🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 92 (from laksa033)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa092.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry","crawl_time":1775907606,"first_indexed_time":1507978884,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,wikihow!www,\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry s443","src_root_hash":"12431216878206919092","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How to Wash Delicates in the Laundry: 12 Steps (with Pictures)","meta_descriptions":["Properly washing and caring for delicates can help your clothes last longer and save you the time of having to hand wash your laundry. By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can safely wash delicates using a washing machine. With..."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Download Article\nDownload Article\nPreparing Your Delicates\n|\nWashing Your Delicates\n|\nDrying Your Delicates\n|\nExpert Q&A\n|\nTips\n|\nWarnings\n|\nThings You'll Need\nProperly washing and caring for delicates can help your clothes last longer and save you the time of having to hand wash your laundry. By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can safely wash delicates using a washing machine. With just a little pre-sorting and the use of mesh bags, washing will be a breeze and you’ll never hesitate to wear and enjoy your delicates again!\nBefore you get started, go through your delicates and read the care instructions. Most delicates will have tags that say \"hand wash\" or \"hand wash only,\" which means strategic machine washing will still work, but \"dry clean only\" tags mean the washing machine for those delicates is a definite no-go.\nDelicates are fragile and can easily snag, stretch, or lose their shape during washing.\n[1]\nTo minimize this risk, sort your delicates by type. For example, lace should be washed with lace, cashmere with cashmere, silk with silk, and thin knits with thin knits.\nNever combine a lace article with a sequined article, for instance, because the sequins might snag the lace.\nAdvertisement\nJust as you do with regular laundry, it is important to also separate delicates by color; wash whites with whites, darks with darks, and colors with colors to prevent bleeding.\nIf your delicates have any clips, clasps, zippers, or buttons, be sure to do those up to reduce a chance of snagging or stretching.\nUse a pre-wash stain spray or treatment to fight stains before you put your delicates in the washing machine. This will help reduce the amount of work your machine has to do, which reduces the amount of washing stress on your delicates.\n[2]\n[3]\nGrass, dirt, oil-based, and most beverage stains can be pre-treated with dish soap, if you don't have stain spray.\n[4]\nFor stains on whites, you can use a bleach pen.\nFor blood or body-fluid stains, use cold tap water and light scrubbing as a pre-treatment, followed by a common hand sanitizer to disinfect the garment.\nIt’s important not to crowd your delicates. By putting only a few delicates (sorted by type and color) into each mesh bag, you decrease their chances of getting stretched, snagged, or losing their shape.\n[5]\nIt’s fine to put mesh bags with different types of delicates into the same washing load (the bags will keep them safe from each other), but make sure not to mix colors.\nFor a standard-sized washer, you can wash two to three mesh bags (filled with a few delicates each) at once.\nIf the load is unbalanced, add a few lightly soiled permanent press items, like T-shirts.\n[6]\nAlso be sure to turn your garments inside out.\n[7]\nAdvertisement\nAlthough mild detergents – like Woolite – or cold-water detergent are designed for washing delicates, they are more expensive. Most regular detergents work just as well, so use what you have on hand. Just be mindful to use the correct detergent based on the colors you are washing.\nSoaking your delicates before the actual wash is especially important for heavy stains.\nTo wash delicates, you want your washer to be on the shortest, most gentle wash and spin cycles. Most modern washers have a “hand wash” option, which is best for washing delicates. Be sure to use mild or cold water, as this will prevent bleeding and shrinking.\n[8]\n[9]\nAdvertisement\nDryer heat can ruin your delicates because it can cause shrinkage, so it's best to air dry them. However, if your dryer has a “no heat” and\/or “air fluff only” setting, you can toss the mesh bags in the dryer to dry halfway.\n[10]\nThis is especially important for knits, cashmere, or other snuggly-fitting garments that have a specific shape to them. Water and detergent can temporarily warp these materials and cause them to dry in the shape they are in when taken from the wash if they aren't re-shaped by hand.\nDelicates dry best when they are hung over a line or laid flat to air-dry. This helps them keep their original shape intact. Once they are completely dry, it's safe to fold and store your delicates for future wear.\nAdvertisement\nSearch\nAdd New Question\nQuestion\nCan you put hand wash clothes in the washing machine on delicate?\nSafir Ali is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hamper Dry Cleaning and Laundry, a startup in Houston, Texas reinventing the laundry industry. With over six years of experience launching and operating Hamper, Safir specializes in innovative ways to simplify dry cleaning using the experience from his family's business. Safir holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Texas A&M University. Hamper offers 24\/7 on-demand dry cleaning and laundry through delivery and kiosk services. Hamper has been featured on the Houston Rockets, Station Houston, the Houston Business Journal, BBVA, Yahoo Finance, and Innovation Map.\nLaundry Specialist\nExpert Answer\nYou can. However, be sure to turn the garments inside out and use cold water. Afterwards, either air-dry your clothes or put them in the dryer on a no-heat or low-heat setting.\nQuestion\nHow do I wash a woman's shirt with tassels?\nCommunity Answer\nI would recommend putting the shirt in a garment bag and washing it on the gentle or hand wash cycle. If you have neither, you might be able to use the permanent press cycle on light. Probably best to hang or flat dry the shirt as well.\nQuestion\nWhat are delicate clothes?\nCommunity Answer\nDelicate clothes are any clothes you would be worried about getting ruined in a washer, where they are tumbling around and could possibly get ripped. They are usually more expensive and some say hand wash only or wash on delicate cycle.\nSee more answers\nAsk a Question\n200 characters left\nInclude your email address to get a message when this question is answered.\nSubmit\nAdvertisement\nUse the detergent sparingly since your delicates are being washed on a short, gentle cycle and suds will be harder to wash away.\nThanks\nAcrylic, cotton, lycra, microfibers, nylon, polyester, polyolefin, spandex, and triacetate (except for pleated types) are all 100% washable, but if you are ever in doubt, wash by hand or run a test article in the wash first, just to be safe.\nThanks\nThanks for submitting a tip for review!\nAdvertisement\nNot all washing machines have a delicate cycle.\nThanks\nBe prepared to deal with stains, ripping or shrinkage.\nThanks\nAdvertisement\nThings You'll Need\nmesh laundry bags\nlaundry stain spray or remover\nlaundry detergent\nReferences\n↑\nSafir Ali. Professional Dry Cleaner. Expert Interview\nAbout This Article\nArticle Summary\nX\nWhile most items can be washed on a regular setting, your delicates may require a bit of extra care. An easy way to protect your delicates in the wash is to place them in a mesh washing bag so they don’t get jostled around too much. Once they’re in the machine, add detergent as you normally would, then select the “pre-soak” option using mild or cold water. Cold water will protect your delicates more than warm or hot water. If your machine has a cycle option, choose delicates or hand wash. Dryers can shrink delicates, so it’s best to air dry them. Or, if your dryer has a no-heat option, you can use that instead.\nTo learn how to treat stains in delicates, read on!\nDid this summary help you?\nThanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 194,729 times.\nReader Success Stories\nYamma May\nMay 16, 2017\n\"Wanted to know if I can wash non-delicates with delicates.\"\nDid this article help you?\nGet all the best how-tos!\nSign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter\nSubscribe\nYou're all set!\nX\nFor over two decades, we’ve been on a mission: to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything. Our articles are human written and expert endorsed to ensure readers like you get reliable, current information.\nBefore you get back to learning, we would be grateful if you could take a minute to support wikiHow. Any amount helps. 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Learn why people **trust wikiHow**](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience)\n\n- [Categories](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Special:CategoryListing \"Special:CategoryListing\")\n- [Home and Garden](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Category:Home-and-Garden \"Category:Home and Garden\")\n- [Housekeeping](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Category:Housekeeping \"Category:Housekeeping\")\n- [Laundry](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Category:Laundry \"Category:Laundry\")\n- [Washing Delicates](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Category:Washing-Delicates \"Category:Washing Delicates\")\n# [How to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n\n[![PDF download](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/extensions\/wikihow\/socialstamp\/images\/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n\n**Co-authored by** [Safir Ali](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Safir-Ali)\n\n[Last Updated: March 10, 2025](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)  [References](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#References)\n\n[![PDF download](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/extensions\/wikihow\/socialstamp\/images\/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n\n- [Preparing Your Delicates](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#Preparing-Your-Delicates)\n- [Washing Your Delicates](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#Washing-Your-Delicates)\n- [Drying Your Delicates](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#Drying-Your-Delicates)\n- [Expert Q\\&A](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#qa_headline)\n- [Tips](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#tips)\n- [Warnings](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#warnings)\n- [Things You'll Need](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#thingsyoullneed)\n\n\\|Show more\n\n\\|Show less\n\nX\n\nThis article was co-authored by [Safir Ali](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Safir-Ali). Safir Ali is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hamper Dry Cleaning and Laundry, a startup in Houston, Texas reinventing the laundry industry. With over six years of experience launching and operating Hamper, Safir specializes in innovative ways to simplify dry cleaning using the experience from his family's business. Safir holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Texas A\\&M University. Hamper offers 24\/7 on-demand dry cleaning and laundry through delivery and kiosk services. Hamper has been featured on the Houston Rockets, Station Houston, the Houston Business Journal, BBVA, Yahoo Finance, and Innovation Map.   \n  \n This article has been viewed 194,729 times.\n\nProperly washing and caring for delicates can help your clothes last longer and save you the time of having to hand wash your laundry. By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can safely wash delicates using a washing machine. With just a little pre-sorting and the use of mesh bags, washing will be a breeze and you’ll never hesitate to wear and enjoy your delicates again\\!\n## Steps\nPart 1\n\nPart 1 of 3:\n\n### Preparing Your Delicates\n\n[![PDF download](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/extensions\/wikihow\/socialstamp\/images\/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n\n1. [![Step 1 Check the labels.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-1-Version-3.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#\/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-1-Version-3.jpg)\n   1\n   **Check the labels.** Before you get started, go through your delicates and read the care instructions. Most delicates will have tags that say \"hand wash\" or \"hand wash only,\" which means strategic machine washing will still work, but \"dry clean only\" tags mean the washing machine for those delicates is a definite no-go.\n2. [![Step 2 Sort delicates by type.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-2-Version-3.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#\/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-2-Version-3.jpg)\n   2\n   **Sort delicates by type.** Delicates are fragile and can easily snag, stretch, or lose their shape during washing.[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-1) X Research source     To minimize this risk, sort your delicates by type. For example, lace should be washed with lace, cashmere with cashmere, silk with silk, and thin knits with thin knits.\n   \n   - Never combine a lace article with a sequined article, for instance, because the sequins might snag the lace.\n   Advertisement\n3. ![Step 3 Organize delicates by color.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-3-Version-3.jpg.webp)\n   \n   ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/skins\/WikiHow\/images\/WH_logo.svg)\n   3\n   **Organize delicates by color.** Just as you do with regular laundry, it is important to also separate delicates by color; wash whites with whites, darks with darks, and colors with colors to prevent bleeding.\n4. ![Step 4 Keep delicates fastened.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-4-Version-3.jpg.webp)\n   \n   ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/skins\/WikiHow\/images\/WH_logo.svg)\n   4\n   **Keep delicates fastened.** If your delicates have any clips, clasps, zippers, or buttons, be sure to do those up to reduce a chance of snagging or stretching.\n5. ![Step 5 Pre-treat stains.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-5-Version-3.jpg.webp)\n   \n   ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/skins\/WikiHow\/images\/WH_logo.svg)\n   5\n   **Pre-treat stains.** Use a pre-wash stain spray or treatment to fight stains before you put your delicates in the washing machine. This will help reduce the amount of work your machine has to do, which reduces the amount of washing stress on your delicates. [\\[2\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-2) X Research source    [\\[3\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-3)X [Expert Source](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) [![Safir Ali](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Safir_Ali.png\/-crop-100-100-100px-Safir_Ali.png)Safir Ali Professional Dry Cleaner](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Safir-Ali) Expert Interview\n   \n   - Grass, dirt, oil-based, and most beverage stains can be pre-treated with dish soap, if you don't have stain spray.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-4) X Research source\n   - For stains on whites, you can use a bleach pen.\n   - For blood or body-fluid stains, use cold tap water and light scrubbing as a pre-treatment, followed by a common hand sanitizer to disinfect the garment.\n6. ![Step 6 Add small piles of sorted delicates in mesh bags.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-6-Version-3.jpg.webp)\n   \n   ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/skins\/WikiHow\/images\/WH_logo.svg)\n   6\n   **Add small piles of sorted delicates in mesh bags.** It’s important not to crowd your delicates. By putting only a few delicates (sorted by type and color) into each mesh bag, you decrease their chances of getting stretched, snagged, or losing their shape.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-5) X Research source\n   \n   - It’s fine to put mesh bags with different types of delicates into the same washing load (the bags will keep them safe from each other), but make sure not to mix colors.\n   - For a standard-sized washer, you can wash two to three mesh bags (filled with a few delicates each) at once.\n   - If the load is unbalanced, add a few lightly soiled permanent press items, like T-shirts.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-6) X Research source\n   - Also be sure to turn your garments inside out.[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-7)X [Expert Source](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) [![Safir Ali](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Safir_Ali.png\/-crop-100-100-100px-Safir_Ali.png)Safir Ali Professional Dry Cleaner](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Safir-Ali) Expert Interview\n\nPart 2\n\nPart 2 of 3:\n\n### Washing Your Delicates\n\n[![PDF download](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/extensions\/wikihow\/socialstamp\/images\/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n\n1. ![Step 1 Add detergent.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-7-Version-3.jpg.webp)\n   \n   ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/skins\/WikiHow\/images\/WH_logo.svg)\n   1\n   **Add detergent.** Although mild detergents – like Woolite – or cold-water detergent are designed for washing delicates, they are more expensive. Most regular detergents work just as well, so use what you have on hand. Just be mindful to use the correct detergent based on the colors you are washing.\n2. ![Step 2 Select the \"pre-soak\" option on your washer using mild or cold water.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-8-Version-3.jpg.webp)\n   \n   ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/skins\/WikiHow\/images\/WH_logo.svg)\n   2\n   **Select the \"pre-soak\" option on your washer using mild or cold water.** Soaking your delicates before the actual wash is especially important for heavy stains.\n3. ![Step 3 Set your washer on a gentle cycle.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-9-Version-2.jpg.webp)\n   \n   ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/skins\/WikiHow\/images\/WH_logo.svg)\n   3\n   **Set your washer on a gentle cycle.** To wash delicates, you want your washer to be on the shortest, most gentle wash and spin cycles. Most modern washers have a “hand wash” option, which is best for washing delicates. Be sure to use mild or cold water, as this will prevent bleeding and shrinking.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-8)X [Expert Source](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) [![Safir Ali](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Safir_Ali.png\/-crop-100-100-100px-Safir_Ali.png)Safir Ali Professional Dry Cleaner](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Safir-Ali) Expert Interview [\\[9\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-9) X Research source\n\nPart 3\n\nPart 3 of 3:\n\n### Drying Your Delicates\n\n[![PDF download](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/extensions\/wikihow\/socialstamp\/images\/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n\n1. [![Step 1 Air dry your delicates.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-10-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#\/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-10-Version-2.jpg)\n   1\n   **Air dry your delicates.** Dryer heat can ruin your delicates because it can cause shrinkage, so it's best to air dry them. However, if your dryer has a “no heat” and\/or “air fluff only” setting, you can toss the mesh bags in the dryer to dry halfway.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-10)X [Expert Source](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) [![Safir Ali](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Safir_Ali.png\/-crop-100-100-100px-Safir_Ali.png)Safir Ali Professional Dry Cleaner](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Safir-Ali) Expert Interview\n2. [![Step 2 Re-shape delicates by hand half-way though the drying process.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-11-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#\/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-11-Version-2.jpg)\n   2\n   **Re-shape delicates by hand half-way though the drying process.** This is especially important for knits, cashmere, or other snuggly-fitting garments that have a specific shape to them. Water and detergent can temporarily warp these materials and cause them to dry in the shape they are in when taken from the wash if they aren't re-shaped by hand.\n3. [![Step 3 Hang or lay delicates flat to finish air drying.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-12-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#\/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-12-Version-2.jpg)\n   3\n   **Hang or lay delicates flat to finish air drying.** Delicates dry best when they are hung over a line or laid flat to air-dry. This helps them keep their original shape intact. Once they are completely dry, it's safe to fold and store your delicates for future wear.\n\n## Expert Q\\&A\nSearch\n\n[Add New Question]()\n\n- Question\n  \n  Can you put hand wash clothes in the washing machine on delicate?\n  \n  [![Safir Ali](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Safir_Ali.png\/-crop-200-200-200px-Safir_Ali.png)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Safir-Ali)\n  \n  [Safir Ali](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Safir-Ali)    \n   Laundry Specialist\n  \n  Safir Ali is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hamper Dry Cleaning and Laundry, a startup in Houston, Texas reinventing the laundry industry. With over six years of experience launching and operating Hamper, Safir specializes in innovative ways to simplify dry cleaning using the experience from his family's business. Safir holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Texas A\\&M University. Hamper offers 24\/7 on-demand dry cleaning and laundry through delivery and kiosk services. Hamper has been featured on the Houston Rockets, Station Houston, the Houston Business Journal, BBVA, Yahoo Finance, and Innovation Map.\n  \n  [![Safir Ali](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Safir_Ali.png\/-crop-200-200-200px-Safir_Ali.png)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Safir-Ali)\n  \n  [Safir Ali](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Safir-Ali)\n  \n  Laundry Specialist\n  \n  Expert Answer\n  \n  You can. However, be sure to turn the garments inside out and use cold water. Afterwards, either air-dry your clothes or put them in the dryer on a no-heat or low-heat setting.\n  \n  **Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.**  \n   **Thank you for your feedback.**  \n    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even \\$1 helps us in our mission.  [Support wikiHow](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/wikiHow:Contribute)\n  \n  [Yes](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [No](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n  \n  [Not Helpful 0](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [Helpful 2](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n- Question\n  \n  How do I wash a woman's shirt with tassels?\n  \n  ![Community Answer](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/CommunityAvatar4.png\/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar4.png)\n  \n  Community Answer\n  \n  I would recommend putting the shirt in a garment bag and washing it on the gentle or hand wash cycle. If you have neither, you might be able to use the permanent press cycle on light. Probably best to hang or flat dry the shirt as well.\n  \n  **Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.**  \n   **Thank you for your feedback.**  \n    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even \\$1 helps us in our mission.  [Support wikiHow](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/wikiHow:Contribute)\n  \n  [Yes](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [No](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n  \n  [Not Helpful 1](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [Helpful 2](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n- Question\n  \n  What are delicate clothes?\n  \n  ![Community Answer](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/CommunityAvatar3.png\/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar3.png)\n  \n  Community Answer\n  \n  Delicate clothes are any clothes you would be worried about getting ruined in a washer, where they are tumbling around and could possibly get ripped. They are usually more expensive and some say hand wash only or wash on delicate cycle.\n  \n  **Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.**  \n   **Thank you for your feedback.**  \n    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even \\$1 helps us in our mission.  [Support wikiHow](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/wikiHow:Contribute)\n  \n  [Yes](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [No](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n  \n  [Not Helpful 0](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [Helpful 4](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n\n[See more answers](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Questions\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#offset=3)\n\nAsk a Question\n\n200 characters left\n\nInclude your email address to get a message when this question is answered.\n\n[Submit]()\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## Tips\n- Use the detergent sparingly since your delicates are being washed on a short, gentle cycle and suds will be harder to wash away.\n  Thanks\n  \n  [Helpful 0](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)   [Not Helpful 0](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n- Acrylic, cotton, lycra, microfibers, nylon, polyester, polyolefin, spandex, and triacetate (except for pleated types) are all 100% washable, but if you are ever in doubt, wash by hand or run a test article in the wash first, just to be safe.\n  Thanks\n  \n  [Helpful 0](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)   [Not Helpful 0](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n\nSubmit a Tip\n\nAll tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published\n\nName\n\nPlease provide your name and last initial\n\n[Submit](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n\nThanks for submitting a tip for review\\!\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## Warnings\n- Not all washing machines have a delicate cycle.\n  Thanks\n  \n  [Helpful 13](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)   [Not Helpful 6](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n- Be prepared to deal with stains, ripping or shrinkage.\n  Thanks\n  \n  [Helpful 8](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)   [Not Helpful 6](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## Things You'll Need\n- mesh laundry bags\n- laundry stain spray or remover\n- laundry detergent\n\n## You Might Also Like\n[![Wash Merino Wool](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Wash-Merino-Wool-Step-21-Version-3.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Wash-Merino-Wool-Step-21-Version-3.jpg.webp) How to Wash Merino Wool ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Wash-Merino-Wool-Step-21-Version-3.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Wash-Merino-Wool-Step-21-Version-3.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Merino-Wool)\n\n[![Wash Clothes by Hand](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Wash-Clothes-by-Hand-Step-8-Version-7.jpg\/-crop-342-184-327px-Wash-Clothes-by-Hand-Step-8-Version-7.jpg.webp)Simple Steps for Hand-Washing Your Clothes at Home ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Wash-Clothes-by-Hand-Step-8-Version-7.jpg\/-crop-342-184-327px-Wash-Clothes-by-Hand-Step-8-Version-7.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Clothes-by-Hand)\n\n[![Take Care of Your Clothes](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b6\/Take-Care-of-Your-Clothes-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Take-Care-of-Your-Clothes-Step-15-Version-2.jpg.webp) How to Take Care of Your Clothes ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b6\/Take-Care-of-Your-Clothes-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Take-Care-of-Your-Clothes-Step-15-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Take-Care-of-Your-Clothes)\n\n[![Use a Washing Machine](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Use-a-Washing-Machine-Step-9-Version-4.jpg\/-crop-342-184-327px-Use-a-Washing-Machine-Step-9-Version-4.jpg.webp) How to Use a Washing Machine ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Use-a-Washing-Machine-Step-9-Version-4.jpg\/-crop-342-184-327px-Use-a-Washing-Machine-Step-9-Version-4.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Use-a-Washing-Machine)\n\n[![Clean Underwear](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Clean-Underwear-Step-13.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Clean-Underwear-Step-13.jpg.webp) How to Clean Underwear ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Clean-Underwear-Step-13.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Clean-Underwear-Step-13.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Clean-Underwear)\n\n[![Dry Clean Clothes at Home](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Dry-Clean-Clothes-at-Home-Step-16-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Dry-Clean-Clothes-at-Home-Step-16-Version-2.jpg.webp) How to Dry Clean Clothes at Home ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Dry-Clean-Clothes-at-Home-Step-16-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Dry-Clean-Clothes-at-Home-Step-16-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Dry-Clean-Clothes-at-Home)\n\n[![Do Laundry](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Do-Laundry-Step-24.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Do-Laundry-Step-24.jpg.webp) How to Do Laundry ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Do-Laundry-Step-24.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Do-Laundry-Step-24.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Do-Laundry)\n\n[![Wash Your Clothes](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/Wash-Your-Clothes-Step-12-Version-4.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Wash-Your-Clothes-Step-12-Version-4.jpg.webp) How to Wash Your Clothes ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/Wash-Your-Clothes-Step-12-Version-4.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Wash-Your-Clothes-Step-12-Version-4.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Your-Clothes)\n\n[How to Wash Dress Shirts in the Washing Machine ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Wash-Dress-Shirts-in-the-Washing-Machine-Step-15.jpg\/-crop-342-184-327px-Wash-Dress-Shirts-in-the-Washing-Machine-Step-15.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Dress-Shirts-in-the-Washing-Machine)\n\n[![Sort Laundry](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Sort-Laundry-Step-11.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Sort-Laundry-Step-11.jpg.webp) How to Separate Laundry: Hacks to Help You Sort & Wash Your Clothes ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Sort-Laundry-Step-11.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Sort-Laundry-Step-11.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Sort-Laundry)\n\n[![Wash Clothes without a Washing Machine](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Wash-Clothes-without-a-Washing-Machine-Step-18-Version-4.jpg\/-crop-342-184-327px-Wash-Clothes-without-a-Washing-Machine-Step-18-Version-4.jpg.webp) How to Wash Clothes without a Washing Machine ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Wash-Clothes-without-a-Washing-Machine-Step-18-Version-4.jpg\/-crop-342-184-327px-Wash-Clothes-without-a-Washing-Machine-Step-18-Version-4.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Clothes-without-a-Washing-Machine)\n\n[![Wash Rhinestone Clothing](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Wash-Rhinestone-Clothing-Step-12.jpg\/-crop-342-184-327px-Wash-Rhinestone-Clothing-Step-12.jpg.webp) How to Wash Rhinestone Clothing ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Wash-Rhinestone-Clothing-Step-12.jpg\/-crop-342-184-327px-Wash-Rhinestone-Clothing-Step-12.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Rhinestone-Clothing)\n\n[![Wash a Cotton Sweater](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Wash-a-Cotton-Sweater-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Wash-a-Cotton-Sweater-Step-12-Version-2.jpg.webp) How to Wash a Cotton Sweater ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Wash-a-Cotton-Sweater-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-342-184-245px-Wash-a-Cotton-Sweater-Step-12-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-a-Cotton-Sweater)\n\n[![Soak Clothes](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Soak-Clothes-Step-13-Version-4.jpg\/-crop-342-184-327px-Soak-Clothes-Step-13-Version-4.jpg.webp) How to Pre-Soak Clothes Before Washing ![](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Soak-Clothes-Step-13-Version-4.jpg\/-crop-342-184-327px-Soak-Clothes-Step-13-Version-4.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Soak-Clothes)\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## References\n1. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-1) <https:\/\/www.howtocleanstuff.net\/how-to-machine-wash-hand-wash-clothing\/>\n2. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-2) <http:\/\/www.goodhousekeeping.com\/home\/cleaning\/tips\/a16429\/how-to-wash-delicates\/>\n3. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-3) Safir Ali. Professional Dry Cleaner. Expert Interview\n4. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-4) <http:\/\/www.cleaninginstitute.org\/clean_living\/stain_removal_chart.aspx>\n5. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-5) <http:\/\/www.goodhousekeeping.com\/institute\/a22485\/caring-for-delicate-clothes\/>\n6. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-6) <http:\/\/www.goodhousekeeping.com\/home\/cleaning\/tips\/a16429\/how-to-wash-delicates\/>\n7. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-7) Safir Ali. Professional Dry Cleaner. Expert Interview\n8. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-8) Safir Ali. Professional Dry Cleaner. Expert Interview\n9. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-9) <https:\/\/www.howtocleanstuff.net\/how-to-machine-wash-hand-wash-clothing\/>\n\n[More References (1)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#aiinfo)\n\n1. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-10) Safir Ali. Professional Dry Cleaner. Expert Interview\n\n## About This Article\n![Safir Ali](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Safir_Ali.png\/-crop-100-100-100px-Safir_Ali.png)\n\nCo-authored by:\n\n[Safir Ali](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Safir-Ali)\n\nLaundry Specialist\n\nThis article was co-authored by [Safir Ali](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Safir-Ali). Safir Ali is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hamper Dry Cleaning and Laundry, a startup in Houston, Texas reinventing the laundry industry. With over six years of experience launching and operating Hamper, Safir specializes in innovative ways to simplify dry cleaning using the experience from his family's business. Safir holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Texas A\\&M University. Hamper offers 24\/7 on-demand dry cleaning and laundry through delivery and kiosk services. Hamper has been featured on the Houston Rockets, Station Houston, the Houston Business Journal, BBVA, Yahoo Finance, and Innovation Map. This article has been viewed 194,729 times.\n\n5 votes - 100%\n\nCo-authors: 12\n\nUpdated: March 10, 2025\n\nViews: 194,729\n\nCategories: [Washing Delicates](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Category:Washing-Delicates \"Category:Washing Delicates\")\n\n[Article SummaryX](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#summary_wrapper)\n\nWhile most items can be washed on a regular setting, your delicates may require a bit of extra care. An easy way to protect your delicates in the wash is to place them in a mesh washing bag so they don’t get jostled around too much. Once they’re in the machine, add detergent as you normally would, then select the “pre-soak” option using mild or cold water. Cold water will protect your delicates more than warm or hot water. If your machine has a cycle option, choose delicates or hand wash. Dryers can shrink delicates, so it’s best to air dry them. Or, if your dryer has a no-heat option, you can use that instead. 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Please contact [support@wikihow.pro](mailto:support@wikihow.pro).\n\nSomething went wrong\n\n[Dismiss]()","attrs_readable_markdown":"[![PDF download](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/extensions\/wikihow\/socialstamp\/images\/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n\n[![PDF download](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/extensions\/wikihow\/socialstamp\/images\/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n\n- [Preparing Your Delicates](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#Preparing-Your-Delicates)\n- [Washing Your Delicates](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#Washing-Your-Delicates)\n- [Drying Your Delicates](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#Drying-Your-Delicates)\n- [Expert Q\\&A](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#qa_headline)\n- [Tips](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#tips)\n- [Warnings](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#warnings)\n- [Things You'll Need](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#thingsyoullneed)\n\nProperly washing and caring for delicates can help your clothes last longer and save you the time of having to hand wash your laundry. By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can safely wash delicates using a washing machine. With just a little pre-sorting and the use of mesh bags, washing will be a breeze and you’ll never hesitate to wear and enjoy your delicates again\\!\n\n1. [![Step 1 Check the labels.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-1-Version-3.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#\/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-1-Version-3.jpg)\n   Before you get started, go through your delicates and read the care instructions. Most delicates will have tags that say \"hand wash\" or \"hand wash only,\" which means strategic machine washing will still work, but \"dry clean only\" tags mean the washing machine for those delicates is a definite no-go.\n2. [![Step 2 Sort delicates by type.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-2-Version-3.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#\/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-2-Version-3.jpg)\n   Delicates are fragile and can easily snag, stretch, or lose their shape during washing.[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-1)  To minimize this risk, sort your delicates by type. For example, lace should be washed with lace, cashmere with cashmere, silk with silk, and thin knits with thin knits.\n   \n   - Never combine a lace article with a sequined article, for instance, because the sequins might snag the lace.\n   Advertisement\n3. ![Step 3 Organize delicates by color.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-3-Version-3.jpg.webp)\n   \n   ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/skins\/WikiHow\/images\/WH_logo.svg)\n   Just as you do with regular laundry, it is important to also separate delicates by color; wash whites with whites, darks with darks, and colors with colors to prevent bleeding.\n4. ![Step 4 Keep delicates fastened.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-4-Version-3.jpg.webp)\n   \n   ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/skins\/WikiHow\/images\/WH_logo.svg)\n   If your delicates have any clips, clasps, zippers, or buttons, be sure to do those up to reduce a chance of snagging or stretching.\n5. ![Step 5 Pre-treat stains.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-5-Version-3.jpg.webp)\n   \n   ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/skins\/WikiHow\/images\/WH_logo.svg)\n   Use a pre-wash stain spray or treatment to fight stains before you put your delicates in the washing machine. This will help reduce the amount of work your machine has to do, which reduces the amount of washing stress on your delicates. [\\[2\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-2) [\\[3\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-3)\n   \n   - Grass, dirt, oil-based, and most beverage stains can be pre-treated with dish soap, if you don't have stain spray.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-4)\n   - For stains on whites, you can use a bleach pen.\n   - For blood or body-fluid stains, use cold tap water and light scrubbing as a pre-treatment, followed by a common hand sanitizer to disinfect the garment.\n6. ![Step 6 Add small piles of sorted delicates in mesh bags.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-6-Version-3.jpg.webp)\n   \n   ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/skins\/WikiHow\/images\/WH_logo.svg)\n   It’s important not to crowd your delicates. By putting only a few delicates (sorted by type and color) into each mesh bag, you decrease their chances of getting stretched, snagged, or losing their shape.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-5)\n   \n   - It’s fine to put mesh bags with different types of delicates into the same washing load (the bags will keep them safe from each other), but make sure not to mix colors.\n   - For a standard-sized washer, you can wash two to three mesh bags (filled with a few delicates each) at once.\n   - If the load is unbalanced, add a few lightly soiled permanent press items, like T-shirts.[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-6)\n   - Also be sure to turn your garments inside out.[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-7)\n\n1. ![Step 1 Add detergent.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-7-Version-3.jpg.webp)\n   \n   ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/skins\/WikiHow\/images\/WH_logo.svg)\n   Although mild detergents – like Woolite – or cold-water detergent are designed for washing delicates, they are more expensive. Most regular detergents work just as well, so use what you have on hand. Just be mindful to use the correct detergent based on the colors you are washing.\n2. ![Step 2 Select the \"pre-soak\" option on your washer using mild or cold water.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-8-Version-3.jpg.webp)\n   \n   ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/skins\/WikiHow\/images\/WH_logo.svg)\n   Soaking your delicates before the actual wash is especially important for heavy stains.\n3. ![Step 3 Set your washer on a gentle cycle.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-9-Version-2.jpg.webp)\n   \n   ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/skins\/WikiHow\/images\/WH_logo.svg)\n   To wash delicates, you want your washer to be on the shortest, most gentle wash and spin cycles. Most modern washers have a “hand wash” option, which is best for washing delicates. Be sure to use mild or cold water, as this will prevent bleeding and shrinking.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-8) [\\[9\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-9)\n\n1. [![Step 1 Air dry your delicates.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-10-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#\/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-10-Version-2.jpg)\n   Dryer heat can ruin your delicates because it can cause shrinkage, so it's best to air dry them. However, if your dryer has a “no heat” and\/or “air fluff only” setting, you can toss the mesh bags in the dryer to dry halfway.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-10)\n2. [![Step 2 Re-shape delicates by hand half-way though the drying process.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-11-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#\/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-11-Version-2.jpg)\n   This is especially important for knits, cashmere, or other snuggly-fitting garments that have a specific shape to them. Water and detergent can temporarily warp these materials and cause them to dry in the shape they are in when taken from the wash if they aren't re-shaped by hand.\n3. [![Step 3 Hang or lay delicates flat to finish air drying.](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-12-Version-2.jpg)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#\/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-12-Version-2.jpg)\n   Delicates dry best when they are hung over a line or laid flat to air-dry. This helps them keep their original shape intact. Once they are completely dry, it's safe to fold and store your delicates for future wear.\n\nSearch\n\n[Add New Question]()\n\n- Question\n  \n  Can you put hand wash clothes in the washing machine on delicate?\n  \n  [![Safir Ali](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Safir_Ali.png\/-crop-200-200-200px-Safir_Ali.png)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Safir-Ali)\n  \n  Safir Ali is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hamper Dry Cleaning and Laundry, a startup in Houston, Texas reinventing the laundry industry. With over six years of experience launching and operating Hamper, Safir specializes in innovative ways to simplify dry cleaning using the experience from his family's business. Safir holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Texas A\\&M University. Hamper offers 24\/7 on-demand dry cleaning and laundry through delivery and kiosk services. Hamper has been featured on the Houston Rockets, Station Houston, the Houston Business Journal, BBVA, Yahoo Finance, and Innovation Map.\n  \n  [![Safir Ali](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Safir_Ali.png\/-crop-200-200-200px-Safir_Ali.png)](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Author\/Safir-Ali)\n  \n  Laundry Specialist\n  \n  Expert Answer\n  \n  You can. However, be sure to turn the garments inside out and use cold water. Afterwards, either air-dry your clothes or put them in the dryer on a no-heat or low-heat setting.\n- Question\n  \n  How do I wash a woman's shirt with tassels?\n  \n  ![Community Answer](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/CommunityAvatar4.png\/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar4.png)\n  \n  Community Answer\n  \n  I would recommend putting the shirt in a garment bag and washing it on the gentle or hand wash cycle. If you have neither, you might be able to use the permanent press cycle on light. Probably best to hang or flat dry the shirt as well.\n- Question\n  \n  What are delicate clothes?\n  \n  ![Community Answer](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/CommunityAvatar3.png\/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar3.png)\n  \n  Community Answer\n  \n  Delicate clothes are any clothes you would be worried about getting ruined in a washer, where they are tumbling around and could possibly get ripped. They are usually more expensive and some say hand wash only or wash on delicate cycle.\n\n[See more answers](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Questions\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#offset=3)\n\nAsk a Question\n\n200 characters left\n\nInclude your email address to get a message when this question is answered.\n\n[Submit]()\n\nAdvertisement\n\n- Use the detergent sparingly since your delicates are being washed on a short, gentle cycle and suds will be harder to wash away.\n  Thanks\n- Acrylic, cotton, lycra, microfibers, nylon, polyester, polyolefin, spandex, and triacetate (except for pleated types) are all 100% washable, but if you are ever in doubt, wash by hand or run a test article in the wash first, just to be safe.\n  Thanks\n\nThanks for submitting a tip for review\\!\n\nAdvertisement\n\n- Not all washing machines have a delicate cycle.\n  Thanks\n- Be prepared to deal with stains, ripping or shrinkage.\n  Thanks\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## Things You'll Need\n- mesh laundry bags\n- laundry stain spray or remover\n- laundry detergent\n## References\n1. [↑](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-10) Safir Ali. Professional Dry Cleaner. Expert Interview\n\nAbout This Article\n\n[Article SummaryX](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#summary_wrapper)\n\nWhile most items can be washed on a regular setting, your delicates may require a bit of extra care. An easy way to protect your delicates in the wash is to place them in a mesh washing bag so they don’t get jostled around too much. Once they’re in the machine, add detergent as you normally would, then select the “pre-soak” option using mild or cold water. Cold water will protect your delicates more than warm or hot water. If your machine has a cycle option, choose delicates or hand wash. Dryers can shrink delicates, so it’s best to air dry them. Or, if your dryer has a no-heat option, you can use that instead. To learn how to treat stains in delicates, read on\\!\n\nDid this summary help you?\n\nThanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 194,729 times.\n\nReader Success Stories\n\n- ![Yamma May](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/CommunityAvatar2.png\/-crop-72-72-72px-CommunityAvatar2.png)\n  \n  Yamma May\n  \n  May 16, 2017\n  \"Wanted to know if I can wash non-delicates with delicates.\"\n## Did this article help you?\n\nGet all the best how-tos\\!\n\nSign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter\n\n[Subscribe](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n\nYou're all set\\!\n\n[X](https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry)\n\nFor over two decades, we’ve been on a mission: to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything. Our articles are human written and expert endorsed to ensure readers like you get reliable, current information. **Before you get back to learning, we would be grateful if you could take a minute to support wikiHow. Any amount helps. Thank you.**\n\n\\-\n\n\\-\n\n![](https:\/\/sb.scorecardresearch.com\/p?c1=2&c2=8003466&cv=3.9.1&cj=1)","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	How to Wash Delicates in the Laundry: 12 Steps (with Pictures)
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Boilerpipe Text	Download Article Download Article Preparing Your Delicates \| Washing Your Delicates \| Drying Your Delicates \| Expert Q&A \| Tips \| Warnings \| Things You'll Need Properly washing and caring for delicates can help your clothes last longer and save you the time of having to hand wash your laundry. By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can safely wash delicates using a washing machine. With just a little pre-sorting and the use of mesh bags, washing will be a breeze and you’ll never hesitate to wear and enjoy your delicates again! Before you get started, go through your delicates and read the care instructions. Most delicates will have tags that say "hand wash" or "hand wash only," which means strategic machine washing will still work, but "dry clean only" tags mean the washing machine for those delicates is a definite no-go. Delicates are fragile and can easily snag, stretch, or lose their shape during washing. [1] To minimize this risk, sort your delicates by type. For example, lace should be washed with lace, cashmere with cashmere, silk with silk, and thin knits with thin knits. Never combine a lace article with a sequined article, for instance, because the sequins might snag the lace. Advertisement Just as you do with regular laundry, it is important to also separate delicates by color; wash whites with whites, darks with darks, and colors with colors to prevent bleeding. If your delicates have any clips, clasps, zippers, or buttons, be sure to do those up to reduce a chance of snagging or stretching. Use a pre-wash stain spray or treatment to fight stains before you put your delicates in the washing machine. This will help reduce the amount of work your machine has to do, which reduces the amount of washing stress on your delicates. [2] [3] Grass, dirt, oil-based, and most beverage stains can be pre-treated with dish soap, if you don't have stain spray. [4] For stains on whites, you can use a bleach pen. For blood or body-fluid stains, use cold tap water and light scrubbing as a pre-treatment, followed by a common hand sanitizer to disinfect the garment. It’s important not to crowd your delicates. By putting only a few delicates (sorted by type and color) into each mesh bag, you decrease their chances of getting stretched, snagged, or losing their shape. [5] It’s fine to put mesh bags with different types of delicates into the same washing load (the bags will keep them safe from each other), but make sure not to mix colors. For a standard-sized washer, you can wash two to three mesh bags (filled with a few delicates each) at once. If the load is unbalanced, add a few lightly soiled permanent press items, like T-shirts. [6] Also be sure to turn your garments inside out. [7] Advertisement Although mild detergents – like Woolite – or cold-water detergent are designed for washing delicates, they are more expensive. Most regular detergents work just as well, so use what you have on hand. Just be mindful to use the correct detergent based on the colors you are washing. Soaking your delicates before the actual wash is especially important for heavy stains. To wash delicates, you want your washer to be on the shortest, most gentle wash and spin cycles. Most modern washers have a “hand wash” option, which is best for washing delicates. Be sure to use mild or cold water, as this will prevent bleeding and shrinking. [8] [9] Advertisement Dryer heat can ruin your delicates because it can cause shrinkage, so it's best to air dry them. However, if your dryer has a “no heat” and/or “air fluff only” setting, you can toss the mesh bags in the dryer to dry halfway. [10] This is especially important for knits, cashmere, or other snuggly-fitting garments that have a specific shape to them. Water and detergent can temporarily warp these materials and cause them to dry in the shape they are in when taken from the wash if they aren't re-shaped by hand. Delicates dry best when they are hung over a line or laid flat to air-dry. This helps them keep their original shape intact. Once they are completely dry, it's safe to fold and store your delicates for future wear. Advertisement Search Add New Question Question Can you put hand wash clothes in the washing machine on delicate? Safir Ali is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hamper Dry Cleaning and Laundry, a startup in Houston, Texas reinventing the laundry industry. With over six years of experience launching and operating Hamper, Safir specializes in innovative ways to simplify dry cleaning using the experience from his family's business. Safir holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Texas A&M University. Hamper offers 24/7 on-demand dry cleaning and laundry through delivery and kiosk services. Hamper has been featured on the Houston Rockets, Station Houston, the Houston Business Journal, BBVA, Yahoo Finance, and Innovation Map. Laundry Specialist Expert Answer You can. However, be sure to turn the garments inside out and use cold water. Afterwards, either air-dry your clothes or put them in the dryer on a no-heat or low-heat setting. Question How do I wash a woman's shirt with tassels? Community Answer I would recommend putting the shirt in a garment bag and washing it on the gentle or hand wash cycle. If you have neither, you might be able to use the permanent press cycle on light. Probably best to hang or flat dry the shirt as well. Question What are delicate clothes? Community Answer Delicate clothes are any clothes you would be worried about getting ruined in a washer, where they are tumbling around and could possibly get ripped. They are usually more expensive and some say hand wash only or wash on delicate cycle. See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement Use the detergent sparingly since your delicates are being washed on a short, gentle cycle and suds will be harder to wash away. Thanks Acrylic, cotton, lycra, microfibers, nylon, polyester, polyolefin, spandex, and triacetate (except for pleated types) are all 100% washable, but if you are ever in doubt, wash by hand or run a test article in the wash first, just to be safe. Thanks Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement Not all washing machines have a delicate cycle. Thanks Be prepared to deal with stains, ripping or shrinkage. Thanks Advertisement Things You'll Need mesh laundry bags laundry stain spray or remover laundry detergent References ↑ Safir Ali. Professional Dry Cleaner. Expert Interview About This Article Article Summary X While most items can be washed on a regular setting, your delicates may require a bit of extra care. An easy way to protect your delicates in the wash is to place them in a mesh washing bag so they don’t get jostled around too much. Once they’re in the machine, add detergent as you normally would, then select the “pre-soak” option using mild or cold water. Cold water will protect your delicates more than warm or hot water. If your machine has a cycle option, choose delicates or hand wash. Dryers can shrink delicates, so it’s best to air dry them. Or, if your dryer has a no-heat option, you can use that instead. To learn how to treat stains in delicates, read on! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 194,729 times. Reader Success Stories Yamma May May 16, 2017 "Wanted to know if I can wash non-delicates with delicates." Did this article help you? Get all the best how-tos! 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Learn why people trust wikiHow](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) - [Categories](https://www.wikihow.com/Special:CategoryListing "Special:CategoryListing") - [Home and Garden](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Home-and-Garden "Category:Home and Garden") - [Housekeeping](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Housekeeping "Category:Housekeeping") - [Laundry](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Laundry "Category:Laundry") - [Washing Delicates](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Washing-Delicates "Category:Washing Delicates") # [How to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) Co-authored by [Safir Ali](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Safir-Ali) [Last Updated: March 10, 2025](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [References](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#References) [![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) - [Preparing Your Delicates](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#Preparing-Your-Delicates) - [Washing Your Delicates](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#Washing-Your-Delicates) - [Drying Your Delicates](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#Drying-Your-Delicates) - [Expert Q\&A](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#qa_headline) - [Tips](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#tips) - [Warnings](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#warnings) - [Things You'll Need](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#thingsyoullneed) \\|Show more \\|Show less X This article was co-authored by [Safir Ali](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Safir-Ali). Safir Ali is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hamper Dry Cleaning and Laundry, a startup in Houston, Texas reinventing the laundry industry. With over six years of experience launching and operating Hamper, Safir specializes in innovative ways to simplify dry cleaning using the experience from his family's business. Safir holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Texas A\&M University. Hamper offers 24/7 on-demand dry cleaning and laundry through delivery and kiosk services. Hamper has been featured on the Houston Rockets, Station Houston, the Houston Business Journal, BBVA, Yahoo Finance, and Innovation Map. This article has been viewed 194,729 times. Properly washing and caring for delicates can help your clothes last longer and save you the time of having to hand wash your laundry. By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can safely wash delicates using a washing machine. With just a little pre-sorting and the use of mesh bags, washing will be a breeze and you’ll never hesitate to wear and enjoy your delicates again\! ## Steps Part 1 Part 1 of 3: ### Preparing Your Delicates [![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) 1. [![Step 1 Check the labels.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/1c/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-1-Version-3.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-1-Version-3.jpg) 1 Check the labels. Before you get started, go through your delicates and read the care instructions. Most delicates will have tags that say "hand wash" or "hand wash only," which means strategic machine washing will still work, but "dry clean only" tags mean the washing machine for those delicates is a definite no-go. 2. [![Step 2 Sort delicates by type.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/87/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-2-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-2-Version-3.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-2-Version-3.jpg) 2 Sort delicates by type. Delicates are fragile and can easily snag, stretch, or lose their shape during washing.[\[1\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-1) X Research source To minimize this risk, sort your delicates by type. For example, lace should be washed with lace, cashmere with cashmere, silk with silk, and thin knits with thin knits. - Never combine a lace article with a sequined article, for instance, because the sequins might snag the lace. Advertisement 3. ![Step 3 Organize delicates by color.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b1/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-3-Version-3.jpg/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-3-Version-3.jpg.webp) ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https://www.wikihow.com/skins/WikiHow/images/WH_logo.svg) 3 Organize delicates by color. Just as you do with regular laundry, it is important to also separate delicates by color; wash whites with whites, darks with darks, and colors with colors to prevent bleeding. 4. ![Step 4 Keep delicates fastened.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/44/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-4-Version-3.jpg/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-4-Version-3.jpg.webp) ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https://www.wikihow.com/skins/WikiHow/images/WH_logo.svg) 4 Keep delicates fastened. If your delicates have any clips, clasps, zippers, or buttons, be sure to do those up to reduce a chance of snagging or stretching. 5. ![Step 5 Pre-treat stains.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/12/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-5-Version-3.jpg/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-5-Version-3.jpg.webp) ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https://www.wikihow.com/skins/WikiHow/images/WH_logo.svg) 5 Pre-treat stains. Use a pre-wash stain spray or treatment to fight stains before you put your delicates in the washing machine. This will help reduce the amount of work your machine has to do, which reduces the amount of washing stress on your delicates. [\[2\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-2) X Research source [\[3\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-3)X [Expert Source](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) [![Safir Ali](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9b/Safir_Ali.png/-crop-100-100-100px-Safir_Ali.png)Safir Ali Professional Dry Cleaner](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Safir-Ali) Expert Interview - Grass, dirt, oil-based, and most beverage stains can be pre-treated with dish soap, if you don't have stain spray.[\[4\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-4) X Research source - For stains on whites, you can use a bleach pen. - For blood or body-fluid stains, use cold tap water and light scrubbing as a pre-treatment, followed by a common hand sanitizer to disinfect the garment. 6. ![Step 6 Add small piles of sorted delicates in mesh bags.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7a/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-6-Version-3.jpg/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-6-Version-3.jpg.webp) ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https://www.wikihow.com/skins/WikiHow/images/WH_logo.svg) 6 Add small piles of sorted delicates in mesh bags. It’s important not to crowd your delicates. By putting only a few delicates (sorted by type and color) into each mesh bag, you decrease their chances of getting stretched, snagged, or losing their shape.[\[5\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-5) X Research source - It’s fine to put mesh bags with different types of delicates into the same washing load (the bags will keep them safe from each other), but make sure not to mix colors. - For a standard-sized washer, you can wash two to three mesh bags (filled with a few delicates each) at once. - If the load is unbalanced, add a few lightly soiled permanent press items, like T-shirts.[\[6\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-6) X Research source - Also be sure to turn your garments inside out.[\[7\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-7)X [Expert Source](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) [![Safir Ali](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9b/Safir_Ali.png/-crop-100-100-100px-Safir_Ali.png)Safir Ali Professional Dry Cleaner](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Safir-Ali) Expert Interview Part 2 Part 2 of 3: ### Washing Your Delicates [![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) 1. ![Step 1 Add detergent.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/ea/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-7-Version-3.jpg/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-7-Version-3.jpg.webp) ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https://www.wikihow.com/skins/WikiHow/images/WH_logo.svg) 1 Add detergent. Although mild detergents – like Woolite – or cold-water detergent are designed for washing delicates, they are more expensive. Most regular detergents work just as well, so use what you have on hand. Just be mindful to use the correct detergent based on the colors you are washing. 2. ![Step 2 Select the "pre-soak" option on your washer using mild or cold water.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5f/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-8-Version-3.jpg/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-8-Version-3.jpg.webp) ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https://www.wikihow.com/skins/WikiHow/images/WH_logo.svg) 2 Select the "pre-soak" option on your washer using mild or cold water. Soaking your delicates before the actual wash is especially important for heavy stains. 3. ![Step 3 Set your washer on a gentle cycle.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/fb/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-9-Version-2.jpg.webp) ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https://www.wikihow.com/skins/WikiHow/images/WH_logo.svg) 3 Set your washer on a gentle cycle. To wash delicates, you want your washer to be on the shortest, most gentle wash and spin cycles. Most modern washers have a “hand wash” option, which is best for washing delicates. Be sure to use mild or cold water, as this will prevent bleeding and shrinking.[\[8\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-8)X [Expert Source](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) [![Safir Ali](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9b/Safir_Ali.png/-crop-100-100-100px-Safir_Ali.png)Safir Ali Professional Dry Cleaner](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Safir-Ali) Expert Interview [\[9\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-9) X Research source Part 3 Part 3 of 3: ### Drying Your Delicates [![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) 1. [![Step 1 Air dry your delicates.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/67/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-10-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-10-Version-2.jpg) 1 Air dry your delicates. Dryer heat can ruin your delicates because it can cause shrinkage, so it's best to air dry them. However, if your dryer has a “no heat” and/or “air fluff only” setting, you can toss the mesh bags in the dryer to dry halfway.[\[10\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-10)X [Expert Source](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) [![Safir Ali](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9b/Safir_Ali.png/-crop-100-100-100px-Safir_Ali.png)Safir Ali Professional Dry Cleaner](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Safir-Ali) Expert Interview 2. [![Step 2 Re-shape delicates by hand half-way though the drying process.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/2e/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-11-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-11-Version-2.jpg) 2 Re-shape delicates by hand half-way though the drying process. This is especially important for knits, cashmere, or other snuggly-fitting garments that have a specific shape to them. Water and detergent can temporarily warp these materials and cause them to dry in the shape they are in when taken from the wash if they aren't re-shaped by hand. 3. [![Step 3 Hang or lay delicates flat to finish air drying.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7d/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-12-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-12-Version-2.jpg) 3 Hang or lay delicates flat to finish air drying. Delicates dry best when they are hung over a line or laid flat to air-dry. This helps them keep their original shape intact. Once they are completely dry, it's safe to fold and store your delicates for future wear. ## Expert Q\&A Search [Add New Question]() - Question Can you put hand wash clothes in the washing machine on delicate? [![Safir Ali](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9b/Safir_Ali.png/-crop-200-200-200px-Safir_Ali.png)](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Safir-Ali) [Safir Ali](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Safir-Ali) Laundry Specialist Safir Ali is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hamper Dry Cleaning and Laundry, a startup in Houston, Texas reinventing the laundry industry. With over six years of experience launching and operating Hamper, Safir specializes in innovative ways to simplify dry cleaning using the experience from his family's business. Safir holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Texas A\&M University. Hamper offers 24/7 on-demand dry cleaning and laundry through delivery and kiosk services. Hamper has been featured on the Houston Rockets, Station Houston, the Houston Business Journal, BBVA, Yahoo Finance, and Innovation Map. [![Safir Ali](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9b/Safir_Ali.png/-crop-200-200-200px-Safir_Ali.png)](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Safir-Ali) [Safir Ali](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Safir-Ali) Laundry Specialist Expert Answer You can. However, be sure to turn the garments inside out and use cold water. Afterwards, either air-dry your clothes or put them in the dryer on a no-heat or low-heat setting. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even \$1 helps us in our mission. [Support wikiHow](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Contribute) [Yes](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [No](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [Not Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [Helpful 2](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) - Question How do I wash a woman's shirt with tassels? ![Community Answer](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f5/CommunityAvatar4.png/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar4.png) Community Answer I would recommend putting the shirt in a garment bag and washing it on the gentle or hand wash cycle. If you have neither, you might be able to use the permanent press cycle on light. Probably best to hang or flat dry the shirt as well. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even \$1 helps us in our mission. [Support wikiHow](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Contribute) [Yes](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [No](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [Not Helpful 1](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [Helpful 2](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) - Question What are delicate clothes? ![Community Answer](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f2/CommunityAvatar3.png/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar3.png) Community Answer Delicate clothes are any clothes you would be worried about getting ruined in a washer, where they are tumbling around and could possibly get ripped. They are usually more expensive and some say hand wash only or wash on delicate cycle. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even \$1 helps us in our mission. [Support wikiHow](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Contribute) [Yes](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [No](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [Not Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [Helpful 4](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [See more answers](https://www.wikihow.com/Questions/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#offset=3) Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. [Submit]() Advertisement ## Tips - Use the detergent sparingly since your delicates are being washed on a short, gentle cycle and suds will be harder to wash away. Thanks [Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [Not Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) - Acrylic, cotton, lycra, microfibers, nylon, polyester, polyolefin, spandex, and triacetate (except for pleated types) are all 100% washable, but if you are ever in doubt, wash by hand or run a test article in the wash first, just to be safe. Thanks [Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [Not Helpful 0](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial [Submit](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) Thanks for submitting a tip for review\! Advertisement ## Warnings - Not all washing machines have a delicate cycle. Thanks [Helpful 13](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [Not Helpful 6](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) - Be prepared to deal with stains, ripping or shrinkage. 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![](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f8/Soak-Clothes-Step-13-Version-4.jpg/-crop-342-184-327px-Soak-Clothes-Step-13-Version-4.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Soak-Clothes) Advertisement ## References 1. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-1) <https://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-machine-wash-hand-wash-clothing/> 2. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-2) <http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a16429/how-to-wash-delicates/> 3. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-3) Safir Ali. Professional Dry Cleaner. Expert Interview 4. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-4) <http://www.cleaninginstitute.org/clean_living/stain_removal_chart.aspx> 5. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-5) <http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/a22485/caring-for-delicate-clothes/> 6. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-6) <http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a16429/how-to-wash-delicates/> 7. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-7) Safir Ali. Professional Dry Cleaner. Expert Interview 8. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-8) Safir Ali. Professional Dry Cleaner. Expert Interview 9. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-9) <https://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-machine-wash-hand-wash-clothing/> [More References (1)](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#aiinfo) 1. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-10) Safir Ali. Professional Dry Cleaner. Expert Interview ## About This Article ![Safir Ali](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9b/Safir_Ali.png/-crop-100-100-100px-Safir_Ali.png) Co-authored by: [Safir Ali](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Safir-Ali) Laundry Specialist This article was co-authored by [Safir Ali](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Safir-Ali). Safir Ali is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hamper Dry Cleaning and Laundry, a startup in Houston, Texas reinventing the laundry industry. With over six years of experience launching and operating Hamper, Safir specializes in innovative ways to simplify dry cleaning using the experience from his family's business. Safir holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Texas A\&M University. Hamper offers 24/7 on-demand dry cleaning and laundry through delivery and kiosk services. Hamper has been featured on the Houston Rockets, Station Houston, the Houston Business Journal, BBVA, Yahoo Finance, and Innovation Map. This article has been viewed 194,729 times. 5 votes - 100% Co-authors: 12 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 194,729 Categories: [Washing Delicates](https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Washing-Delicates "Category:Washing Delicates") [Article SummaryX](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#summary_wrapper) While most items can be washed on a regular setting, your delicates may require a bit of extra care. An easy way to protect your delicates in the wash is to place them in a mesh washing bag so they don’t get jostled around too much. Once they’re in the machine, add detergent as you normally would, then select the “pre-soak” option using mild or cold water. Cold water will protect your delicates more than warm or hot water. If your machine has a cycle option, choose delicates or hand wash. Dryers can shrink delicates, so it’s best to air dry them. Or, if your dryer has a no-heat option, you can use that instead. To learn how to treat stains in delicates, read on\! Did this summary help you? Yes No [In other languages](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#other_languages) [Spanish](https://es.wikihow.com/lavar-ropa-delicada-en-la-lavadora) [Russian](https://ru.wikihow.com/%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8C-%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B5-%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5-%D1%82%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%B2-%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B9-%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%88%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B5) [Italian](https://www.wikihow.it/Lavare-i-Capi-Delicati-in-Lavatrice) [Japanese](https://www.wikihow.jp/%E6%B4%97%E6%BF%AF%E3%81%A7%E3%83%87%E3%83%AA%E3%82%B1%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88%E3%81%AA%E8%A1%A3%E9%A1%9E%E3%82%92%E6%B4%97%E3%81%86) - [Print](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) - [Send fan mail to authors](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 194,729 times. ## Reader Success Stories - ![Yamma May](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b0/CommunityAvatar2.png/-crop-72-72-72px-CommunityAvatar2.png) Yamma May May 16, 2017 "Wanted to know if I can wash non-delicates with delicates." 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By continuing to use our site, you agree to our [cookie policy](https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHow:Cookie-Policy). ![Safir Ali](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9b/Safir_Ali.png/-crop-100-100-100px-Safir_Ali.png) Co-authored by: [Safir Ali](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Safir-Ali) Laundry Specialist Co-authors: 12 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 194,729 100% of readers found this article helpful. 5 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote ![Yamma May](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f2/CommunityAvatar3.png/-crop-72-72-72px-CommunityAvatar3.png) Yamma May May 16, 2017 "Wanted to know if I can wash non-delicates with delicates." 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Readable Markdown	[![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) [![PDF download](https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/wikihow/socialstamp/images/icon-pdf.svg) Download Article](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) - [Preparing Your Delicates](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#Preparing-Your-Delicates) - [Washing Your Delicates](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#Washing-Your-Delicates) - [Drying Your Delicates](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#Drying-Your-Delicates) - [Expert Q\&A](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#qa_headline) - [Tips](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#tips) - [Warnings](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#warnings) - [Things You'll Need](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#thingsyoullneed) Properly washing and caring for delicates can help your clothes last longer and save you the time of having to hand wash your laundry. By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can safely wash delicates using a washing machine. With just a little pre-sorting and the use of mesh bags, washing will be a breeze and you’ll never hesitate to wear and enjoy your delicates again\! 1. [![Step 1 Check the labels.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/1c/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-1-Version-3.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-1-Version-3.jpg) Before you get started, go through your delicates and read the care instructions. Most delicates will have tags that say "hand wash" or "hand wash only," which means strategic machine washing will still work, but "dry clean only" tags mean the washing machine for those delicates is a definite no-go. 2. [![Step 2 Sort delicates by type.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/87/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-2-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-2-Version-3.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-2-Version-3.jpg) Delicates are fragile and can easily snag, stretch, or lose their shape during washing.[\[1\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-1) To minimize this risk, sort your delicates by type. For example, lace should be washed with lace, cashmere with cashmere, silk with silk, and thin knits with thin knits. - Never combine a lace article with a sequined article, for instance, because the sequins might snag the lace. Advertisement 3. ![Step 3 Organize delicates by color.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b1/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-3-Version-3.jpg/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-3-Version-3.jpg.webp) ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https://www.wikihow.com/skins/WikiHow/images/WH_logo.svg) Just as you do with regular laundry, it is important to also separate delicates by color; wash whites with whites, darks with darks, and colors with colors to prevent bleeding. 4. ![Step 4 Keep delicates fastened.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/44/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-4-Version-3.jpg/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-4-Version-3.jpg.webp) ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https://www.wikihow.com/skins/WikiHow/images/WH_logo.svg) If your delicates have any clips, clasps, zippers, or buttons, be sure to do those up to reduce a chance of snagging or stretching. 5. ![Step 5 Pre-treat stains.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/12/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-5-Version-3.jpg/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-5-Version-3.jpg.webp) ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https://www.wikihow.com/skins/WikiHow/images/WH_logo.svg) Use a pre-wash stain spray or treatment to fight stains before you put your delicates in the washing machine. This will help reduce the amount of work your machine has to do, which reduces the amount of washing stress on your delicates. [\[2\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-2) [\[3\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-3) - Grass, dirt, oil-based, and most beverage stains can be pre-treated with dish soap, if you don't have stain spray.[\[4\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-4) - For stains on whites, you can use a bleach pen. - For blood or body-fluid stains, use cold tap water and light scrubbing as a pre-treatment, followed by a common hand sanitizer to disinfect the garment. 6. ![Step 6 Add small piles of sorted delicates in mesh bags.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7a/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-6-Version-3.jpg/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-6-Version-3.jpg.webp) ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https://www.wikihow.com/skins/WikiHow/images/WH_logo.svg) It’s important not to crowd your delicates. By putting only a few delicates (sorted by type and color) into each mesh bag, you decrease their chances of getting stretched, snagged, or losing their shape.[\[5\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-5) - It’s fine to put mesh bags with different types of delicates into the same washing load (the bags will keep them safe from each other), but make sure not to mix colors. - For a standard-sized washer, you can wash two to three mesh bags (filled with a few delicates each) at once. - If the load is unbalanced, add a few lightly soiled permanent press items, like T-shirts.[\[6\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-6) - Also be sure to turn your garments inside out.[\[7\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-7) 1. ![Step 1 Add detergent.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/ea/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-7-Version-3.jpg/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-7-Version-3.jpg.webp) ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https://www.wikihow.com/skins/WikiHow/images/WH_logo.svg) Although mild detergents – like Woolite – or cold-water detergent are designed for washing delicates, they are more expensive. Most regular detergents work just as well, so use what you have on hand. Just be mindful to use the correct detergent based on the colors you are washing. 2. ![Step 2 Select the "pre-soak" option on your washer using mild or cold water.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5f/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-8-Version-3.jpg/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-8-Version-3.jpg.webp) ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https://www.wikihow.com/skins/WikiHow/images/WH_logo.svg) Soaking your delicates before the actual wash is especially important for heavy stains. 3. ![Step 3 Set your washer on a gentle cycle.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/fb/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/550px-nowatermark-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-9-Version-2.jpg.webp) ![Watermark wikiHow to Wash Delicates in the Laundry](https://www.wikihow.com/skins/WikiHow/images/WH_logo.svg) To wash delicates, you want your washer to be on the shortest, most gentle wash and spin cycles. Most modern washers have a “hand wash” option, which is best for washing delicates. Be sure to use mild or cold water, as this will prevent bleeding and shrinking.[\[8\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-8) [\[9\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-9) 1. [![Step 1 Air dry your delicates.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/67/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-10-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-10-Version-2.jpg) Dryer heat can ruin your delicates because it can cause shrinkage, so it's best to air dry them. However, if your dryer has a “no heat” and/or “air fluff only” setting, you can toss the mesh bags in the dryer to dry halfway.[\[10\]](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_note-10) 2. [![Step 2 Re-shape delicates by hand half-way though the drying process.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/2e/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-11-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-11-Version-2.jpg) This is especially important for knits, cashmere, or other snuggly-fitting garments that have a specific shape to them. Water and detergent can temporarily warp these materials and cause them to dry in the shape they are in when taken from the wash if they aren't re-shaped by hand. 3. [![Step 3 Hang or lay delicates flat to finish air drying.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7d/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-12-Version-2.jpg)](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#/Image:Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry-Step-12-Version-2.jpg) Delicates dry best when they are hung over a line or laid flat to air-dry. This helps them keep their original shape intact. Once they are completely dry, it's safe to fold and store your delicates for future wear. Search [Add New Question]() - Question Can you put hand wash clothes in the washing machine on delicate? [![Safir Ali](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9b/Safir_Ali.png/-crop-200-200-200px-Safir_Ali.png)](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Safir-Ali) Safir Ali is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hamper Dry Cleaning and Laundry, a startup in Houston, Texas reinventing the laundry industry. With over six years of experience launching and operating Hamper, Safir specializes in innovative ways to simplify dry cleaning using the experience from his family's business. Safir holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Texas A\&M University. Hamper offers 24/7 on-demand dry cleaning and laundry through delivery and kiosk services. Hamper has been featured on the Houston Rockets, Station Houston, the Houston Business Journal, BBVA, Yahoo Finance, and Innovation Map. [![Safir Ali](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9b/Safir_Ali.png/-crop-200-200-200px-Safir_Ali.png)](https://www.wikihow.com/Author/Safir-Ali) Laundry Specialist Expert Answer You can. However, be sure to turn the garments inside out and use cold water. Afterwards, either air-dry your clothes or put them in the dryer on a no-heat or low-heat setting. - Question How do I wash a woman's shirt with tassels? ![Community Answer](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f5/CommunityAvatar4.png/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar4.png) Community Answer I would recommend putting the shirt in a garment bag and washing it on the gentle or hand wash cycle. If you have neither, you might be able to use the permanent press cycle on light. Probably best to hang or flat dry the shirt as well. - Question What are delicate clothes? ![Community Answer](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f2/CommunityAvatar3.png/-crop-104-104-104px-CommunityAvatar3.png) Community Answer Delicate clothes are any clothes you would be worried about getting ruined in a washer, where they are tumbling around and could possibly get ripped. They are usually more expensive and some say hand wash only or wash on delicate cycle. [See more answers](https://www.wikihow.com/Questions/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#offset=3) Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. [Submit]() Advertisement - Use the detergent sparingly since your delicates are being washed on a short, gentle cycle and suds will be harder to wash away. Thanks - Acrylic, cotton, lycra, microfibers, nylon, polyester, polyolefin, spandex, and triacetate (except for pleated types) are all 100% washable, but if you are ever in doubt, wash by hand or run a test article in the wash first, just to be safe. Thanks Thanks for submitting a tip for review\! Advertisement - Not all washing machines have a delicate cycle. Thanks - Be prepared to deal with stains, ripping or shrinkage. Thanks Advertisement ## Things You'll Need - mesh laundry bags - laundry stain spray or remover - laundry detergent ## References 1. [↑](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#_ref-10) Safir Ali. Professional Dry Cleaner. Expert Interview About This Article [Article SummaryX](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry#summary_wrapper) While most items can be washed on a regular setting, your delicates may require a bit of extra care. An easy way to protect your delicates in the wash is to place them in a mesh washing bag so they don’t get jostled around too much. Once they’re in the machine, add detergent as you normally would, then select the “pre-soak” option using mild or cold water. Cold water will protect your delicates more than warm or hot water. If your machine has a cycle option, choose delicates or hand wash. Dryers can shrink delicates, so it’s best to air dry them. Or, if your dryer has a no-heat option, you can use that instead. To learn how to treat stains in delicates, read on\! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 194,729 times. Reader Success Stories - ![Yamma May](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b0/CommunityAvatar2.png/-crop-72-72-72px-CommunityAvatar2.png) Yamma May May 16, 2017 "Wanted to know if I can wash non-delicates with delicates." ## Did this article help you? Get all the best how-tos\! Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter [Subscribe](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) You're all set\! [X](https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Delicates-in-the-Laundry) For over two decades, we’ve been on a mission: to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything. Our articles are human written and expert endorsed to ensure readers like you get reliable, current information. Before you get back to learning, we would be grateful if you could take a minute to support wikiHow. Any amount helps. Thank you. \- \- ![](https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&c2=8003466&cv=3.9.1&cj=1)
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