How to Properly Hand-Wash Clothes in Your Sink

Hand-washing isn't reserved for delicates only, it's an excellent option for most types of clothing, especially if you don't have enough laundry for a full load. Whether you're going to be hand-washing a bra, underwear or a sweater, always check your garment's care instructions before getting started.

Hand-washing clothes properly is key to maintaining their good condition and preventing permanent damage. The care and fabric tag will tell you what temperature and laundry products are suitable to use — and whether hand-washing is even an option! If you notice the label says "dry clean only," do not attempt to hand-wash the garment. While a tag that only says "dry clean" means it may be ok to hand-wash, stay on the safe side and do a quick test first. Place a small drop of water on a hidden spot, then blot it with a paper towel and if the color does not transfer and a water spot doesn't form, then hand-washing may be safe. However, note that you still run the risk of shrinkage or trim and lining damage.

For guidance on how to hand-wash clothes in your sink at home, Carolyn Forté, the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, shares a foolproof step-by-step method for everything from silk to wool and cotton.

How to Hand-Wash Clothes

Washing your clothes by hand is a gentle cleaning method that allows for an extreme level of care from start to finish. To save time, wash like items together, whether it's garments of the same color or fabric type. Follow this step-by-step guide for most garments and keep reading for specific instructions to wash bras, underwear and sweaters by hand.

1.Check the care label to confirm the fabric type, whether it's wool, silk or another material. Then, choose the best laundry detergent possible. A typical liquid or powder detergent should get the job done. Keep in mind that more delicate fabrics may require more gentle options — think free and gentle detergent, fine fabric detergent or mild dish liquid.

stills from how to hand wash clothes taken from video shot by the ghk video team, blue tile background, blue t shirt, stains, laundry, cleaning, clothes

2. Take time to treat any stains. Start by gently working laundry stain remover or liquid detergent into the stain with your fingertips. Make sure you avoid scrubbing the area.

3. Fill the sink with water — lukewarm or warm, depending on your garment's care labels. (FYI: Wool, silk and bright colors clean best in cold water.) As the water is running, add the recommended dose of detergent. Swish the detergent in the water to make sure it's completely dissolved, then lay your garment in the water and gently press it down to fully immerse it. While it's soaking, gently squeeze the sudsy water through the garment several times. The water may change color, but it may be excess dye, which shouldn’t result in color loss.

4. Rinse thoroughly. If you have a sprayer on your faucet, place any lightweight garments such as sheer tights or swimsuits in a colander and rinse clean. Otherwise, fill the sink with cool, clear water, immerse the garment and squeeze the water through to rinse. Repeat as needed.

5. Remove excess water. Since wringing out wet, delicate fabrics may cause damage, carefully lift the garment with both hands and gently squeeze out as much water as possible. Then, lay it flat on an absorbent towel, and roll the towel and garment together until the water is absorbed. Be sure to treat the garment gently still.

stills from how to hand wash clothes taken from video shot by the ghk video team, blue tile background, blue t shirt, stains, laundry, cleaning, clothes

6. Lay items to dry. To prevent delicates, especially knits, from stretching out of shape, lay them flat to dry. For extra care (and to speed up the drying process), lay sweaters or swimsuits on top of a dry towel and let them air dry. Once the front is dry, flip it over.

How to Hand-Wash Bras and Delicate Lingerie

If you've ruined one too many bras by throwing them in the washing machine, take the advice of lingerie brands and designers who recommend hand-washing your bra for best results. It helps the undergarment keep its shape and fit, and it's surprisingly easy to do.

1. Fill sink with lukewarm water, unless a bra's care tag specifies a different water temperature. As the water is running, add a gentle detergent. Make sure the detergent is completely dissolved before adding undergarments.
2. Carefully place the bra in the soapy water; let it soak for 15 minutes. Gently work the sudsy solution into all the nooks and crannies of the bra.
3. Rinse thoroughly. If you have a sprayer on your faucet, place the bra in a colander and rinse clean. Otherwise, fill the sink with fresh cool water, immerse the bra and gently squeeze the water through to rinse.
4. Gently squeeze, reshape and dry flat. To get rid of any excess water, gently squeeze out water from the straps and back or pat it (including the cups) with a towel. Then reshape and dry flat.

How to Hand-Wash Underwear

person washing beige underwear by hand

Whether made of silk or lace, there are some underwear styles that should be hand-washed. Follow the steps below the next time you need to wash delicate underwear.

1. Fill sink with warm water, unless your underwear's care tag specifies a different water temperature. As the water is running, add a gentle detergent. Make sure the detergent is completely dissolved before adding undergarments.
2. Soak underwear for up to 30 minutes. You can wash multiple pairs as long as they're the same color and fiber type. Swish the detergent in the water periodically.
3. Rinse with lukewarm water. If you have a sprayer on your faucet, place the underwear in a colander and rinse clean. Otherwise, fill the sink with water, immerse the underwear and squeeze the water through to rinse.
4. Gently squeeze, reshape and dry. Remove excess water by gently squeezing the underwear. Then blot with a towel, reshape the underwear and either hang or lay it flat to dry.

How to Hand-Wash Sweaters

Chances are there's a sweater in your closet you never reach for because each wear requires a subsequent trip to the dry cleaner. Here's the good news: you may actually be able to hand-wash it at home. Don't forget to check the care tag first — if it says "dry clean", it may be safe to hand-wash, however if it's marked as "dry clean only", don't risk ruining the garment.

1. Check the sweater's tags. Review the sweater's care and fiber tags to determine the recommended water temperature. For most sweaters, lukewarm water and a gentle detergent or mild dish liquid should work. Fill your sink with water and, as the water is running, add the detergent and make sure it is completely dissolved.
2. Treat stains. Treat stains with laundry stain remover or liquid detergent. Work the stain remover into the stain with your fingertips (avoid scrubbing!).
3. Flip the sweater inside-out. Then immerse the sweater in the water and squeeze the suds through the sweater several times as it’s soaking. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly. Fill the sink with cool, clear water, immerse the sweater and squeeze the water through to rinse.
5. Gently squeeze out as much water as possible from the sweater. Then, lay it flat on an absorbent towel, and gently roll the towel and garment together until the water is absorbed.
6. Allow the sweater to air dry. Lay the sweater on top of a dry towel, and let it air dry. Once the front is dry, flip it over.