Hand-washing made easy

We all want to look after our clothes and often dry clean fragile fabrics. Yet the process of dry cleaning is a highly toxic one using a chemical called perchloroethylene, which can cause damage to the liver, kidneys and even to the reproductive system of a person with prolonged exposure to it. But many of us believe that if a label says “dry clean only”, then that is what you have to do.

In nana’s day, there were no dry cleaners to take their silks and linens to, so they handwashed, which is still a very safe way to treat fabrics. To hand-wash successfully, wash only one item at a time. Use a small washing container such as your bathroom hand basin or a bucket. Fill with lukewarm to cold water – hot water can ruin delicate fabrics.

Use a mild soap and gently squeeze and knead your garment, focusing on places where you know there is dirt or stains. Do not leave to soak.

After about five minutes of this, squeeze the soapy water gently out of the garment and rinse in clean, lukewarm water.

Do not wring dry. Gently squeeze the water out of the garment, then lay on a clean towel. Roll up the towel with the garment in it, then squeeze the towel. I do this by laying it on the floor and standing on it, moving my way up the roll.

Dry out of direct sunlight and lay it out rather than hanging to avoid stretching. When thoroughly dry, iron the item using the heat recommended on the label.