How to Hand-Wash Your Clothes

There have been several times when we were living in our old apartment complex when we didn't have quarters for laundry.  Now that we've moved, we don't have a washer yet.  With a one-year old, it makes it difficult to go to a Laundromat (especially without a car).

I had to learn how to wash my own clothes out of necessity.  I want to encourage you, if you are in a situation like mine, you can make it through a tough time with what you already have in the house.

So, here's how to wash your own clothes... and some of my own tips that I've learned along the way.

When to wash your own clothes:

• You have no access to a washer/dryer
• You are out of quarters for the Laundromat
• You just need to wash a couple things in a hurry

When not to wash your own clothes:

• You want to save money (washing your own clothes will actually cost you money if you pay for utilites - cost of hot water and dehumidifier)
• You are almost out of detergent (I have found that I use more detergent when I wash my own clothes)

Finally, here are the steps:

Step One - - Separate your clothes

Just like when you wash clothes in a washer, you need to separate the lights/whites from the darks/colors.  You'll see how much the color bleeds when you wash the clothes, and chances are that you'll use warmer water because you need to use your hands.

There is no need to separate out your delicates, like you do when you wash your clothes in an electric washer.  You will be as delicate as you need to be with each item. :)

Step Two - - Fill tub with warm water, clothes, and detergent

Okay, there are two ways to do this: wash your clothes in the tub all together, OR wash them in the sink one-by-one.  I know it doesn't sound as easy on paper, but I have found that washing the clothes one-by-one in the sink is the easiest way to wash your clothes.  Here are the pros and cons of each, so you can decide what's best for your situation:

In the sink allows you to scrub each item of clothing very well, and I believe it makes your clothes cleaner.  It is easier because you can take a break at any time without worrying about leaving the clothes in the soapy water.  (Trust me, especially if you have a lot of laundry to do, your hands will get tired of ringing out the laundry.)  You will, however, use more water (and, by extension, more electricity to warm the water).  It will use up more detergent as you pour a bit on each item of clothing.

 In the tub allows you to do a big load of laundry all at once.  You won't use as much detergent because you'll put the same amount in as you would a regular load of laundry.  You also won't use as much water as you would if you were to do the laundry in the sink.  On the other hand, it will be more tiring (especially on your hands when it's time to ring out all your clothes) and you won't get any breaks in the work because you'll want to get it all done at once to avoid stains on your laundry.

Whether you choose to fill the tub or the sink, you'll want to use warm water and plug the drain.  Pour a capful of detergent into the tub, or a few drops of detergent into the sink, under the running water.  Add in your clothes and get them nice and wet.

Step Three - - Let your clothes soak in the tub, or scrub them in the sink
If you are washing your clothes all at once in the tub, stir them up a bit and then let them soak in the soapy water for about 20 minutes.  Be sure to set a timer or something so you don't forget - - detergent will stain your clothes if left on too long.

If you're washing your clothes one-by-one in the sink, scrub the article of clothing very well, letting the detergent lather and bubble on your clothes.  Hold one side of the clothing in each hand, and scrub the sides together against each other.  You don't need to let the clothes soak unless you want to (but remember to not exceed 20 minutes).

Step Four - - Rinse your clothes (very well)

You want to rinse each article of clothing individually - - especially if they were washed in the tub all together.  If you leave detergent on the clothes, they will stain.  Rinse with warm or cold water (warm is easier on the hands if you're not wearing rubber gloves).

**Tip**

If you sprinkle a little bit of liquid fabric softener on top of your towels, socks, sheets, and undergarments while you rinse them, they'll be softer.  If you just rinse these items with water, they will be scratchy and stiff.

Step Five - - Hang up the clothes to dry

Take the clothes out of the water and ring them out.  This is a very important step - - you'll cut hours off of your drying time!  Jeans are the most difficult to ring out, but it will help out the most!

If it's summer, I would suggest hanging your clothes on a line outside.  The breeze and sunlight will dry the clothes faster than if they are hanging inside, and the fresh air will let your clothes breathe - - they'll smell nicer once they're dry.  Don't leave them out overnight, or in the sun too long.

If the weather doesn't permit you to let your clothes dry outside, you'll want to use a dehumidifier or fan under your drying rack.  If you don't have either, an exhaust fan in the bathroom will help or hang your clothes over a heater (but don't let them touch).  Your clothes will take longer to dry if you don't have a standing dehumidifier.

Step Six - - Fold and put away!

Once the clothes are dry, fold them up and put them away!  You can iron clothes that have been hand-washed (and you might need to more often, if you're picky about having ironed clothes, because they will be dried without the heat that takes many wrinkles out in a dryer).

Share your experience in washing your own clothes!  I'd love to hear how you did, and any tips you might come up with.