How to Wash Delicate Laundry
It’s no secret that washing delicate laundry can be tricky. Here are some tips!
It’s no secret that washing delicate clothing can be difficult. Sometimes the label doesn’t have washing instructions, and sometimes even when it does, you don’t have the time or energy to follow every little detail.
We’ve compiled some tips and tricks on how to wash your delicate laundry, in order to help give you a better idea of how to go about cleaning your more sensitive fabrics. For more washing advice, check out our blog!
How to Wash Delicate Laundry:
“It’s no secret that washing delicate clothing can be difficult.”
Hand Washing vs. Machine Machine Washing – What You Should Know
When washing delicates, hand washing is typically the best option in most cases, if possible. Hand washing is most likely the most effective way to keep your delicates in the best condition for lasting longevity, and it also allows you to control the amount of pressure used at each stage of the cleaning process, as well as the water temperature.
It is important to note that when hand washing, use a delicate laundry detergent meant specifically for delicates; one that is free of harsh chemicals and fragrances. In your sink or tub, combine the detergent with cold or warm water, and gently swirl your garments around the mixture. Pay special attention to stains by gently rubbing them as you go.
We should also mention that while hand washing is typically the best option for protecting your delicate clothing long-term, we understand that hand washing is not always an option – and a lot of washing machines have settings that are fine for delicates.
I mean, is anyone really hand washing their clothes? The answer is yes. But the average person with the average wardrobe isn’t doing much hand washing.
Washing machines typically include a “delicates” cycle, allowing you to save time and energy on hand washing, if that’s what you choose. If your washing machine doesn’t have a setting meant specifically for delicates, make sure to put it on the gentlest setting option – typically with cold water.
Modern laundromats also have delicate settings on their machines. Long gone are the days of quarters and single-cycle laundromat machines. These days, you can choose your temperature, your cycle, and ever opt for extra care.
How to Wash Delicate Laundry:
“Handwashing is most likely the most effective way to keep your delicates in the best condition for lasting longevity.”
To Dry or Not to Dry?
When it comes to delicate laundry, it’s typically a good rule of thumb to avoid using a dryer and opt for air-drying instead, if possible. This is because dryers are notorious for shrinking and/or fading delicate materials.
Be careful when choosing how to air-dry your garments. Some garments can dry hanging on a hanger. However, drying on a hanger can damage heavier garments because the weight of the damp fabric uses gravity to pull and stretch the garment down. A safer bet is to ‘flat-dry’ your garments by laying them flat to dry on a perforated surface.
However, if you have a dryer with an air-dry or air-fluff-only setting, you could place your delicate garments in mesh bags and dry them for half a cycle (making sure to check the clothing label first to make sure this is okay), then laying your items flat or on a line to dry, away from direct sunlight.
How to Wash Delicate Laundry:
“When it comes to delicates, it is typically a good rule of thumb to avoid using a dryer and opt for air-drying instead, if possible.”
Delicate Laundry Detergents
When washing your delicates, you’ll want to be mindful of the type of detergent you’re using. Some standard laundry detergents may be too harsh for certain fabrics, causing them to tear, fade, or shrink.
The best detergent for delicate laundry typically includes gentle ingredients and a pH that is close to neutral, in order to clean without damaging the fibers of the fabric.
Some detergents are designed to provide extra care for a specific fabric but there are also good all-purpose detergents designed to be extra-gentle if you don’t want to deal with purchasing multiple products. Just make sure to look for a detergent that is free of harsh synthetic chemicals such as sulfates, bleaches, and brighteners.
Dropps Laundry Pods
Delicate Laundry Detergent
Made for sensitive skin. Comes in recyclable and compostable cardboard packaging helps reduce single-use plastic.
The Laundress – Le Labo
Delicate Laundry Detergent
The Laundress laundry detergent blends the finest modern perfume into the brand’s best-performing detergent formula.
Charlie’s Laundry Liquid
Delicate Laundry Detergent
Each bottle contains just four ingredients. No suds, just a deep clean that leaves your delicate laundry intact.
At the end of the day, washing your delicate laundry does not have to be a stressful or difficult experience. You can keep your delicates in excellent condition for a long time if you add just a few extra steps to your regular laundry process.
The Folde now offers a Delicate Laundry Bag!
You can now choose which items get which treatment! We will no longer charge a hang dry fee. Instead, this Delicates Bag is a $25 flat-rate bag that you can stuff full of your delicate laundry.
The Delicates Bag is for your wash & fold garments that need gentle wash and low-temperature or air dry. For some people, it’s a few pairs of their favorite jeans. For others, it’s workout gear and leggings. However you decide to use this delicates bag, rest assured that the garments in this bag are getting specialized and separated treatment from the rest of your order.

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