Washing laundry by hand and drying it

Washing relies on three things working together: detergent, movement and rinsing. Detergent and soap contain substances that cling to grease and dirt on one side and to water on the other. In this way they lift dirt off the fibres and keep it suspended in the water. Lukewarm water helps, especially with greasy dirt.

Movement is the part the drum of a washing machine normally does. Kneading, squeezing, rubbing or a dolly – a stick with a head that moves the laundry up and down in the water – press water through the fabric and carry the loosened dirt out. Soaking saves effort here, because dried-on dirt loosens beforehand.

Rinsing follows a simple principle: several small rinses remove more detergent than a single large one with the same amount of water. Each round dilutes what is left in the fabric further. That saves water – a big advantage when it is scarce.

Sort first: lights, darks and heavily soiled items separately, so nothing runs and the cleanest things are washed first – that keeps the water usable longer. When water and energy are limited, underwear, socks, baby clothes and towels take priority. Outer clothing can often be worn longer and aired.

A little detergent is enough. Too much foam is hard to rinse out by hand and stays in the fabric, which can irritate the skin. Rub soap directly into stains. A sequence helps with rinsing: the last, almost clear rinse water of one load can serve as the first rinse for the next.

Wringing matters more than it seems: the less water remains in the fabric, the faster it dries. Roll large items in a dry towel and press them out. Then hang everything with space between items so air can get in.

When the water supply is uncertain, drinking and cooking always come first. Use water for laundry that is not needed for those. Do not pour used wash water into streams, lakes or onto vegetable beds, because detergent and dirt do not belong in waterways or food. During a water outage it can still be used, for example, to flush the toilet.

Clothing that has been in contact with floodwater, chemicals or oil can carry germs and pollutants. Handle it separately or dispose of it, touch it with gloves and clean it according to official advice. Hand washing does not replace disinfection.

Drying near a heat source is fine, but never on it or above it. Laundry over candles, stoves or radiant heaters can catch fire. Indoors, only dry with good ventilation, otherwise humidity rises and mould can form.

A large tub or two buckets – one for washing, one for rinsing – are enough to start with. A dolly or a clean plunger used only for this saves your hands. A washboard helps with stubborn dirt. Rubber gloves protect your skin if you work with detergent for a long time.

Add a washing line or cord, pegs and a place with airflow. Outdoors, wind and sun dry fastest. On the move, a sealed bag or dry bag is enough: put in water and a little soap, close it, knead, rinse. Dispose of the waste water away from streams and lakes.

Hand washing was the norm until washing machines spread and is still everyday practice in many parts of the world. It is physically tiring – bedding and towels in particular are heavy when wet. For large amounts over a long time it is therefore only a stopgap.

In emergencies, clean clothing is more than comfort. Clean, dry socks and underwear help prevent skin problems, sore spots and infections. If you have practised hand washing once – for example on holiday or on a weekend without the machine – you will know in an emergency how much water, time and energy it takes.