6 clothes should always be hand-washed to keep them looking new

Ever take your favourite jumper out of the washing machine only to discover that it has shrunk into doll-size or lost its shape? While machines are good for everyday wear, they can destroy delicate items through their spin cycles and heat. Hand washing allows you to give these treasures the delicate touch they need, keeping them in pristine condition for years to come. From silky blouses to lacy bras, these six items are kept in top condition with a little elbow grease. Hand washing is a must for fabrics like silk, lace, cashmere, and wool, as they easily lose shape or shrink otherwise. Save cash on replacement items; your wardrobe will thank you. Plus, it's a simple ritual that extends the life of your favorite pieces sustainably.

Avoid washing these 6 clothes in washing machine to keep them looking new

Certain clothing items like silk blouses, wool jumpers, lacy bras, beaded dresses, and others, can lose their quality when machine-washed. Hand-wash these clothes instead. A quick wash maintains their shape, colour, and texture for many years. Listed below 6 clothes that should be hand-washed to help maintain their shape, colour and texture for a longer time.

Delicate fabrics: Silk scarves and blouses

Silk scarves and blouses are at the top of this list, as that lovely shine is lost in no time if they are machine-washed. Warm soapy water and a soft rub are all that is required to keep these lovely fibres intact. Swishing in a warm, soapy bath is a good way to preserve unique textures, shapes, and colours, but do not wring them out. One wrong turn of the washing machine, and your lovely silk is ruined.

Hand washing of lingerie and bras

Washing bras is not recommended, as they contain underwire that bends when machine-washed. The lovely lacy bras also get ruined when zippers get caught in them. Bras often contain underwire, which can bend out of shape in an automatic machine. This is why you should hand-wash your bras, as that lovely bra you spent your money on will last longer if you do this. Treat your delicate lingerie right, as it is not a tough towel you are washing.

Wool and cashmere jumper hand care

Knitted wool & cashmere garments shrink when agitated. Mix lukewarm water & wool soap. Press garments under water. Rinse & press out water. Reshape on a towel. These garments need special care as they can easily distort shape, say dry cleaning guides. Your old sweaters still fit you despite decades of hand washings. Machines cause pilling? Not on your watch.

Beaded and embroidered garments, gentle wash

Evening gowns with sequins & embroidered decorations shed gems during the wash. Spot clean stains & wash garments gently. Hand wash garments briefly in cold water. Pat dry. No scrubbing threads & sequins. Hand wash garments allow precise & gentle touch to preserve garments. Heirloom wedding gowns sparkle & shine. One machine wash & the gems are gone, ending up in the machine’s filter. What a costly mistake.

Structured items like pleats

Skirts with pleats or ruffles flop flat after machine tumbling. Hand wash keeps crisp folds: soak upside down, finger-press pleats while damp, dry hanging. Structured details distort easily. Think how that perfect midi skirt hand care locks the look. Effort pays off in wardrobe wins.

Swimwear and activewear elastic saved

Chlorine-weakened swimsuits stretch or fade in hot washes. Remember to rinse salt or sweat immediately, hand-wash monthly in cold suds. Squeeze, not twist, and sun dry. Swimwear needs hand washing because chlorine damages elastic fibres. Your bikini stays snappy.