Extremely gentle handling, or what the hand wash icon on the label means

Every time before washing a new item, we carefully study the recommendations on the label sewn on the reverse side.

Most items can be washed in a washing machine, subject to temperature conditions. But there are delicate fabrics that can only be washed by hand.

In today’s article, we’ll talk about such materials and how to properly wash clothes that have a hand wash icon on the label, by hand, so that they can last as long as possible.

How is it designated and what does it mean?

The “Hand Wash” sign on a label sewn into clothing looks like this: a hand completely immersed in a container of water.

When removing dirt, do not rub the product.. Wring out carefully, without twisting the item, so as not to deform the structure of the fabric fibers.

Can clothes with this mark be washed in a washing machine?

Of course, it is your right which method to choose - manual or automatic. The manufacturer warned you by indicating recommendations on the label. But if you still decide to take a chance and wash your clothes in the machine, then be prepared for a disappointing outcome.

Machine washable delicate fabrics may lead to the following unpleasant surprises:

1. The item may stretch unsightly and lose its shape.The tissue structure will be damaged, and this may occur unevenly in places. It will no longer be possible to restore the product to its original appearance.
2. The product will “sit down”. It may be possible to stretch it and the clothes will once again fit you, but they will already lose their original appearance.
3. The material may tear. And torn fragments of fabric and thread can cause damage to the washing machine.
4. Woolen clothing may become coated with pills. You can get rid of them, but the product will still look shabby.

Instructions for manually decontaminating items

To make manual removal of contaminants as effective as possible, follow the following instructions:

• select washing powder or other detergent based on the type of fabric;
• dissolve the detergent in a bowl of water, choose the dosage according to the instructions on the package, the water temperature should not exceed 40 degrees Celsius;
• completely immerse the product in a basin of water, rub a little;
• leave the clothes to soak in the detergent, but no more than 5-6 hours;
• After the soaking time has expired, rub the item, paying special attention to heavily soiled areas;
• place the item in a bowl of clean water and rinse thoroughly;
• wring out the item, avoiding strong twists;
• hang the clothes to dry; if the item is made of wool or other stretchy fabric, then to dry it must be laid out on a flat surface so that it does not stretch.

Adviсe

Here are some more tips to help It is as safe as possible to wash things by hand:

1. The thinner the fabric, the lower the water temperature should be.
2. For hand washing delicate items, it is better to use washing gels. Powder particles can damage delicate fabric.
3. To maintain the brightness of the product, you need to dissolve a little vinegar in water.
4. The longer dirty clothes sit in the laundry basket, the more difficult it will be to wash them.
5. Wool, cashmere and fabrics with decor should be washed inside out.

Conclusion

At first glance, hand washing seems like a complicated way to get rid of dirt. But, knowing the basic rules and following the recommendations, you can easily cope with it. And your things will look as if they came straight from the store and will delight you for a long time!