9 handwashing laundry mistakes – and how to avoid them

Handwashing is a gentle and effective way to cleanse delicate items, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can damage your clothes.

Our experts reveal the most common handwashing laundry mistakes – and how you can avoid them.

By knowing how to handwash clothes, and the most common handwashing laundry mistakes, you'll soon have your garments in great shape.

1. Failing to pre-treat

Ignoring stains before washing makes it harder to remove them.

Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids, says, 'Scrubbing your clothes right away is a mistake, especially if you see stains. If you start scrubbing, you might damage your fabrics and it’s just a waste of time and energy. If you notice any stains at all, apply a laundry stain remover or laundry detergent directly on the area before soaking.'

Pre-treat spots with a gentle stain remover or diluted detergent, allowing it to sit for a few minutes before washing.

Check out our guide to the golden rules of stain removal.

2. Skipping the soak

Soaking items loosens dirt and oils, making them easier to clean.

Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, says, 'Skipping the soak time can mean certain stains or odors remain on the fabric. A quick wash without soaking may not effectively remove all dirt, oils, or odors.

'Allow clothes to soak for 10–15 minutes in soapy water before gently agitating. For heavily soiled areas, gently scrub with a soft brush or your fingers.'

Toner recommends the Muchfun Durable Honeycomb Mesh Laundry Bags from Amazon, adding, 'This mesh bag is ideal for soaking, allowing the detergent to work on stubborn stains without risking fabric damage during scrubbing.'

3. Using hot water

Hot water can shrink or warp delicate fabrics.

Toner says, 'Hot water can shrink, distort, or weaken delicate fabrics like silk, lace, or wool. High temperatures may also cause colors to fade or bleed, damaging your clothes.

'Always use cold or lukewarm water for delicate fabrics. Cold water is gentler and helps preserve fabric strength and color.'

Toner uses Woolite Delicates Laundry Detergent, available from Amazon. She adds, 'This detergent is specifically formulated for cold water and delicate fabrics, ensuring gentle care while effectively cleaning.'

Check out these seven items you should never wash in hot water.

4. Overzealous scrubbing

When handwashing, it’s easy to think vigorous scrubbing will remove stains or dirt faster, but this actually damages delicate fibers and can wear out fabrics. Over-scrubbing can lead to pilling, fading, or even tearing in sensitive materials.

Instead, gently massage the fabric with your fingertips or use a soft brush on tougher fabrics like cotton. For stains, allow the item to soak for longer, as this loosens dirt without the need for rough scrubbing. You can also apply a gentle stain remover to help lift marks.

Always treat fabrics delicately to maintain their appearance and durability.

5. Too much detergent

It’s tempting to add extra detergent, but this can leave residue.

Toner says, 'Too much detergent can leave residue on clothes, making them stiff, dull, or even causing skin irritation. It also requires extra rinsing, which can damage fabric fibers.

'Instead, use a small amount of detergent – about a teaspoon for a small basin. For especially delicate items, rinse thoroughly with fresh water.'

Toner recommends Eucalan No Rinse Delicate Wash from Amazon, which has an impressive 4.9 out of 5 customer review rating. She adds, 'This no-rinse formula makes handwashing easier by minimizing the need for excessive rinsing, reducing wear on fabrics.'

6. Using a small bowl

A small washing space leads to overcrowding, which makes clothes harder to clean.

Evans says, 'When you’re hand washing, you need the bowl to be big enough to fit your items and be able to turn them around, wring them and scrub them. If you’re washing large items like covers or towels, a small bowl or even a standard sink just won't suffice – you'll probably need to use your bathtub.'

Check out our three-step method for handwashing wool.

7. Rushing the rinse

In a hurry to finish, it’s common to rinse fabrics only briefly, but leaving detergent residue can cause stiffness, discoloration, or irritation on skin. Rushing the rinse phase leaves a soapy layer on fibers, making them feel rough instead of clean.

Use cool water for rinsing and gently agitate the fabric to ensure thorough soap removal. Refresh the rinse water as often as needed until it’s clear and free of suds. For delicate fabrics, gently press out excess water between rinses to keep them soft.

Taking your time on this step leaves clothes feeling fresh and residue-free.

8. Wringing out

Twisting clothes to remove water can distort the shape of delicate fabrics.

Evans says, 'Wringing out delicate fabrics, like wool or silk, is a common mistake made by people when handwashing and drying their clothes. This can damage or weaken the fibers.

'Instead, place your items inside a towel and roll the towel, squeeze gently and unroll. Repeat two or three times and then hang them on a clothesline.'

These BOGI Store Microfiber Quick Dry Towel from Amazon is ideal thanks to its high absorbancy. They're also great for your workout or when showering after.

For more, check out these reasons not to dry laundry outside.

9. Drying incorrectly

Hanging wet clothes can stretch them out, while direct heat can shrink fibers.

Toner says, 'Improper drying methods can cause mildew, shrinkage, or damage to the fabric. Hanging certain items can lead to stretching, while drying on surfaces like direct sunlight can cause fading.

'Instead, lay delicate items flat on a drying rack or a clean towel indoors, away from direct sunlight. For structured items, reshape them while they’re damp. Alternatively, use a rack like this Amazon Basics Foldable Clothes Drying Rack, which provides gentle drying for delicate fabrics without stretching or risking sunlight exposure.'

FAQs

Should I handwash wool?

Yes, wool can be handwashed, but it requires special care to avoid shrinking. Use cool water and a wool-safe detergent, and avoid agitating or twisting the fabric. Gently press out excess water, then lay the item flat to dry to preserve its shape.

Can I handwash items labeled 'dry clean only'?

While 'dry clean only' labels indicate professional care is ideal, some fabrics, like silk or linen, can be handwashed if you’re cautious. Use mild detergent and cool water, and avoid wringing or scrubbing. For expensive or complex fabrics, however, it’s safest to go to a dry cleaner.

How often should I handwash delicates?

Handwash delicates after two to three wears to prevent buildup of oils and odors, or sooner if visibly soiled. Regular cleaning keeps delicate fabrics in good condition without putting strain on the fibers. Quick, frequent washes also make it easier to remove stains without excessive scrubbing.

So there you have it – nine handwashing mistakes, and how to avoid them. Handwashing takes care and patience, but the right techniques keep your clothes looking fresh and well-preserved.

Next, check out these things people who are good at laundry always do.