Amazed by how many folks do not know the art of hand washing garments, I decided to photograph the process this morning and share with my followers. This home-keeping is really simple, good for you, and the environment. Dry cleaning, in most cases, leaves residual odors and chemicals, as the process is petroleum-based and utilizes toxic gas.
What you will need to wash garments at home:
A washing pan that is at least 8DX12WX15L (I found mine at Big Lots)
A quality washing liquid designed for hand washing (I use Woolite)
A deep sink
A plush terry towel
A drying rack (I bought mine years ago at Bed, Bath, & Beyond)
Cold water
Guidelines:
Begin by filling your washing pan with cold water while adding 1T of washing liquid (using a washing pan instead of the sink saves water)
Add your garment and completely submerse
Soak for at least ten minutes, then return and slosh, massage your garment while still in water
Pour off soaking water and squeeze the water out of the garment
Fill washing pan again to cover garment with clean, cold water, slosh, squeeze
Repeat this process until water runs clear
Squeeze out most of the water in your garment then place on terry towel which is spread on a water safe table top
Roll the garment up in the towel and then press (kindly do not twist) the rolled towel to remove most the water
Unroll and shape garment on the drying rack and leave to rest until completely dry
Touch up with a low steam iron if necessary
Since a teen, I wash all my sweaters this way and any other delicate natural fiber article that needs cleaning—silk, leather and wool gloves, hats, unlined dresses, blouses, and scarves. Many clothes labeled ‘Dry Clean Only’ can be hand washed at home. Wool jackets and pants should be dry-cleaned, yet any unstructured garment of cotton, silk, linen, or wool can be cared for at home.
Even those handy lens wipes given to us by our opticians benefit from a slosh in cool, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and hang to dry.
Garment soaking in cold water bath
Place wet garment on terry towel on water proof surface
Roll garment in towel
Garment rolled and pressed in terry towel
Clean sweater shaped and drying naturally on frame
THOUGHTS ON MOTHBALLS AND MOTH CRYSTALS
- These items are pesticides and can be harmful to humans, unborn children, and pets. I have never used these products and do not have a moth problem. However, I do use dried lavender or southernwood in my blanket box and bureau.
When your garment is dry, I promise you will love the sweet, fresh scent of this naturally cleaned garment. This is also a good time to check for any loose buttons or seams that need mending. Enjoy and let me know if you have questions.
Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
Thanks for the walk-through! My favorite pink sweater recently acquired a couple smudges of peanut butter from the hands of one of my nieces. Now I will be able to clean it without worrying about the washer beating it out of shape.
My mom taught me this method too and I still hand wash all my sweaters! Besides being good for the environment it is good for my soul as I always connect with her when I see that towel all rolled up.
After reading this post, it seems I fall into the shameful category of those who do not know how to hand wash their clothes! (eeek!) What a fabulous tip to roll the garment in a towel instead of wringing it dry by twisting. Thank you for this wonderful post!! I hope you have more of these great housekeeping tips for us. I absolutely LOVE the fact that you favour natural products over harsh chemicals. Your friend, the sometimes clueless housewife
Sharon
My grandmother taught me to wash sweaters in the same way one Saturday afternoon when I was probably up to mischief. She made it so much fun that I’ve never dreaded the chore. Thanks for writing about this!
Thanks for sharing a fine tradition!
exactly how my mother taught me..thanks for the memory..