Sometimes, washing your clothes by hand instead of in a washing machine is the best option. Even while hand washing is usually only done with delicate goods (such as bras and panties), it works well for other sorts of clothes, particularly if you don't have a big enough load to justify going to the laundromat.
Check the care and fibre labels on your clothing for recommended water temperatures and further washing instructions before going to the sink, as these may vary whether you're washing seamless bras, for example, or some other types of undergarments. Do not hand wash if the label specifies that dry cleaning only.
It could be okay to wash in the sink if it merely says to dry clean. Test your clothing by putting a drop of water in a concealed area and wiping it with a paper towel to be safe.
The item might be okay for hand washing if no colour comes out and there isn't a wet stain left behind. However, be mindful that you are taking a risk if you disregard the care label: Other factors, such as trimmings, linings, or fabric shrinkage, might render handwashing dangerous when the care label directs dry cleaning. It's not only about a fabric's colourfastness or water spots.
Take a lesson from a specialist on the best method to hand-wash clothing, whether you're confronting a wine stain or just need to freshen up a shirt before its next use.
Whether you're dealing with wool, silk, or cotton, the same step-by-step procedure applies, even though the care recommendations may change from one garment item to the next.
Read Also: How Often Should You Buy New Underwear? Answered
THE STEPS FOR EASILY HAND WASHING UNDERWEAR IN THE SINK
The bathroom sink is adjacent to a stack of WAMA underwear, a package of detergent, and a candle.
Yes, washing lingerie by hand is a really simple and environmentally friendly alternative to using a washing machine.
I'll give you a very simple tutorial on how to wash your underwear by hand in the sink, which will help them last longer and make you feel much better about your environmental effect.
1. PICK UP A SINK
Select a plug-in sink (often a laundry or bathroom sink) and quickly wash it. In no way should you wash your underwear in a filthy sink!
2. PICK A NATURAL WASHING DETERGENT
A natural, environmentally friendly laundry detergent is the way to go since we're trying to be nicer to the world and your undies! These days, it's quite simple to locate since even the big names are producing a greener version.
Still, I prefer environmentally friendly products like hemp soap because of how much more environmentally friendly the packaging is.
3. COLLECT AND VERIFY LABELS
Inside a pair of hemp underwear, a close-up of the care label.
Get that soiled underwear now! It always works better to wash related colours together. Additionally, carefully check the labels to ensure that they don't state "dry clean only"!
If you're unsure, you may do a simple test at home by dabbing a drop of water on the underwear's fabric. You should be good to go to wash some underwear at home if the colour doesn't bleed or if there isn't a wet stain.
4. FIX THE DRAIN, ADD WATER, AND DETERGENT
Plug your spotless sink and add several teaspoons of detergent to 1lukewarm water. Here, lukewarm water is essential since hot water might harm your delicates.
Additionally, lukewarm is more energy-efficient, which is exactly the objective! I've found that using 2-3 teaspoons of detergent works best, but you can always tweak it.
5. SCRUB, SWIRL, AND SOAK FOR LESS THAN AN HOUR
A candle and orchid are on the counter, and many pairs of black WAMA underwear are sitting in a sink that is filled with soap and water.
Then flip them inside out and aggressively swirl them around in the sink with the rest of your underwear. After giving the gusset a little additional (gentle) cleaning, soak it for no more than an hour.
The length of time varies depending on the school of thought, but in general, I think 20 to 30 minutes is a very reasonable bet.
If stains are a concern, you may need to soak the clothes for a little while longer or treat the spots before washing.
Naturally, occurring stain removers are available, but here's a pro tip: if you're wondering how to remove blood from underwear, try the spit technique.
You heard me correctly, yes! Spit on the stain, give it a little scrape, and then let it rest since salivary enzymes help break up the proteins in the blood.
While your underwear is soaking in the sink, you may add some white vinegar if you're concerned about soap residue. Just extra-rinse to get rid of any leftover 2Eau du vinegar.
6. RINSE WITH COLD WATER AND DRAIN
When you are certain that your underwear is thoroughly clean, disconnect the sink and rinse each pair while the water drains in cold water. If necessary, repeat. Gently squeeze out any extra moisture, taking care not to wring out your underwear, which might harm them.
7. HANG TO DRY
In a bricked-in, grassy area, many sets of black underwear and bras from WAMA are hung on a clothesline.
Dryer? never knew she existed.
There are several choices depending on your living situation for air drying your clothing, which is much more environmentally friendly.
An antique clothesline might be used if your garden is large. A drying rack is ideal if you're still living in an apartment or wish to keep your underwear hidden.
8. WEAR IT AGAIN
When dry, put on and repeat as necessary! Oh, and after each usage, wash your underwear by hand. It's not good for you to reuse underwear, no matter how much you want to preserve the environment. Furthermore, isn't that sort bit gross?
WHY HAND WASH UNDERWEAR?
I get that you're busy, and the thought of having to hand-wash underwear just seems like another hassle. Indeed, washing machines were created for a purpose.
Unfortunately, washing machines and dryers aren't always the most environmentally friendly method of cleaning garments.
You know, did you know that washing machines consume a lot of electricity and pollute a lot of water? About 41 gallons of water are used by the typical washing machine for each load.
Additionally, every time you wash your garments, microplastics are released into the water. Per a load of washing, it's possible for between a few thousand and twelve million fibres (microplastics) to escape. OUCH.
Additionally, hand-washing underwear tends to extend its lifespan, which is kind of the goal of purchasing sustainable underwear, eh? Your delicates may experience damage from such washers and dryers.
However, don't panic; I'm not requesting that you go get a flat rock and go to the river. All you need is a sink, detergent, and water! And after you truly figure out how to hand wash underwear, it will go even quicker!
I'm not kidding, it's simple and not all that different from tossing it in the washer! Plus, it's much friendlier to the environment and your clothing.
Read Also: How To Get Period Blood Out of Underwear? - 2 Simple Ways
IN CONCLUSION: HOW TO HAND WASH UNDERWEAR
That's all; you now understand how to hand wash underpants. You are now considered an expert.
After a few attempts, you'll also develop lightning-fast reflexes. You'll benefit the environment and your underwear, which will last longer and remain softer.
Any more advice for washing garments and underwear sustainably for people who already know how to hand-wash underwear?
How else do you choose clothing that is environmentally friendly? Tell us in the comments section below!
Additional resources and citations
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The content is intended to augment, not replace, information provided by your clinician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Reading this information does not create or replace a doctor-patient relationship or consultation. If required, please contact your doctor or other health care provider to assist you in interpreting any of this information, or in applying the information to your individual needs.