughly handle the fibers—overhandling can cause stretching, fraying and other damage.
When you’ve forced out all the water, carefully lift the garment out of the sink, supporting its weight to prevent stretching, and place it on a clean, dry, absorbent towel. Roll the garment up in the towel, gently pressing down to force out more water.
### Step 7: Dry the garment
Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images
You’ll either air- or machine-dry items, depending on the fabric, so be sure you’ve read the care tag. Most items that require hand-washing, especially delicate materials like silk or cashmere and [performance wear](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-athleisure/) that contains spandex, Lycra or elastane, should be air-dried. Either lay them flat or hang to dry, depending on the type of garment. The same goes for sweaters—check out the full list of sweater-washing steps below.
Cotton, linen and polyester can be air-dried or machine-dried per the instructions on the care label.
| |
|---|
| **♦** ***Pro tip*** |
| *Avoid draping wet clothing on wood furniture or floors, or over metal radiators. Doing so can stain and damage both the wet fabric and the wood or metal surfaces.* |
## How to hand-wash sweaters
Reader's Digest
Sweaters made from natural and synthetic fibers can be washed by hand, and when it comes to materials like cashmere, merino or angora, hand-laundering is the gold standard. The instructions for hand-washing sweaters also apply to [washing other woolens](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-wool/), like scarves, hats, gloves and mittens.
### Step 1: Read the care tag
Noticing a pattern? That’s right: The first step to laundering items without destroying them is always to consult the care label for washing instructions.
### Step 2: Fill the sink
Fill the sink with cool water and detergent. If the sweater is made from natural fibers, use a wool-safe no-rinse detergent. Sweaters made from synthetic fibers do not require a specialty detergent.
When adding detergent, follow the measurement directions on the container. If the detergent doesn’t offer dosing instructions, use approximately 1 teaspoon of detergent per item being washed by hand.
### Step 3: Submerge and soak the sweater
[Wash the sweater](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-wool/) by submerging it fully in the detergent solution and using your hands to gently agitate it. Take care not to overhandle the sweater, which can stretch the fibers. Allow the sweater to soak for 15 minutes.
### Step 4: Rinse
If you’ve used regular detergent, drain the sink and then thoroughly rinse the sweater in cool water. Take care not to overhandle the garment by filling the basin with fresh water for rising, rather than rinsing the sweater under running water.
If you used a no-rinse detergent, this step is not necessary.
### Step 5: Press out excess water
Drain the sink. Gently press the sweater against the bottom of the basin to push out as much water as possible. Carefully lift the sweater out of the sink, supporting its weight to prevent stretching, and place it on a towel.
Roll the sweater up in the towel, gently pressing down to remove more water. Remember, you never want to wring, twist or otherwise roughly handle the fibers.
### Step 6: Air-dry on a flat surface
Kseniya Ovchinnikova/Getty Images
Take extra care when drying your sweaters—hanging a wet sweater to dry will cause it to stretch and become misshapen, and it’ll weaken the fibers, leading to fraying and other damage. Also a big no-no? Tossing them into the dryer. Always lay sweaters flat to air-dry, either on a towel or on a flat mesh drying rack.
## How to hand-wash bras and lingerie
Reader's Digest
These delicate and finely constructed garments do not like to be overhandled, making hand-washing the ideal choice when [cleaning your bras](https://www.rd.com/article/how-often-should-you-wash-your-bra/) and lingerie.
### Step 1: Read the care tag
Yup, you’re once again beginning by reading the washing instructions on the care label. Pay special attention to the recommended water temperature and any products, like bleach, to avoid.
### Step 2: Fill the sink
Fill the sink with water, then add detergent. While a delicates detergent is not necessary—regular [liquid or powder detergents](https://www.rd.com/article/liquid-vs-powder-detergent/) are fine, though liquid detergents tend to dissolve more easily, making them a better choice for hand-washing—one can be fun to use, because it makes washing bras feel like a special occasion\!
Follow the dosing directions provided by the detergent manufacturer. If the detergent container doesn’t specify a hand-washing dose, use approximately 1 teaspoon of detergent per item being washed by hand.
| |
|---|
| **♦** ***Pro tip*** |
| *Use a no-rinse detergent when washing bras. Doing so eliminates a step of the hand-washing process and reduces the amount of handling required.* |
### Step 3: Submerge and soak items
Place the bra (or bras—you can wash more than one at a time) in the water. Submerge and gently agitate it with your hands. Let it soak for 15 minutes.
### Step 4: Rinse
If you’ve used regular detergent, drain the water and thoroughly rinse the bra by refilling the basin with cool water and gently agitating the bra while it’s submerged. To protect the item’s delicate construction from the force of the faucet, avoid rinsing it directly under running water.
This step is not necessary if you used a no-rinse detergent as recommended.
### Step 5: Press out excess water
Drain the wash water from the sink. Push as much water as possible out of the bra by gently squeezing the cups. Do not wring, twist or otherwise roughly handle a bra or other lingerie—it can leave items misshapen.
### Step 6: Air-dry items
harpazo\_hope/getty images
Air-drying is your best bet when it comes to delicates, including bras and lingerie. Ideally, you’ll lay them on a flat surface, such as a towel or a flat mesh [drying rack](https://www.rd.com/list/best-clothes-drying-rack/).
Do you prefer to drip-dry items? You can, if the design permits. But do so with care. Never hang a bra to dry by its straps, which will cause them to stretch, ruining the fit of the bra. Instead, hang it by its center gore.
## How to hand-wash underwear
Reader's Digest
[Washing underwear](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-underwear/) by hand is a fairly straightforward process, similar to washing bras and other lingerie. The most important step? Rinse the underwear thoroughly after washing to avoid itching, inflammation and other discomfort caused by exposure to detergent residue.
### Step 1: Read the care tag
By now, you know the drill: Check the care label for washing instructions, paying special attention to any products, like bleach, that you should avoid.
The [laundry symbols](https://www.rd.com/article/laundry-symbols/) on the tag will tell you what water temperature to use, but in general, go with the hottest water the fabric can tolerate. That’ll help ensure your undies are free of buildup, bacteria and other germs.
### Step 2: Fill the sink
Fill the sink with water and detergent, being very careful with the dosage. When washing underwear, err on the side of less detergent rather than more.
Follow the dosing directions provided by the detergent manufacturer. Don’t see any instructions on the container? Use about 1 teaspoon of detergent per item being washed by hand. Don’t go overboard! Remember, excess detergent can leave behind residue that may irritate your skin with wear.
### Step 3: Submerge and soak the underwear
Place the underwear in the soapy water, fully submerging it. Rub the fabric of the gusset against itself to dislodge any buildup of secretions and remove stains. Then allow the underwear to soak for 15 minutes.
### Step 4: Rinse
Drain the detergent solution and thoroughly rinse the underwear either by holding them under running water or refilling the basin, making sure no detergent residue remains.
### Step 5: Press out excess water
Drain the wash water from the sink and push as much water as possible out of the underwear by gently squeezing it. *Gently* is the operative word here—avoid roughly handling your underwear. Wringing it out or twisting the fabric can stretch it out or break its elastic.
### Step 6: Dry the underwear
ssuaphoto/Getty Images
Pick your preferred method here: You can either machine- or air-dry underwear. if you go the air-drying route, either lay items flat, hang them on a line or put them on a drying rack.
## FAQs
### Do you need special detergent for hand-washing clothes?
No, you don’t need to use a specialty detergent to hand-wash clothes—standard liquid or powder laundry detergents get the job done. If you only have [detergent pods](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-use-laundry-pods/), Leverette recommends dissolving the pod in a cup of very warm water. Use 1 teaspoon of the solution per item you are hand-washing.
Specialty detergents can be nice to have for hand-washing clothes, though. They’re formulated to be gentler on certain fabric types, and they can elevate the hand-washing experience by making it feel a little special. (Anything to make the chore feel less like a chore, right?)
I strongly recommend using a no-rinse detergent formula for hand-laundering. These products have the benefit of reducing the amount of handling required when hand-washing a garment, which is gentler on fabrics. Plus, they save you time by eliminating a step.
### Should you use fabric softener when hand-washing?
No, [fabric softener](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-use-fabric-softener/) isn’t necessary for hand-washing. In fact, it can leave a residue that may cause skin irritation. Additionally, fabric softener should not be used on many fabrics that are frequently hand-washed, including spandex, Lycra and elastane.
### How do you hand-wash heavy clothes?
You don’t, if you can avoid it! I don’t recommend hand-washing heavy or bulky items like blankets or [down comforters](https://www.rd.com/article/wash-down-comforter/). There’s a good deal of physical effort involved, and the drying time can be so lengthy.
With that said, you *can* hand-wash heavy clothing using the methods outlined in this guide. “Use the bathtub for an emergency hand-washing of jeans or athletic uniforms,” says Leverette. “The added space gives the clothes more room to absorb the cleaning ingredients of the detergent, and they are easier to wash and rinse.”
### Why are my clothes so stiff after hand-washing?
If clothing is stiff after being washed by hand, the likely culprit is detergent residue. To fix this problem, rinse the garment well in cool water to wash out any product buildup that’s affecting the look and feel of the item.
## Why trust us
At *Reader’s Digest*, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts in the cleaning industry. For this piece, longtime cleaning writer Jolie Kerr, author of [*My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag … and Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha*](https://www.amazon.com/Boyfriend-Barfed-Handbag-Things-Martha/dp/0142196932), tapped her extensive experience as a cleaning expert, and then Mary Marlowe Leverette, fabric-care and stain-removal expert, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our [team](https://www.rd.com/our-editorial-team/), our contributors and our [editorial policies](https://www.rd.com/about-readers-digest/). |
| Shard | 184 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 18000181466351507384 |
| Unparsed URL | com,rd!www,/article/how-to-hand-wash-clothes/ s443 |