How to hand wash delicates
Hand wash delicates in a clean sink of cool or lukewarm water with a small amount of gentle detergent: swish them, soak for five to ten minutes, and rinse until the water runs clear. Never wring or twist. Press the water out, roll the item in a towel to absorb more, then dry it flat or on a padded hanger away from heat and direct sun.
Why it matters: Hand washing extends the life of the pieces that cost the most.
Steps
- Check the label and test dark or bright colors for bleeding on a hidden spot.
- Fill a clean sink or basin with cool or lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent.
- Submerge the item, swish gently and soak for five to ten minutes.
- Drain, then rinse in fresh cool water until no suds remain.
- Press the water out with your hands; do not wring or twist.
- Roll the item in a clean towel and press to absorb more water.
- Dry bras hanging by the center, and knits flat on a towel, reshaped, away from heat.
Common mistakes
- Wringing silk or knits, which stretches them.
- Using too much detergent, which is hard to rinse out.
- Drying on a radiator or in the sun.
Teach this to someone
A one page sheet for showing a friend, a teenager or a parent: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.
Teach: How to hand wash delicates
What to say
Hand wash delicates in a clean sink of cool or lukewarm water with a small amount of gentle detergent: swish them, soak for five to ten minutes, and rinse until the water runs clear. Never wring or twist. Press the water out, roll the item in a towel to absorb more, then dry it flat or on a padded hanger away from heat and direct sun.
What to show
- Check the label and test dark or bright colors for bleeding on a hidden spot.
- Fill a clean sink or basin with cool or lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent.
- Submerge the item, swish gently and soak for five to ten minutes.
- Drain, then rinse in fresh cool water until no suds remain.
- Press the water out with your hands; do not wring or twist.
- Roll the item in a clean towel and press to absorb more water.
- Dry bras hanging by the center, and knits flat on a towel, reshaped, away from heat.
Check question
How do you remove water from a delicate?
Answer: Press it out and roll it in a towel. Pressing and towel rolling avoid stretching.
Your checklist
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Quick quiz
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Related skills
Sources
- US federal care labeling rule and the standard care symbol system, 2026. Reviewed September 28, 2026.
Written in our own words from the sources above. It is general information, not advice for your situation; where a professional, your doctor or your lease says something different, follow them.
Last reviewed . First published .