Does hand washing do the same or less damage to your clothes as compared to machine wash?

Question

Does hand washing do the same or less damage to your clothes as compared to machine wash?

Answer 1

I believe that hand washing does less damage.  It seems to be logical that it would.  After all, you hand wash one garment at a time and don't twist it all around and rub it against all kinds of different varieties and textures of clothes.  However, it is also my belief that machine washing gets your clothes cleaner and removes odors that might exist better than hand washing does.

It's important when washing clothes in a machine that you try to sort your laundry so that you have similar fabrics in that load of clothes.  So many people put delicates in with, say, jeans -- that's no good.

Also, don't overwash.  By that I mean, don't set your washer for a heavy duty 15 minute cycle when maybe the things you're washing will come clean in 8 minutes and, pay attention to the settings your washer has.  As indicated for the type of clothes you're washing, USE the delicate or permanent press or heavily soiled settings as appropriate.  Don't just choose one to use all the time, across the board.

Answer 2

If you're worried about the damage to your clothes, try washing all your clothes inside out (that way wear from other clothes in the washer will happen on the inside where others can't see) and try using a dedicates bag. this is a little zippered mesh bag that you put the items in before you throw them into the washer. also quite randomly, try adding about a 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the rinse when you buy new clothes. I find this helps set the colour and reduces fading.  

Answer 3

Hand washing is more gentle on your clothes if you do so carefully.

Answer 4

I really don't think it is the washer that is the most wear and tear on laundering.  It is the dryer.

Washing does let the fibres all get wet and soak out all the dirt and soil.

Dry only lightly, then hang for the rest of the dry time.  Where do you think all the lint comes from.   The clothes you dry.  Don't machine dry long..... no loss of fabric .