You can safely wash many "hand wash only" items in a washing machine by taking specific precautions to protect the delicate fabric.
While hand washing is often recommended to preserve fragile garments, using your washing machine's gentle cycle with the right settings and accessories can be a convenient alternative. The key is to mimic the care of hand washing as closely as possible within the machine environment.
Steps for Machine Washing "Hand Wash Only" Items
Based on recommendations for caring for delicate garments, here are the steps to follow when machine-washing items typically labeled "hand wash only":
- Protect the Garment: Place the item inside a laundry bag. This provides a protective barrier, preventing snagging or stretching during the wash cycle.
- Choose the Right Detergent: Opt for a gentle detergent, such as one specifically designed for wool or delicates. Harsh detergents can damage fibers over time.
- Set the Water Temperature: Select a lukewarm or cool water temperature. Hot water can cause shrinking, fading, or damage to delicate materials like wool, silk, or lace.
- Select the Gentle Cycle: Always use your washing machine's gentle cycle (sometimes labeled "delicates"). This cycle uses slower agitation and spin speeds, reducing stress on the fabric.
- Wash Separately: Avoid washing these items with clothing that has rough textures, zippers, hooks, or other embellishments that could potentially snag or tear the delicate fabric. Wash them with similar gentle items or ideally, by themselves or with just one or two other delicate pieces in a bag.
By following these steps, you can often machine wash items labeled for hand wash, saving time while still providing adequate care for your garments. Remember to always check the specific care label on the garment itself for any additional instructions or warnings.
Quick Guide: Machine Wash Delicates
Here's a summary of the key points:
| Action | Setting/Item | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Contain Garment | Laundry Bag | Protects from snags/stretching |
| Choose Detergent | Gentle (e.g., Wool) | Avoids fiber damage |
| Set Temperature | Cool or Lukewarm | Prevents shrinking/fading |
| Select Cycle | Gentle/Delicates | Low agitation, slow spin |
| Load Machine | Separate items | Avoids damage from zippers |
Reference: Which laundry rules do you actually need to follow?
