The Hand Wash Mode and How to Use It

One of the most popular washing machine modes is "Hand Wash." People try to use this mode instead of washing clothes in a basin to save time and effort. Let's explore how effective this program is and how to use it.

Description of the mode

Hand washing in a washing machine is designed to wash laundry as gently as possible. Drum rotation is minimized, with the drum merely swaying from side to side during the wash cycle, and spinning is either virtually nonexistent or performed at the lowest possible speed.

As for the water temperature, depending on the washing machine model, it heats up no more than 30-40⁰WITH. Furthermore, the manufacturer's instructions state that the drum can only be loaded halfway up to its maximum capacity in this mode. This means that if your machine is rated for 6 kg of laundry, you can only wash 3 kg in hand washing mode. This ensures less creasing and better rinsing.

The hand wash symbol is the same on almost all washing machines. It's a picture of a basin of water and a hand. Sometimes the number 30 is written on the basin, indicating the water temperature. Some washing machines have two separate hand wash settings. One has a basin symbol with the number 30 written on it, while the other has a symbol with the number 40 written on it.

Some manufacturers don't bother at all to make the washing machine control panel as informative as possible, labeling all the modes with words without drawing any icons.

When to use

Hand wash is most often used in washing machines when the garment label contains a symbol prohibiting machine washing or a symbol warning that the item should be hand washed only. Such items include:

• silk products;
• wool or cashmere;
• viscose items;
• outerwear, for example, down jackets, jackets, jackets, coats.

Experienced housewives use this program for washing:

• suits, skirts, trousers;
• light curtains made of organza or tulle;
• bras and other underwear;
• clothes with embroidery, appliques and other decorations;
• fabric shoes, such as sneakers or trainers.

Tip! Only wash lightly soiled items in a hand wash cycle. Otherwise, the item may not come out clean.

To enhance the effect of hand washing in an automatic machine, many housewives pre-soak items in a powder solution or soap the soiled areas for 15-20 minutes. In this case, items wash better without stretching, fading, or losing their appearance.

Alternative programs

Hand wash isn't the only gentle cycle for fabrics. Some machines may have several similar cycles, each slightly different from the other. Sometimes, there's no "hand wash" cycle at all. Here are some alternative cycles you might find on washing machines:

• Delicate wash;
• Silk;
• Wool;
• Berezhnaya 30.

These programs differ in duration and drum rotation speed during washing.

Finally, if washing an item in a washing machine is prohibited, don't ignore this recommendation. Machine washing by hand isn't an option. Sometimes hand washing is better; the results can be much better. Choose the right washing programs to help your items retain their appearance longer.

   

2 reader comments

1. February 3, 2018 at 1:05 PM

   Vladimir:

   We bought a washing machine yesterday and I'm studying the programs. At first, I didn't understand what the hand wash mode was for, but now it's clear. Thank you very much.

   Answer
   • February 19, 2018 at 7:25 PM

     Elena:

     Why didn't you set the wool regime right away?

     Answer