"Hand wash" in washing machines: features, characteristics, differences from other modes

The "Hand wash" mode in washing machines is one of the most demanded. What things and under what parameters does it wash best? How it differs from delicate washing and other similar modes - we deal with experts and manufacturers of washing machines of different classes.

A modern washing machine has different washing modes. There are three main groups of such programs, regardless of the brand of the machine, its functionality and characteristics. These are programs that:

• regulate the process depending on the type of linen;
• economy programs that can significantly reduce time, respectively, water consumption and electricity consumption are significantly reduced;
• programs with the "health" function - these include washing linen and clothes for people with allergic diseases, disinfecting things.

Manual - refers to the delicate mode. This program is somewhat different from other options in that with it the drum of the machine will rotate slowly and accurately, the water heating does not exceed 30-35 degrees. There is no spin function in hand wash mode.

It allows you to delicately and carefully wash things and linen made of thin delicate fabrics (silk, natural wool, chiffon, satin, lace). The machine uses a small amount of water, heats it up to a warm state, which allows you to preserve the color of the products. The program is set in such a way as to obtain the effect of washing by hand, but at the same time it significantly saves the housewife's time.

The “Hand wash” mode has its own characteristics that allow you to keep the color and shape of things made of delicate fabrics. Any product that cannot tolerate strong friction, hot water, or intense spinning must be cleaned by hand. Such things on their label have the "handle in a basin" icon, which indicates that the product should be washed only by hand.

The peculiarities of the "Hand wash" mode are that the product does not tear during washing, does not lose its shape, does not change color. This mode has certain functions and characteristics:

• the water temperature is not higher than 40 degrees, most often 30-35;
• the drum makes a minimum of revolutions, rotates slowly and accurately;
• there is no "Spin" function (in some models this function is present, but the spin is very weak and delicate);
• average water consumption in comparison with other modes;
• washing time lasts from 50 to 90 minutes (depending on the program set by the manufacturer).

To get a positive result and not spoil the thing, you need:

• load no more than 3 kg of laundry into the drum, then the products are better washed off, and rinsing is good;
• use washing powder with additives that soften the washing process, add special liquid or gel products for thin, delicate fabrics - during washing, such products carefully care for the fibers, do not contain aggressive chemicals in their composition, do not cause allergies;
• in case of heavy contamination, use the pre-soaking mode;
• in order to exclude deformation of things, their stretching, rupture of fabric fibers, it is better to use special mesh bags.

Hand wash is a delicate wash. It differs from others in that less laundry can be washed at a time, the drum rotates in a slow-motion rhythm, the "Spin" mode is completely absent or there is a gentle spin (in some models of automatic machines).

The “Delicate wash” mode provides for a gentle attitude to the fabric and the product itself, but the drum speed is slightly increased, the amount of water consumed is greater than with a manual one, the spin function is completely disabled or switches to a gentle mode. This is the difference between a hand wash and a delicate wash. In the hand wash mode, the process of cleaning things is more gentle and more accurate.

You can properly wash a thing made of thin fabric in two ways - in the washing machine using a suitable mode, or with your own hands. A good option is to pre-soak the laundry in a soft powder or use special products in the form of a cream or gel. Then select the hand wash mode, use powders and products with a gentle effect.

If the machine does not have a hand wash mode, you can use the delicate mode as an alternative. In terms of their functionality, these modes are similar and give the same positive effect. When washing silk products, you can choose the "Silk" mode, things made from natural wool - the "Wool" mode, many machines provide the "Gentle wash" mode, you can also select it as an alternative to hand or delicate washing.

So that things made from delicate fabrics retain their appearance for a long time, do not stretch, do not tear in the process of cleaning them, Washing machine experts advise the following:

• it is not recommended to wash products in an automatic machine for which such a program is contraindicated (there is a sign “wash only by hand” on the label);
• carefully choose the modes, taking into account the duration of the process in time, the maximum heating of the water, the intensity of the drum rotation;
• it is better to wash things made of fabric with sequins, beads, decorated with embroidery from beads with your own hands - such products, even with the most gentle and delicate handling in the machine, can easily lose their appearance, and the beads can come off;
• choose the right detergent and additional special products for cleaning the product;
• use fabric conditioner (it gives the product a pleasant aroma, makes the thing soft and delicate to the touch, removes static electricity, removes creases, makes ironing easier);
• the process of cleaning the product from contamination in time should be minimal (prolonged rotation of products in the drum can negatively affect their appearance);
• load the washing machine correctly (you do not need to put more weight in the drum than is provided by the technical characteristics of the machine).

An overview of the "Hand wash" mode, see below.