Washing underwear by hand allows it to last much longer, be more comfortable, and maintain its qualities virtually intact. Because of these benefits, more and more people are opting for this cleaning technique and ditching the washing machine for these small items. But
how do you wash underwear by hand? Learn the best way to wash them.
Why wash by hand instead of in the washing machine?
Underwear tends to absorb sweat and body odor, so it requires intensive washing. Underwear is no exception, so hand-washing
helps keep it in better condition for longer. This is because it's not as aggressive as machine washing.
Handwashing treats the fabric fibers more gently, preventing them from wearing out quickly. A
longer lifespan is guaranteed, although that's not the only benefit. It also
ensures that colors won't run . You're more aware of which garments are being mixed together, making it harder to make mistakes like mixing whites and dark colors. Furthermore, changing the water and product to treat different fabrics is easier than using a washing machine.
If you have to use a washing machine, it's best
to use the gentlest cycle , as almost all washing machines include special programs for delicate garments. It's also important not to mix different-colored garments and to avoid chlorine in the water as much as possible. This chemical component can damage the fibers.
How to wash underwear by hand?
Washing underwear by hand is a very simple task. Just soak them in soap for about half an hour, rub gently, rinse, and let them dry. However, to achieve an excellent result that won't damage the fabric, you need to know the garment you're washing and follow some recommendations:
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Read the labels. Labels provide important information for cleaning any item of clothing. They show you the washing temperature, the type of product used, and the materials used to make the garment. Thanks to this information, you won't make mistakes during washing.
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Wash frequently. Briefs, like other underwear, are exposed to more demanding use on a daily basis. For this reason, it's advisable to wash them frequently and rotate them to prevent them from wearing out quickly.
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Soak. Before starting to wash your underwear, it's a good idea to soak it so the dirt comes out easily. Remember not to leave it too long; half an hour is enough.
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Gentle wash. The delicate nature of this garment requires gentle washing. The fabrics are relatively delicate, so harsh handling will eventually break them down. It can also cause the fabric to age prematurely. Therefore, the garment should be gently treated under water to remove stains.
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Warm or cold water. High temperatures negatively affect the fabric. It will begin to lose color and even some of its strength. It's recommended to use cold or warm water for best results.
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Do not wring your underwear to wring it out. This causes wear and tear on the fabric, so we recommend gently rubbing it with a towel to remove excess water.
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Do not use a dryer. To dry delicate clothing, it's best to let it lose moisture on a flat surface to prevent it from becoming misshapen. Using a dryer means subjecting the garment to high temperatures, which can damage the fabric.
What soaps should I use for hand washing?
There are some
specific products for hand washing , which are usually made with neutral soaps. They don't damage the garment, as they don't affect its fibers, and they don't harm your hands either. Many of them include aloe vera to care for your skin during washing.
You can also opt for
eco-friendly, organic, or biodegradable soaps . No chemicals are used in their manufacture, making them perfect for sensitive garments like underwear. If you don't have any of these soaps on hand, baby shampoo is a good solution to prevent damage to the garment.
It's important
not to use bleach for these washes, as it will damage the fibers of the garment and accelerate its wear. It could also cause skin irritation when wearing your underwear.
Ultimately,
how to hand-wash underwear means giving them the attention they deserve. Using cold or warm water, the right product, and paying attention to the garment's label are the keys to achieving excellent results.
