Cleaning washcloths by hand involves soaking, applying soap, scrubbing effectively using a specific technique, rinsing thoroughly, and drying properly.
Handwashing is a gentle yet effective way to clean washcloths, especially delicate or small items, requiring just a few basic supplies and steps.
Supplies You'll Need
To handwash washcloths, gather these simple items:
- A clean basin, sink, or tub
- Lukewarm or warm water
- Mild laundry detergent or soap
- Optional: Stain remover
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Basin/Sink | Holds water and washcloths |
| Water (Lukewarm/Warm) | For soaking and washing |
| Mild Detergent/Soap | Cleans and removes soil |
| Stain Remover | Treats stubborn spots (Opt.) |
Step-by-Step Handwashing Guide
Follow these steps for clean, fresh washcloths:
1. Prepare the Water
Fill your basin, sink, or tub with enough lukewarm or warm water to fully submerge the washcloths. Add a small amount of mild laundry detergent or soap to the water and agitate it slightly to create suds.
2. Soak the Washcloths
Place the dirty washcloths into the soapy water. Push them down to ensure they are fully saturated. Let them soak for a few minutes to loosen dirt and grime. For heavily soiled cloths, a longer soak might be beneficial.
3. Scrub and Clean
This is the core cleaning step. Take one washcloth at a time and begin the scrubbing process.
- Dip as Needed: As you scrub, dip the cloth back into the soapy water as needed to keep it wet and help the soap work effectively.
- Wash the Edges First: Start cleaning by focusing on the edges of the washcloth. Rub the fabric against itself or against the bottom/sides of the basin.
- Work Towards the Middle: After washing the edges, work your way towards the middle of the cloth, continuing to rub and agitate the fabric.
- Continue Scrubbing: Continue to scrub it clean, ensuring you cover the entire surface, paying attention to any stained or particularly dirty areas.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
Drain the soapy water from the basin. Refill it with clean, cool water. Submerge the washcloths and agitate them to rinse away the soap. Repeat this rinsing process with fresh water until no more suds appear and the water runs clear. Squeeze out excess water after the final rinse.
5. Dry the Washcloths
Gently squeeze out as much water as possible from each washcloth without wringing them harshly, which can damage fibers.
- Air Dry: The best method is to air dry. Hang the washcloths on a clothesline, drying rack, or even draped over the side of the basin in a well-ventilated area.
- Towel Dry (Partial): You can roll the washcloths in a clean, dry towel and press to absorb more moisture before air drying.
Ensure washcloths are completely dry before storing them to prevent mildew.
Handwashing Tips
- Water Temperature: While warm water helps loosen dirt, be mindful of the fabric type. For most cotton washcloths, warm water is fine, but cooler water is better for delicate fibers.
- Soap Choice: Use a mild detergent or a soap specifically designed for handwashing to avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the fabric or irritate skin.
- Stain Treatment: For specific stains, pretreat them by applying a small amount of detergent directly to the stain before soaking or scrubbing.
- Gentle Handling: Avoid excessive wringing or twisting, which can stretch and damage the washcloth fibers over time.
By following these steps, including the specific scrubbing technique focusing on edges first and working inward while re-dipping in soapy water as needed, you can effectively clean your washcloths by hand.
