How to wash clothes by hand: basic tips for blackouts

Modern life is largely dependent on the availability of power. Thanks to electrical appliances that simplify everyday life, electricity has become an integral part of our daily existence.

However, with constant blackouts, Ukrainians are forced to learn to do without this convenience. That's why Good Housekeeping has shared the rules of hand washing to make you less dependent on household appliances.

Hand washing is a skill that can come in handy in any crisis situation. Even though this procedure may seem time-consuming and outdated, it has its advantages and allows you to keep your clothes clean and tidy even in the absence of electricity.

Moreover, hand washing is not only for delicate items. It is a great option for most types of clothes, especially if you don't have enough laundry to fill a full load of the washing machine.

General tips

Before you start washing, carefully examine the manufacturer's label and determine whether the fabric you are looking at is wool, silk, or other material. Then take your regular detergent or delicate fabrics detergent and start gently rubbing it into the stains, if any.

After that, fill the sink or basin with water that will be at the optimal temperature for your type of fabric. For example, wool, silk, and brightly colored clothes should be washed in cold water. Add the detergent to the liquid and wait until it is completely dissolved. Then gently place the clothes in the solution and start to wring them out gently.

Finally, rinse the clothes in clean water, squeeze out any excess moisture and hang them to dry. Delicate items, especially knitwear, should be laid horizontally to prevent them from deforming during drying.

Bras and delicate underwear

Experts recommend hand washing bras and some other delicate undergarments to keep them from losing their shape.

First, fill a sink or basin with warm water (unless the bra care label indicates a different temperature), and dissolve the detergent in it. Carefully place the laundry in the soapy water and let it soak for 15 minutes. Then gently rub the solution into all the nooks and crannies and rinse the clothes under clean water. Wring out delicate fabrics and bras carefully to avoid damaging them.

Sweaters

To determine the recommended water temperature, first check the sweater's care label. For most of these products, warm water and mild detergent are suitable.

Treat the stains, if any, with a stain remover, make a soapy solution, turn the sweater out and immerse it in the liquid for about 10 minutes. Then fill a sink or basin with cool, clean water and rinse the garment in it. Finally, gently squeeze as much water out of the sweater as possible, wrap it in a towel to absorb the remaining moisture, and air dry it.

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