Hand wash sign on a washing machine

The "Hand Wash" symbol, often found on washing machines, indicates that the appliance supports a program of the same name. This function is designed to gently wash delicate fabrics. This function is used for garments with sequins or rhinestones, natural wool fabrics, and lace. With standard washing, such items may tear, change shape, and generally lose their natural appearance. How do you recognize this symbol? What does it look like?

What pattern should I look for?

Some washing machine models feature the Russian word "Hand Wash" on the front panel, eliminating the need to search for and identify any icons. However, manufacturers often use graphic images to indicate washing modes, as this saves significant panel space. It's not that difficult, though, as the "Hand Wash" symbol is very easy to recognize, even without reading the instructions.

This is a picture of a basin and a hand lowered into it.

Other symbol variations are not used in this case, so it's impossible to confuse it. Sometimes the same symbol is used for the wool wash program, but in most cases, the program is called "Hand Wash/Wool." The combination of these two programs is justified by the fact that they share the same drum rotation algorithm.

How does the program work?

This washing program is very different from all others in the following parameters:

• very low drum rotation speed;
• a large amount of water is poured into the machine;
• the water heating temperature will not be higher than 40⁰WITH.;
• spinning does not occur, or occurs at a very low speed.

Sometimes washing machines have an extra rinse feature. Adding more liquid helps remove detergent from fabrics more effectively. Low heating temperatures preserve the original color of clothes. Typically, washing on this program takes a little over an hour. The duration of the "Hand Wash" cycle depends on a number of factors:

• device models;
• machine load level;
• the pressure with which water enters the unit;
• set heating mode;
• degree of contamination of clothing;
• the presence of an additional soaking function.

Typically, the washing machine's instructions specify a load capacity of no more than half the maximum for a given program. During operation, the drum moves smoothly and evenly, with frequent pauses. This helps keep delicate items intact, preventing them from being creased or stretched. The machine often automatically disables the spin function and prevents it from being manually activated.

When to turn on this program?

This option is designed for fabrics that cannot withstand extremely hot water or intense mechanical stress. This mode should be used for washing items with a symbol on the label prohibiting machine washing or with a symbol recommending hand washing. These fabrics include those that can easily tear, become misshapen, discolor, or change size:

• wool;
• silk;
• viscose.

This program is often used for cleaning shoes if the machine doesn't have a dedicated program for this purpose. The "Hand Wash" program is also suitable for underwear, tights, trousers and suits, down jackets and coats, clothing with delicate or fragile decorative elements, and curtains made of tulle or organza.

   

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