It's generally not recommended to put clothes labeled as "hand-wash only" in the washing machine and dryer, as doing so may damage the garments. Hand-wash only clothes are often made from delicate fabrics that require gentle care and minimal agitation during cleaning. Machine washing and drying can subject these fabrics to harsh conditions that may lead to shrinkage, deformation, color fading, or even tearing.
Instead, it's best to follow the hand-washing instructions provided on the care label. Here's how you can hand wash these delicate clothes:
Check the care label: Always read the care label on the garment to understand the specific hand-washing instructions and any other important care details.
Fill a basin or sink: Fill a clean basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle detergent formulated for delicate fabrics.
Submerge the garment: Place the hand-wash only clothes in the water and gently agitate the water to ensure the detergent is evenly distributed. Avoid excessive rubbing or wringing.
Hand wash: Gently work the fabric with your hands, paying extra attention to any stained or soiled areas. Let the garment soak for a short time if necessary.
Rinse: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean water. Rinse the garment thoroughly to remove all traces of detergent.
Press out excess water: Avoid wringing the garment, as this can damage delicate fabrics. Instead, press the water out gently by pressing the garment between clean towels.
Air dry: Lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel and reshape it to its original form. Allow it to air dry away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
If you don't have time for hand-washing or if the garment is particularly delicate, you can also consider using a mesh laundry bag designed for delicates and washing the item on the delicate or hand wash cycle in the washing machine. However, keep in mind that this method is still more aggressive than true hand-washing and may not be suitable for all hand-wash only clothes.
To be safe and preserve the quality of your delicate clothing, it's always best to hand wash them as recommended by the care label. This way, you can extend the life of your favorite pieces and keep them looking their best.