How to Wash Delicates: A Step-By-Step Guide

Delicate clothing lives up to its name. A little too much agitation could be enough to alter its shape, and a bit of heat could cause it to shrink. Your washing machine likely has a “delicate” or “hand wash” cycle, which suggests that these sensitive fabrics can still be thrown into the washer.

However, gentler cycles can still alter delicates, and handwashing is often preferred to protect clothing’s integrity. Whether washing by hand or in a machine, here’s a step-by-step guide to washing your delicates.

What Counts as Delicate Clothing?

Delicate clothing refers to garments that can easily be damaged or destroyed by hot water or harsh cleaning agents. Common delicate clothing includes baby clothes, silk, wool, cashmere, bras, and sweaters.

How to Hand Wash Delicates Safely

1. Read the Label

Every piece of clothing comes with a care label stitched on the inside. Use this label as a guide to washing your delicates. If the label specifies “dry clean only,” send them to the dry cleaners. If the label suggests handwashing, follow our steps below.

2. Treat Stains

Treat stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting into your clothes. To do so, pat the excess stain to remove as much as possible, then sponge the area with cold water without scrubbing to avoid damaging the fabric.

Soak the garments in cold water for at least five minutes. Mix equal parts cold water and vinegar, and use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the affected area. Continue blotting the area until the stain disappears, and do your best to avoid spreading it. Avoid using a commercial stain remover on delicate clothing.

3. Prepare the Basin

Prepare the sink or tub you will be using to wash your delicates by cleaning it thoroughly. Sinks and tubs can have traces of dirt, grime, soap, and other remnants that can transfer onto your delicates and damage them. Cleaning your chosen basin can ensure your delicates stay intact during handwashing.

4. Fill the Basin

Fill the basin with cold water. Hot water can cause colors to bleed or certain fabrics to shrink. Ensure you fill the basin before adding your delicates, as the force of running water can stretch or damage your delicates.

5. Add Detergent

Add one tablespoon of gentle detergent to the water, or half a Freddie detergent sheet. Too much detergent means you will spend more time rinsing or risk leaving traces of detergent on your clothes. Swirl the water so the detergent dissolves.

Ideally, use a detergent free of harmful chemicals to help preserve your delicate fabrics and protect sensitive skin. Some chemicals used in traditional laundry detergents can break down the fibers in your sensitive clothing. Freddie detergent sheets are formulated without bleach, phosphates, brighteners, parabens, dyes, and 1,4-dioxane, making them a suitable option for those looking to reduce contact with certain ingredients

6. Add Delicates

Add your delicates to the basin, but be careful not to overfill it. Once your garments are submerged, gently swirl them around and let them soak for at least five minutes. Do not twist or scrub the fabric, as this can damage it.

7. Rinse Items

Drain the basin and lift your clothes to refill the basin with more cold water. Place the delicates back and gently swish them to rinse the excess detergent. Repeat this process until no more soap suds appear.

8. Dry Items

Once your items are fully rinsed, it’s time to air dry them. Lightweight items can be hung on a padded hanger as long as they are not stretched. Heavier items should be laid flat on a drying rack or a clean towel. Gently squeeze out the excess water, making sure never to wring them as you can damage their shape. Keep your delicates away from heat sources as they can cause your garments to shrink.

How to Wash Delicate Clothes in a Washing Machine

Washing delicate clothing by hand is always recommended, but that may not always be an option. Luckily, it’s possible to wash your delicates in a washer. It doesn’t guarantee delicates will come out unaffected, but it’s a viable option if you’re low on time.

1. Sort Items

Separate your delicates by fabric and color for best results. Mixing items of different fabrics or with embellishments can damage garments, and mixing whites with colors can cause your whites to fade or change color. Read the care labels stitched on your clothing to know what pieces can be grouped.

2. Pre-treat Stains

Apply a gentle stain remover to any stains. Doing so increases the chances of breaking down and removing the stain while washing.

3. Place Items in Laundry Bag

Turn your delicates inside out, ensuring that any zippers, buttons, or embellishments are secure. Place them in mesh laundry bags to protect them from other garments or the machine itself.

4. Add Detergent and Select Cycle

Use a gentle detergent and select the “Delicate” or “Hand Wash” cycle. In normal cycles, delicates can be stretched or snagged as they’re agitated. Gentler cycles mimic the motion of handwashing. Ensure you use cool or cold water, as hot water can shrink or damage delicate fabrics.

5. Place Items on Drying Rack

Remove your delicates immediately after they’re done washing and gently reshape them back into their original form if they’ve been deformed. Avoid using a dryer because high heat can shrink or damage your delicates. Air drying is best, but hanging your delicates can cause them to stretch. Instead, lay them flat on a drying rack or clean towel.

Delicate Garments Require Extra Care and Maintenance

Delicate clothing needs extra attention to ensure it lasts. Always follow the care labels on your clothing to use the best cleaning solution. Handwashing maximizes your garments’ integrity, but when that’s not an option, you can safely wash them in the washer.

Using too much detergent or one not suited for delicate fabrics may affect your garments over time. Consider a thoughtfully formulated laundry detergent that could protect your delicate clothing further. Freddie laundry detergent sheets are free of harmful chemicals such as phosphates, brighteners, parabens, dyes, and 1,4-dioxane. They’re pre-measured to prevent you from using too much and fully dissolve in cold water to be used on your delicates.