Washing machines have evolved, and many now offer a cycle that mimics hand-washing. If you have a washer with a hand-wash cycle, you’ve probably wondered whether it’s safe to use for clothing labeled ‘hand-wash only.’ The answer is usually yes, but sometimes no.

Confused? That’s understandable. This guide breaks down when it’s OK to opt for gentle machine washing versus handwashing, and how to ensure your most delicate clothing comes out of the wash clean and undamaged.

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Why Clothes Are Labeled ‘Hand-Wash Only’

Clothing manufacturers consider several factors when determining a garment’s care instructions. Lightweight or delicate fabrics, a complex design, or decorative embellishments are elements that may call for a ‘hand-wash only’ label. Additionally, manufacturers may label clothing as ‘hand-wash only’ or ‘dry-clean only’ for cachet, since those instructions are often associated with higher-end clothing. If a garment has not been tested for machine-washing by the manufacturer, it may carry a ‘hand-wash only’ designation.

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How to Safely Machine-Wash ‘Hand-Wash Only’ Garments

Many garments labeled ‘hand-wash only’ can be safely machine-washed, and these tips will help ensure they come out clean and undamaged.

Check the Fabric Content

Before laundering a ‘hand-wash only’ item in the machine, check the care tag for information about the fabric content. Clothing labeled ‘hand-wash only’ is always safe to wash in water, but it is worth noting that viscose, in particular, should not be wet-cleaned. If you see viscose in the fabric content, opt for dry cleaning the garment.

If the clothing is made of cashmere or other delicate wools, such as hand-knitted items, it can be washed using the hand-wash cycle. Silk and lace, including lingerie, are generally safe to wash using a short, slow washer cycle.

How to Prevent Clothes from Shrinking

Perform a Colorfastness Test

Garments that are not colorfast are typically not labeled ‘hand-wash only,’ but fabrics that may not hold onto dye might carry hand-wash instructions. Given that, it is a good idea to test for colorfastness to avoid ruining a load with fugitive dye from one item.

To test for colorfastness, dilute 1 teaspoon of laundry detergent in 1 cup of lukewarm water, then submerge a small area of the garment in the solution. Allow the garment to soak for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove it from the detergent solution and blot with a white paper towel or cloth. The item is not colorfast if dye transfers from the garment to the white cloth. If a ‘hand-wash only’ garment is not colorfast, wash it separately to prevent dye transfer that could ruin other items.

Bag It Up

When machine-washing delicate clothing, it is a good idea to place them in a mesh washing bag. The bag will help protect the garment from friction, snagging, and other damage caused by other items in the wash, and add an extra layer between the machine’s drum and center agitator and the clothing.

Wash With Like Items

In addition to using a protective bag, always wash delicate items in a load with other lightweight or delicate clothes. Avoid washing delicate clothing in the same load as bulky or heavy items such as towels, bedding, jeans, sweats, and work clothes.

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Always Air-Dry

The dryer is no place for a delicate item. Always air-dry fragile, lightweight, or delicate fabrics and lay them flat rather than hang them to avoid stressing the fibers.

When to Use the Delicate Cycle vs. the Hand-Wash Cycle

The delicate cycle on a washing machine is not the same as the hand-wash cycle, although washer manufacturers often treat them as interchangeable. Most machines will have one or the other, but not both.

If you have a machine that offers only a delicate cycle, use it when machine-washing ‘hand-wash only’ items. If your machine offers both cycles, here’s what to know about the differences between them: The delicate cycle uses gentle agitation and a faster spin than the hand-wash cycle, which is a slower cycle that employs no (or very slow) spin to mimic actual hand-washing. Both cycles use cold water, and the cycle times are typically 45-80 minutes.

When Not to Machine-Wash ‘Hand-Wash Only’ Items

Deciding whether to machine-wash a ‘hand-wash only’ garment is a judgment call you will have to make. These are questions to ask when making the decision:

• Is the clothing made of an extremely fragile fabric, such as silk or lace?
• Is the fabric lightweight and likely to tangle?
• Is the item prone to shrinking?
• Is the clothing embellished with beading, sequins, or embroidery that could sustain damage from contact with other garments or with the washer’s metal drum?
• Does your washer have a center agitator that can damage delicate clothing?

Most importantly, ask yourself, “Am I willing to lose this?” If the answer is no, opt to hand-wash the garment rather than risk it. It’s worth bearing in mind that while the washing machine is undeniably convenient, hand laundering is relatively easy, especially for lightweight or delicate items.