HOW TO HAND WASH CLOTHES

Whether your washing machine is broken, you're tired of feeding coin-operated machines, or you need to clean delicate items, hand-washing your clothes can be a practical alternative.

Did you know conventional washing machines use 35-50 gallons of water per load, and account for 22% of total household water usage? When you add in the electricity needed to heat the water and run the dryer, hand-washing becomes an effective way to conserve water, reduce energy consumption, and protect your clothes.

Washing clothes by hand extends the life of your garments by preserving fibers. Items such as bras, pantyhose, and clothing containing synthetic materials such as Lycra or elastic fibers can potentially break down in hot water or during a machine's spin cycle.

Many laundry detergents contain harsh chemicals that can damage delicate garments. Look for detergents made with plant-based surfactants containing mild, fabric-safe enzyme formula, that is free of chlorine, optical brighteners, borax, or phosphates. These detergents are gentler on skin and better for the environment.

Before you begin, check the care label for washing instructions. If the tag indicates "dry clean only," do not hand wash or machine wash garments.

Directions for Hand Washing Clothes:

Tip: Spot-test a small, hidden area of the clothes to ensure the materials can be safely washed.

1. Separate clothing by color. Garments containing delicate fabrics such as silk, wool and lace should be washed separately.
   • Pre-treat stains. Dampen the material with water and pre-treat the stain by spraying it with full-strength Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner Lemon Scent. Then, gently scrub the clothing with a soft brush to help the solution work into the fabric. Once done, turn each item inside out.
2. Fill bucket, tub or sink. Fill your bucket, tub or sink with room- temperature water, leaving space for the water level to rise when you add the clothes. Use the recommended amount of detergent as indicated on the label.
3. Add clothes. Agitate the clothes in the bucket, tub, or sink for 2-3 minutes and use your hands to rub the fabric against itself to help the detergent penetrate through the fibers.
4. Remove clothes. Gently squeeze out excess water. Avoid twisting or wringing the clothes, as this can cause damage.
5. Drain or dump out the dirty water. Empty and rinse the bucket, tub, or sink, then refill it with room-temperature water, leaving space for the water level to rise when you add the clothes.
6. Submerge clothes again. Agitate for 2-3 minutes, then allow clothes to soak for 5-10 minutes.
7. Remove clothes again. Gently squeeze out excess water. Avoid twisting or wringing the clothes, as this can cause damage.
8. Air dry clothes. Hang clothes on a drying rack or drying line, either indoors or outdoors in the sun, or lay flat to dry on a towel.

Once you're done, drain or dump out the dirty, used water and rinse the bucket, tub, or sink with clean water to ensure no residue remains.