Can You Put Hand Wash Clothes In The Washer?
We all have clothes that need to be gently washed by hand, but sometimes throwing them into the washer is just so much easier. But is it okay to put hand-wash clothes into the washer?
Things to Consider
Before you throw a hand-wash garment into the machine, there are a few things to take into consideration.
- Fabric type: Think about the fabric the item is made of. Is it delicate or not? Will it fray, discolour or shrink?
- Fiber content: Determine if the garment contains natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, or synthetic fibers, like acrylic or polyester.
- Gentle cycle: If you decide it’s okay to wash the item, use the gentle cycle. Choose a setting with a slower spin, or one that allows for fewer agitation.
Additional Tips
- Keep items like bra extenders and fancy laces out of the washer. These delicate items should always be handwashed.
- Use a laundry bag to protect delicate items and zipper closures. This will keep them from becoming snagged or tangled.
- Add a liquid detergent or choose a detergent-free laundry ball to guard against excess soap residue on the garment.
- Hang the garment to finish drying or alternatively, lay it flat on a towel. Avoid drying delicate items in a machine dryer.
So, the answer is yes – you can put hand-wash clothes into the washer, just be sure to take the necessary precautions. Wash delicate items with cold water using a slow spin cycle, or alternatively use a laundry bag to protect them. After the wash cycle is complete, hang them up or lay them flat on a towel to finish drying.