Washing clothes by hand usually uses less energy and water than a washing machine, and there is less chance of damage. This is a hands-on skill to know if you're traveling without finding a washing machine or if the power goes out.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Hand Washing Ordinary Clothes
Step 1. Consider buying or building an agitator
It's not difficult to wash clothes without tools, but it can be very tedious. If you want to hand wash clothes, especially towels, jeans, and other heavy items, you may want to use an agitator, a plastic tool that is used to press and move clothes. If you can't find one in the store, look online or make your own by cutting a few holes in a new rubber plunger.
Notes: You can use these methods regardless of whether you use an agitator or not.
Step 2. Separate colorless/white and colored garments (recommended)
Washing clothes by hand usually requires a lower temperature and less agitation than washing machines, so there's little risk of smudging. However, it can still happen, so it is advisable to separate white and light colored clothes from dark clothes.
Separate wool, cashmere, silk, lace, and other delicate fabrics from other garments. Wash delicate fabrics using the appropriate instructions in a separate load
Step 3. Put the clothes in a clean container
If you don't have a large sink or bucket, you can clean the sink or bathroom tub and put the clothes in, laying them out evenly. The fewer clothes you put in, the easier it is to wash them. If you have too many clothes to wash, have a clean bucket ready to store clean clothes that are still wet while you finish washing your load of clothes.
If you're only washing a few clothes, you may only need a large basin
Step 4. Remove heavy clothing stains with a stain remover or body wash
If there are stains on the clothes that have soaked into the fabric, such as mustard or ink stains, rub a small amount of stain remover product on the stained area, or use bath soap. Let the clothes sit for at least five minutes before washing.
Step 5. Fill the bucket with lukewarm water
Fill the water to a height of 2.5-5 cm above the height of the load of clothes. Don't use hot water, unless the clothes are heavy and really dirty. Warm water or water at room temperature is good for most clothes and reduces the chance of damage or fading.
If you're not sure what kind of clothes can be washed in warm water, play it safe and use cold water
Step 6. Add laundry soap
If you're using a bucket or sink, you'll only need a teaspoon or two of mild or powdered laundry soap. If you have enough clothes to wash in the bathtub, use 4 tablespoons of laundry soap or follow the instructions on the soap package.
If the laundry soap you use doesn't have a “mild” label or you have sensitive skin, wear rubber gloves to prevent rashes or itching
Step 7. Soak the clothes
Laundry soap takes time to work, so let the clothes sit in the tub for at least 20 minutes. If your clothes have a lot of dirt or stains on them, you will need to let them sit for up to an hour.
Step 8. Rub the clothes in the water
Using your hands or a simple agitator, gently stir the garment in the water. Press the garment into the bottom or sides of the container until the foam appears, but do not rub or wring it out, as the garment may stretch. Do this for two minutes or until the garment is clean.
Step 9. Rinse with fresh cold water several times
Drain the water in the container and fill it with cold water. Continue rubbing the garment in the same way, pressing it to remove the suds. After a few minutes, drain the water, and repeat the step one or two more times. If the soap suds are gone when the clothes are rubbed or pressed, the clothes are ready to dry.
If filling the water tank from the faucet, you can start rinsing the clothes before the water is full by holding the clothes under running water
Step 10. Squeeze and dry the clothes
Squeeze each garment to remove excess water, or place it in a hand-cranked wringer if you have one. If you're not using a clothes dryer, hang clothes on clotheslines, clotheslines, or the backs of chairs and sides of stairs in your home. Make sure the clothes fit evenly and don't overlap. If there are wet areas hidden by other clothes or piles of clothes, it will take longer to dry.
- Note that wet clothes will drip and may stain the wood or the finish if the clothes stick directly to them.
- In hot weather, clothes will dry within a few hours.
- If there is no sunlight, dry in a warm ventilated room.
Method 2 of 2: Washing and Drying Wool or Soft Clothes
Step 1. Fill the container with cold water
If you're only washing a few pieces of clothing, you'll only need enough water to soak them. You can use a sink or bucket, or clean the sink and plug it in. Some delicate fabrics can be damaged by warm water, so only use cold water unless the garment is seriously stained.
Alternatively, if you are washing several pieces of underwear or other small clothing, soak them in cold or lukewarm water
Step 2. If the water is hard, add a little borax or baking soda
Hard water leaves white mineral stains on pipes, sinks, and dishes when used frequently. If this is the case with the water you're using, fix the problem so it doesn't hit delicate clothing by stirring in a tablespoon of powdered borax. Baking soda is less effective, but it can also soften water.
Step 3. Add a small amount of mild soap
Mix a few drops of laundry soap or mild bath soap, stir until foam appears. If you're not sure whether your laundry soap is gentle or not, baby shampoo is a good choice, and regular shampoo is fine.
Step 4. Measure wool or cashmere clothing before washing
Clothing materials that can absorb large amounts of water, especially wool and cashmere, will change in size and shape when washed. This can be overcome by drying them in the correct position, but to do this, you need to know the correct size of the garment.
- Measure the width of the neck, shoulders and bottom of the sweater. Also measure the sleeve length of the sweater.
- Make a rough sketch with the size of a sweater or other garment that requires several measurements.
Step 5. Gently press each garment in the water
Some fabrics, such as silk or elastic, will last longer if you minimize the soaking time, so don't soak each item for a few more minutes unless there is visible dirt on the garment. Rub back and forth, press or squeeze gently.
Step 6. Rinse the clothes
Get the soapy water out by kneading the garment and pressing it gently. Soak the garment in clean, soap-free water, then wring it out again. Repeat until no foam is visible when you squeeze it.
Step 7. Learn how to dry wool or cashmere
Spread out a large white towel and arrange clothes on it. Follow the measurements you made before washing the clothes back to their original shape. Roll the towel over the clothes and then wring the towel to remove excess water. Place the towel on a water-friendly surface away from heat sources, unroll it, and allow the garment to dry on the towel.
- Colored towels can stain wet wool or cashmere clothing.
- After a few hours, if the clothes are not yet dry, turn them over or transfer them to a dry towel.
Step 8. Dry other soft fabrics on a clothesline or clothes rack
You can set the dryer to low or delicate, but the best way to preserve the durability of delicate fabrics is to dry them in the open. Place the clothes on a clothesline or a clothes rack in a sunny place or at least in a warm, ventilated room. Avoid direct exposure to heat sources such as using a hairdryer or heating surface as this can damage the clothes.
Tips
In addition to using powdered laundry soap, you can also use a bar of soap and rub it on wet clothes to remove dirt
Warning
- Bleach can cause skin irritation, and is not recommended for hand washing. If the clothes are very dirty and cannot be cleaned with regular laundry detergent, add of the recommended amount of bleach and wear rubber gloves when washing. Use bleach that is safe for colored clothes to prevent the clothes from fading.
- Do not use brushes or agitators for soft clothing.
- Do not dry clothes directly on a heater or heat source, as this may catch fire.
