Laundry strips for hand washing: can you, and how?
Yes, hand washing with laundry strips works perfectly. Dissolve half to one whole laundry strip in a basin of water, let your clothes soak and rinse well. That way you can get delicate items clean without a washing machine.
Can you use laundry strips for hand washing?
Yes, you definitely can. A laundry strip is a concentrated sheet of detergent that dissolves completely as soon as it comes into contact with water, with or without a washing machine. That makes a laundry strip work perfectly in a simple basin of water.
The enzyme formula in the laundry strip stays active in cold water too. So even when hand washing at room temperature you get a thorough result, without needing warm water.
Do you think you need a separate detergent for hand washing? That's not true: the same laundry strip you use in the machine works perfectly in a basin too. So there's no need to buy an extra product for that one polo neck or silk blouse.
Think of a fine blouse, a lace bra, a scarf or a holiday souvenir that's just a little too fragile for the drum. For items like these, a basin of water with a laundry strip is often the safest choice.
Step-by-step guide: how to hand wash with a laundry strip
Hand washing with a laundry strip is a breeze in seven simple steps:
- Fill a basin or sink. Use the right amount of water for the amount of laundry.
- Dissolve half to one whole laundry strip. That depends on how much you're washing.
- Stir until the water foams. That's how you know the strip has dissolved completely.
- Put the clothes in. Leave to soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Move them gently now and then. That way the detergent reaches everywhere.
- Rinse thoroughly. Use clean water for this.
- Squeeze out gently. Never wring, as that pulls the fibres out of shape.
Follow these steps and hand washing with a laundry strip is as easy as giving it one extra stir.
How much laundry strip and which temperature?
Use half a laundry strip and cold to lukewarm water for delicate fabrics such as wool and silk. For heavier soiling, use a whole laundry strip in warmer water, up to about 5 litres in the basin. Never wash wool and silk too hot, as that permanently damages the fibres.
Unsure about the colourfastness of a garment? Then first test an inconspicuous spot with lukewarm water before you submerge the whole item. That way you avoid surprises with brightly coloured pieces.
Do you live in a hard water area? Then hand washing sometimes foams a little less well. In that case, feel free to add a little extra laundry strip, or stir a bit longer until the water foams well.
Hand washing wool, silk and delicate fabrics
Hand washing with a mild laundry strip is ideal for fragile items that can't go in the washing machine. Turn the garment inside out, use cold water and avoid rubbing or wringing. Afterwards, leave it to dry lying flat, away from direct sunlight or a heat source.
Want to know more about the right temperature and approach for each type of fibre? Read our detailed article on washing wool and silk for extra tips.
Extra fragile items, such as cashmere or a blouse with lace, are best placed in a laundry bag first before you leave them to soak in the basin. That stops the fabric from tangling or getting damaged while you gently move it through the water.
The most common mistake when hand washing is still rubbing or wringing out of habit. Instead, pat the garment dry with a towel, or simply let the water drip away quietly over the bathtub.
Why POWR laundry strips are handy for hand washing
POWR laundry strips dissolve completely in water, are plastic-free and weigh almost nothing. That makes them just as suitable for the washing machine as for a basin of water, and ideal to take on your travels.
The formula is ultra-concentrated and contains no water or fillers. One box of forty strips is therefore enough for dozens of washes, both in the machine and by hand.
When travelling, that means no hassle with liquid limits at the airport and no risk of a leaking bottle in your suitcase. A few strips in a small pouch are enough for an entire holiday.
Not sure how much you need? Half a strip is usually enough for a basin of hand washing, a whole strip for a bigger load or tougher stains. Handy, right? One box for both the machine and the sink.
