Hand Washing

[Blossie]

I have an expensive silk skirt that now needs washing, and it states on the label - handwash! Why did I not look and think before buying the skirt!!

Anyway, does anyone have a handwash facility on their washing machine? My AEG washer seems to have this cycle, but it still takes circa 45 minutes!

I'm very scared of using a handwash cycle using the machine - what symbol etc. should I be using as there are three that seem to come under this section on the washer!

Or do I handwash? If so, what is the best way to do this?

All answers are greatly appreciated - as I need this skirt clean for Christmas Day.

Blossie

[stanleyman]

Err how can you hand wash in a machine? Does it say handwash in a machine? It wouldn't be a handwash now would it, it would be a machine wash? They could have meant boil wash do you think?

Traditionally you need a river with some convenient boulders to pummel your wet clothes on.

I'm no expert but I would put it in a bowl of warm water with some mild handwash detergent and gently squeaze the water through it for five minutes then drain and rinse a couple of times. It takes a man to sort these things out!

[brachiopod]

Why shouldn't your 'hand-wash' cycle take 45 mins? It says 'hand wash' not 'quick wash', so the drum rotates slowly and gently to mimic the action of a hand-wash.

If you are really hand washing, use a gentle fabric detergent (eg original fairy) and make sure you add the detergent to the water and ensure it is mixed / dissolved before you add your garment !!

[Liza B]

yes you can put it in your machine on handwash cycle, it should have a very low temp on it, use the lowest temp and lowest spin cycle. I know mine does, sod handwashing if your machine has a cycle that's what it is for, the temp on mine is 25 and it takes 55 mins. I used to work in the laundry of a nursing home and we put all handwashed items in, they all came out fine. good luck and enjoy your Christmas.

[Robinia]

lol stanleyman!

Yes totally agree with the handwashing meaning handwashing not machine. In my experience the rinsing all seems to be the same anyway.

Lukewarm water for washing & I'd also take the chill off the rinse water & hang it up to drip quickly - less creasing that way. Whatever you do don't wring it out - you'll never get rid of the creases.

(While you were typing & reading this you could have done it!)

[Robinia]

apologies if my last comment seemed sarcastic. I should have said it will only take you the same to handwash it as type & read this thread.

In fact, throw it over & I'll do for you!! Just done a load of handwashing.

[WendyS]

If a label said "Handwash" I think I probably wouldn't risk a handwash option in a washing machine just in case the fabric is too fragile to stand up to all the whirling about.

I would disolve some washing machine liquid in warm water until totally dissoved, fold up the garment and soak it very gently, swishing the water around. Rinse thoroughly in tepid water without squashing the material . If the material is a little clingy, add a tiny amount of Comfort to the rinse. Drip dry over a bath or somewhere indoors unless the weather is kind. I wash my husband's silk ties in this manner and despite a Dry Clean only label, they always come up OK.

[spudqueen]

My brand new Miele washing machine has three handwashing cycles, wool 40 degrees, wool 30 degrees and a silk handwashing cycle. I have used the wool ones but not yet used the silk cycle, but if I did I would trust it to do the job. If you do decide to handwash it make sure you buy some handwashing powder (dreft or something and make sure it doesn't say it's not to be used for silk).

[spudqueen]

Don't forget when handwashing to give it enough rinses to get rid of all soap powder. At least 3.

[Blossie]

Wow - thank you for all your replies.

I've decided to handwash the skirt myself.

Thank you.

Blossie

[Plocket]

I have a handwashing option on my machine which I use regularly but if you are unsure about puting a special item into the machine then do it by hand! My handwash cycle takes 55 minutes and rinses very well.

If you are still going to handwash then make sure you rinse thoroughly in warm water - not hot!

Has your machine got to option to use the handwash, but only the rinse? I sometimes use that - wash by hand and rinse in the machine!

[gpb]

I would definitely wash by hand and agree with spudqueen to use something like dreft - check that whatever you use doesn't exclude silk. I have handwashed silk before, lukewarm water, gently squeeze out without wringing and try to dry without creasing. good luck!

[Mistopheles]

I just bung all my handwash silk stuff on a cool wash in the machine. They always come out okay.

(Um... except for that big hole that time...)

[Hgrove]

I pour something like Woolite into a bowl of lukewarm water, soak for an hour or so, then gently rub, then rinse in my washing machine with drain only, no spin.

[Coobeastie]

I've always been under the impression that most of the hand wash/dry clean only labels relate to cost saving at the manufacturers (they don't have to test the durability of their clothes under different types of washing conditions).

If the items has beads etc can help to put it inside something like a pillow case for added protection within the machine.

[pingu748]

only just seen this thread ... but do NOT use anything apart from handwash or specific wool/silk detergent ... (if the garment is still ok!) ... these do not contain enzymes and it is the enzymes that will ruin any natural fibre ... along with excess heat & agitation ...