Hand washing clothes

What It Means

Hand washing clothes means cleaning them in a basin, sink or tub of water instead of a washing machine. It's the usual choice when a care label says "Hand wash", and for delicate knits such as wool sweaters. The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) and The Woolmark Company both describe the same gentle approach: lukewarm water, a mild detergent, slow swishing with no rubbing or wringing, and drying flat.

How It Sounds at Home

• "That sweater's hand wash only, don't put it in the machine."
• "I'll just rinse these out in the sink."
• "Lay it flat on a towel so it doesn't stretch."

The Breakdown

How often common items need a wash, per ACI

The gentle method, per ACI and Woolmark

1. Fill a clean basin with lukewarm water, which Woolmark puts at about 30°C (86°F), and add a mild detergent.
2. Put the garment in and swish it gently for three to five minutes. Don't rub or wring it.
3. Drain and rinse well in clean water.
4. Roll the garment in a towel and press gently to take out the extra water.
5. Lay it flat to dry, which is how ACI says hand-wash-only sweaters should dry.

Between washes. Treat the wear counts as a guide. An item that's stained or smells needs washing sooner, whatever the count says.

Good to Know

Pick the detergent carefully. Woolmark advises against heavy-duty detergents, enzyme ("bio") detergents and anything containing bleachChlorine bleachHousehold bleach made with sodium hypochlorite that whitens, removes stains and disinfects, but can fade colors and damage some fibers. See more on wool. Under the FTC's Care Labeling Rule, a label reading "Hand wash" is the maker's instruction for that item, and drying instructions such as "Dry flat" or "Line dryLine dryingDrying laundry by hanging it on a clothesline, rack or bar to air dry, indoors or outdoors, instead of using a tumble dryer. See more" tell you how it should dry afterward.

Related Terms and Categories

• Laundry sorting

  Dividing dirty laundry into loads that can be washed together safely, by color, how dirty it is, lint and the care each fabric needs.

• Line drying

  Drying laundry by hanging it on a clothesline, rack or bar to air dry, indoors or outdoors, instead of using a tumble dryer.

• Enzyme cleaner

  A cleaner or detergent that uses enzymes to break down stains: protease for protein, amylase for starch and lipase for fats and oils.

• High-efficiency detergent

  Laundry detergent made to clean with low suds in the small amount of water a high-efficiency (HE) washer uses, marked "HE" on the package.

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