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| Meta Title | Can âhand wash onlyâ clothes go in the washing machine? | Tom's Guide |
| Meta Description | Find out the best way to wash delicates without ruining them |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | Hand wash care label
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
If you see "hand wash only" labels when doing our laundry, we often despair, seeing it as another inconvenience. This leaves us wondering whether "hand wash only" clothes go in the washing machine. Or do we really have to submerge our hands in soapy water, and get scrubbing?
Well, you can breathe a sign of relief to know that "hand wash only" clothes can go in the washing machine, but with care. In fact, there are several rules for washing "hand wash only" clothes in the washing machine without ruining them. Simply follow these top tips to wash your delicate items with confidence. Plus, you'll save the money you'd otherwise spend on replacing any favorite outfits!Â
Article continues below
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Why do you need to hand wash items?Â
Handwashing clothes
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Although the idea of hand washing seems outdated, itâs a more kinder wash for garments that easily stretch, snag and lose their shape. In addition, hand washing doesnât involve hot water temperatures or the high spin cycle you'd get from a washing machine. Both factors could potentially shrink or ruin the fabric.Â
In fact, anything made with lycra or elastic is at high risk of getting ruined in hot temperatures, so itâs always best to read the care labels. Types of clothing that must be hand washed include, hand knit items, beaded or sequined clothing, ties and clothing with lace embellishments.
Tips for washing âhand wash onlyâ items in the washing machineÂ
Changing cycle setting
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Delicate wash cycle:
 In most cases, you can put "hand wash" items on a "hand wash" or "delicates" cycle in the washing machine. A delicate wash cycle is the washing machine equivalent to handwashing.Â
These settings use cold water with low agitation or slow spin and is the shortest and most gentle cleaning cycle. You can use this cycle to wash silk garments, wool garments, synthetic garments (workout or activewear), and certain garments with embroidery or sequins.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Use a different detergent from your other laundry:
 Be sure to use a different laundry detergent than you would for other clothing. Find a specific detergent made for delicates which will be gentler on the fabric, and wonât fade the colors.Â
Mesh laundry bag
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Put hand wash items in mesh laundry bags:
Â
If you want added protection, place hand wash items inside mesh laundry bags like these Plusmart Mesh Laundry Bags with Drawstring ($12,
Amazon
). These will protect delicates from getting snagged by the other clothes in the washing machine, and help keep their shape.
Always hang dry hand wash clothes:
Never put delicate items in the dryer as the heat will damage the fabric. Hanging up to air dry is the safest way to dry "hand wash only" items and will help you hold onto those pieces of clothing for longer. Whatâs more, you donât want your favorite sweater to shrink to the size of a toddler!
In any case, if you still donât want to risk putting your "hand wash only" items in the washing machine, your best bet is to hand wash in soapy water. It may take a little more time (and elbow grease!), but at least nothing should go wrong. With anything though, always follow the care instructions label on your garments. Â
Laundry Drying
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Tips for washing hand wash items by handÂ
Handwashing clothes in basin
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Stick to a mild detergent or a specific type for washing delicates. Stir in a  clean sink or large basin of water.Â
Ideally, use lukewarm or room temperature water, instead of cold water.Â
Donât submerge a large pile of hand wash clothing in the water at once. Itâs best to wash items a few at a time. Â
Move items around in the water for about five minutes to allow the soapy water to soak and flow through them. You can gently scrub items for any dirt to loosen.Â
Change the water after a couple of loads before rinsing thoroughly under the tap to remove soapy residue. Rinse until the water is clear. Â
Gently squeeze water out without wringing the item. Wringing the water out may cause damage to the material. Instead, lay the items out on a dry towel, roll it up to absorb most of the water and then hang to dry. Â
You can also read about
how to wash cashmere
without damaging it.
Itâs also important to know
how to clean a washing machine
for top performance, or else you may notice your
washing machine shaking violently
as it tries to spin as well. If you fancy an upgrade, check out the
best washing machines
 right now, and decide whether youâll need a
front load or top load machine
to suit your needs. Â
Also check out how
I just fixed a hole in my favorite sweater with this magic powder
.
As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, âmust-haveâ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy âhow toâ features.Â
Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.
With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When sheâs not testing cool products, sheâll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain! |
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# Can 'hand wash only' clothes go in the washing machine?
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By [Cynthia Lawrence](https://www.tomsguide.com/author/cynthia-lawrence)
last updated
March 23, 2023
Should we dare to ignore the care label instructions?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. [Hereâs how it works](https://www.tomsguide.com/reference/about-us#section-affiliate-advertising-disclosure).

Hand wash care label (Image credit: Shutterstock)
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If you see "hand wash only" labels when doing our laundry, we often despair, seeing it as another inconvenience. This leaves us wondering whether "hand wash only" clothes go in the washing machine. Or do we really have to submerge our hands in soapy water, and get scrubbing?
Well, you can breathe a sign of relief to know that "hand wash only" clothes can go in the washing machine, but with care. In fact, there are several rules for washing "hand wash only" clothes in the washing machine without ruining them. Simply follow these top tips to wash your delicate items with confidence. Plus, you'll save the money you'd otherwise spend on replacing any favorite outfits\!
For more laundry tips, check out [how to wash bras without breaking them](https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/how-to-wash-bras) and [how to make white sheets brighter in 3 simple ways](https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/how-to-make-white-sheets-brighter). Also, check out these [7 laundry tips every college student should know](https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/9-laundry-tips-every-college-student-should-know) too.
Article continues below
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## Why do you need to hand wash items?

Handwashing clothes (Image credit: Shutterstock)
Although the idea of hand washing seems outdated, itâs a more kinder wash for garments that easily stretch, snag and lose their shape. In addition, hand washing doesnât involve hot water temperatures or the high spin cycle you'd get from a washing machine. Both factors could potentially shrink or ruin the fabric.
In fact, anything made with lycra or elastic is at high risk of getting ruined in hot temperatures, so itâs always best to read the care labels. Types of clothing that must be hand washed include, hand knit items, beaded or sequined clothing, ties and clothing with lace embellishments.
## Tips for washing âhand wash onlyâ items in the washing machine

Changing cycle setting (Image credit: Shutterstock)
**Delicate wash cycle:** In most cases, you can put "hand wash" items on a "hand wash" or "delicates" cycle in the washing machine. A delicate wash cycle is the washing machine equivalent to handwashing.
These settings use cold water with low agitation or slow spin and is the shortest and most gentle cleaning cycle. You can use this cycle to wash silk garments, wool garments, synthetic garments (workout or activewear), and certain garments with embroidery or sequins.
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**Use a different detergent from your other laundry:** Be sure to use a different laundry detergent than you would for other clothing. Find a specific detergent made for delicates which will be gentler on the fabric, and wonât fade the colors.

Mesh laundry bag (Image credit: Shutterstock)
**Put hand wash items in mesh laundry bags:** If you want added protection, place hand wash items inside mesh laundry bags like these Plusmart Mesh Laundry Bags with Drawstring (\$12, [Amazon](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=45724&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FPlusmart-Drawstring-Apartment-Weekender-Lightweight%2Fdp%2FB07HDYPV35%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dtomsguide-us-2783130303990761475-20)). These will protect delicates from getting snagged by the other clothes in the washing machine, and help keep their shape.
**Always hang dry hand wash clothes:** Never put delicate items in the dryer as the heat will damage the fabric. Hanging up to air dry is the safest way to dry "hand wash only" items and will help you hold onto those pieces of clothing for longer. Whatâs more, you donât want your favorite sweater to shrink to the size of a toddler\!
In any case, if you still donât want to risk putting your "hand wash only" items in the washing machine, your best bet is to hand wash in soapy water. It may take a little more time (and elbow grease!), but at least nothing should go wrong. With anything though, always follow the care instructions label on your garments.

Laundry Drying (Image credit: Shutterstock)
## Tips for washing hand wash items by hand

Handwashing clothes in basin (Image credit: Shutterstock)
- Stick to a mild detergent or a specific type for washing delicates. Stir in a clean sink or large basin of water.
- Ideally, use lukewarm or room temperature water, instead of cold water.
- Donât submerge a large pile of hand wash clothing in the water at once. Itâs best to wash items a few at a time.
- Move items around in the water for about five minutes to allow the soapy water to soak and flow through them. You can gently scrub items for any dirt to loosen.
- Change the water after a couple of loads before rinsing thoroughly under the tap to remove soapy residue. Rinse until the water is clear.
- Gently squeeze water out without wringing the item. Wringing the water out may cause damage to the material. Instead, lay the items out on a dry towel, roll it up to absorb most of the water and then hang to dry.
***
You can also read about [how to wash cashmere](https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/how-to-wash-cashmere) without damaging it.
Itâs also important to know [how to clean a washing machine](https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/how-to-clean-a-washing-machine) for top performance, or else you may notice your [washing machine shaking violently](https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/washing-machine-shaking-violently) as it tries to spin as well. If you fancy an upgrade, check out the [best washing machines](https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-washing-machines,review-6208.html) right now, and decide whether youâll need a [front load or top load machine](https://www.tomsguide.com/face-off/front-load-vs-top-load-washer) to suit your needs.
Also check out how [I just fixed a hole in my favorite sweater with this magic powder](https://www.tomsguide.com/news/i-just-fixed-a-hole-in-my-favorite-sweater-with-this-magic-powder).
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As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, âmust-haveâ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy âhow toâ features.
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| Readable Markdown | 
Hand wash care label (Image credit: Shutterstock)
If you see "hand wash only" labels when doing our laundry, we often despair, seeing it as another inconvenience. This leaves us wondering whether "hand wash only" clothes go in the washing machine. Or do we really have to submerge our hands in soapy water, and get scrubbing?
Well, you can breathe a sign of relief to know that "hand wash only" clothes can go in the washing machine, but with care. In fact, there are several rules for washing "hand wash only" clothes in the washing machine without ruining them. Simply follow these top tips to wash your delicate items with confidence. Plus, you'll save the money you'd otherwise spend on replacing any favorite outfits\!
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## Why do you need to hand wash items?

Handwashing clothes (Image credit: Shutterstock)
Although the idea of hand washing seems outdated, itâs a more kinder wash for garments that easily stretch, snag and lose their shape. In addition, hand washing doesnât involve hot water temperatures or the high spin cycle you'd get from a washing machine. Both factors could potentially shrink or ruin the fabric.
In fact, anything made with lycra or elastic is at high risk of getting ruined in hot temperatures, so itâs always best to read the care labels. Types of clothing that must be hand washed include, hand knit items, beaded or sequined clothing, ties and clothing with lace embellishments.
## Tips for washing âhand wash onlyâ items in the washing machine

Changing cycle setting (Image credit: Shutterstock)
**Delicate wash cycle:** In most cases, you can put "hand wash" items on a "hand wash" or "delicates" cycle in the washing machine. A delicate wash cycle is the washing machine equivalent to handwashing.
These settings use cold water with low agitation or slow spin and is the shortest and most gentle cleaning cycle. You can use this cycle to wash silk garments, wool garments, synthetic garments (workout or activewear), and certain garments with embroidery or sequins.
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**Use a different detergent from your other laundry:** Be sure to use a different laundry detergent than you would for other clothing. Find a specific detergent made for delicates which will be gentler on the fabric, and wonât fade the colors.

Mesh laundry bag (Image credit: Shutterstock)
**Put hand wash items in mesh laundry bags:** If you want added protection, place hand wash items inside mesh laundry bags like these Plusmart Mesh Laundry Bags with Drawstring (\$12, [Amazon](https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=45724&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FPlusmart-Drawstring-Apartment-Weekender-Lightweight%2Fdp%2FB07HDYPV35%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dtomsguide-us-2783130303990761475-20)). These will protect delicates from getting snagged by the other clothes in the washing machine, and help keep their shape.
**Always hang dry hand wash clothes:** Never put delicate items in the dryer as the heat will damage the fabric. Hanging up to air dry is the safest way to dry "hand wash only" items and will help you hold onto those pieces of clothing for longer. Whatâs more, you donât want your favorite sweater to shrink to the size of a toddler\!
In any case, if you still donât want to risk putting your "hand wash only" items in the washing machine, your best bet is to hand wash in soapy water. It may take a little more time (and elbow grease!), but at least nothing should go wrong. With anything though, always follow the care instructions label on your garments.

Laundry Drying (Image credit: Shutterstock)
## Tips for washing hand wash items by hand

Handwashing clothes in basin (Image credit: Shutterstock)
- Stick to a mild detergent or a specific type for washing delicates. Stir in a clean sink or large basin of water.
- Ideally, use lukewarm or room temperature water, instead of cold water.
- Donât submerge a large pile of hand wash clothing in the water at once. Itâs best to wash items a few at a time.
- Move items around in the water for about five minutes to allow the soapy water to soak and flow through them. You can gently scrub items for any dirt to loosen.
- Change the water after a couple of loads before rinsing thoroughly under the tap to remove soapy residue. Rinse until the water is clear.
- Gently squeeze water out without wringing the item. Wringing the water out may cause damage to the material. Instead, lay the items out on a dry towel, roll it up to absorb most of the water and then hang to dry.
***
You can also read about [how to wash cashmere](https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/how-to-wash-cashmere) without damaging it.
Itâs also important to know [how to clean a washing machine](https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/how-to-clean-a-washing-machine) for top performance, or else you may notice your [washing machine shaking violently](https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/washing-machine-shaking-violently) as it tries to spin as well. If you fancy an upgrade, check out the [best washing machines](https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-washing-machines,review-6208.html) right now, and decide whether youâll need a [front load or top load machine](https://www.tomsguide.com/face-off/front-load-vs-top-load-washer) to suit your needs.
Also check out how [I just fixed a hole in my favorite sweater with this magic powder](https://www.tomsguide.com/news/i-just-fixed-a-hole-in-my-favorite-sweater-with-this-magic-powder).
As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, âmust-haveâ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy âhow toâ features.
Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.
With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When sheâs not testing cool products, sheâll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain\! |
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