Hand Wash Only
Hand wash only - do not use washing machine
Important Warning
Machine washing will likely cause damage
About This Symbol
The hand wash symbol indicates that this garment requires gentle manual cleaning rather than machine washing. This is one of the most important care symbols to follow, as machine washing can cause irreversible damage to delicate fabrics. Hand washing allows you to control water temperature, agitation, and detergent concentration, making it ideal for items that need extra care.
Care Instructions:
- Fill basin with lukewarm water
- Add mild detergent and swirl
- Gently agitate garment by hand
- Rinse thoroughly in clean water
- Do not wring - press water out gently
When to Use This Symbol
- When the care label specifically shows the hand wash symbol
- For delicate fabrics like silk, cashmere, wool, and lace
- For items with embellishments, beading, or sequins
- For vintage or heirloom garments
- When machine washing has caused damage in the past
Tips and Best Practices
- Use lukewarm water (around 30-40°C or 86-104°F)
- Use a gentle, pH-neutral detergent designed for delicates
- Soak for 5-10 minutes, then gently agitate by hand
- Never wring or twist the garment - gently press out water
- Rinse thoroughly in cool water until no soap remains
- Lay flat to dry or hang on a padded hanger to prevent stretching
What Happens If This Symbol Is Ignored
Ignoring this symbol and machine washing can cause shrinking, stretching, color bleeding, fabric pilling, damage to embellishments, and permanent deformation of the garment's shape. Delicate fibers may break or become matted.
Common Materials
Related Keywords
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If this symbol appears on wool or silk clothing, follow our step-by-step washing guides: How to wash wool · How to wash silk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Washing Symbols
Machine Wash Normal
Machine wash at any temperature with normal agitation
Machine Wash 30°C
Machine wash at maximum 30°C (86°F) - cold wash
Machine Wash 40°C
Machine wash at maximum 40°C (104°F) - warm wash
Machine Wash 50°C
Machine wash at maximum 50°C (122°F) - warm wash
Machine Wash 60°C
Machine wash at maximum 60°C (140°F) - hot wash
Machine Wash 70°C
Machine wash at maximum 70°C (158°F) - very hot wash
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