Washing your clothes by hand seems counterproductive, especially when there’s a perfectly good washing machine that can do all of the work for you. But sometimes the best thing you can do is to take a manual approach to cleaning your clothes.
While many people hand wash their delicates, such as bras and panties, you can truly handwash almost any article of clothing that you have. Hand washing is a great option if you need to quickly get rid of a stain or if you don’t have a large enough load to justify running the washing machine.
But to get rid of stains and odors, you’ll want to use a detergent that works well for hand washing. Below you’ll find a guide to the 20 best detergents for hand washing clothes. These detergents get rid of dirt and grime without harsh chemicals that leave your skin feeling dry and irritated.
- Loni Labs Bio Detergent
- Soak Wash Lacey
- Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Dirty Labs Hand Wash & Delicates Detergent
- All Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
- SinkSuds Laundry Detergent
- Eucalan Fine Fabric Wash
- Woolite Delicates Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Knitiq No Rinse Delicate Wash Liquid Detergent
- Blissy Wash Laundry Detergent
- ECOS Laundry Detergent
- Heritage Park Silk & Wool Laundry Detergent
- Orleans Nu Wash Angel Fine Laundry Detergent
- Sea to Summit Trek & Travel Laundry Wash
- Purex Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Attitude Laundry Detergent
- Forever New Delicate Detergent
- Persil ProClean Detergent
- Murchison-Hume Everything Laundry Soap
- Tide Plus Bleach Alternative
Keep reading to find the best hand washing detergent to get your clothes clean and smelling fresh.
1. Loni Labs Bio Detergent
Loni Labs Bio Detergent is a premium laundry detergent that combines powerful cleaning performance with eco-friendly ingredients. This bio-based formula is derived from renewable plant sources and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, phosphates, or synthetic fragrances. It’s a top choice for hand washing.
Loni Labs Bio Detergent effectively tackles dirt, stains, and odors while being gentle on fabrics and skin. With its biodegradable and sustainable formulation, Loni Labs Bio Detergent provides a responsible choice for a clean and green laundry routine.
2. Soak Wash Lacey
Soak Wash Lacey is a special detergent that’s uniquely designed to care for delicate and lace garments. The gentle formula effectively cleans and rejuvenates delicate fabrics, leaving them soft and smelling great. Soak Wash Lacey is made with plant-based and biodegradable ingredients. It’s easy to use and is a safe way to hand wash your delicates while keeping them in good shape for many washes.
3. Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent
Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent is a gentle and hypoallergenic laundry detergent. The fragrance-free and dye-free formula is specially designed for sensitive skin and hand washing. It effectively cleans and removes stains while being gentle on delicate fabrics.
4. Dirty Labs Hand Wash & Delicates Detergent
Dirty Labs Hand Wash & Delicates Detergent is the go-to solution for hand washing clothes and caring for your delicates. This gentle detergent is specifically designed to remove dirt and stains while being gentle on fabrics and skin.
The mild formula provides a thorough clean without causing damage or irritating your skin. Dirty Labs Hand Wash & Delicates Detergent is ideal for hand washing delicate items, such as lingerie, silk, and cashmere.
5. All Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
All Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent is a trusted option for anyone with sensitive skin or allergies. This detergent is specially formulated without any dyes or perfumes, making it gentle and non-irritating, which is ideal for hand washing. It effectively removes stains and odors while keeping fabrics soft and fresh.
6. SinkSuds Laundry Detergent
SinkSuds Laundry Detergent is a convenient and portable solution for washing your clothes when you’re away from home. These lightweight and compact sheets dissolve quickly in water, providing a powerful cleaning action. Each sheet is pre-measured, eliminating the need for measuring or carrying bulky bottles of detergent.
SinkSuds Laundry Detergent effectively removes dirt and stains, leaving your clothes fresh and clean.
7. Eucalan Fine Fabric Wash
Eucalan Fine Fabric Wash is a gentle way to wash your delicate items. This no-rinse formula is ideal for woolens, silks, and other fine fabrics. It effectively cleans and conditions the fibers, helping to preserve their softness and integrity. Eucalan Fine Fabric Wash is enriched with lanolin, which acts as a natural moisturizer and protector.
It’s available in various scents, leaving your garments with a subtle, refreshing aroma that lasts between washes.
8. Woolite Delicates Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent
Woolite Delicates Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent offers gentle care for your delicates. This hypoallergenic detergent effectively cleans and protects delicate garments such as lingerie, silk, and lace. It’s formulated without any harsh chemicals, dyes, or enzymes that can damage or irritate sensitive fabrics.
Woolite Delicates leaves clothes feeling soft and fresh while maintaining their shape and color.
9. Knitiq No Rinse Delicate Wash Liquid Detergent
Knitiq No Rinse Delicate Wash Liquid Detergent is a convenient and efficient solution for washing delicate fabrics without any rinsing. This innovative detergent is specially formulated to gently clean and deodorize delicate garments such as knits, wool, and silk.
Knitiq No Rinse Delicate Wash Liquid Detergent is tough on dirt and odors, leaving your delicate fabrics clean and smelling amazing.
10. Blissy Wash Laundry Detergent
Blissy Wash Laundry Detergent offers a luxurious and effective cleaning experience. Specifically designed for delicate fabrics, this detergent preserves the softness and shine of silk. The gentle formula effectively removes dirt and stains while nourishing and rejuvenating the fibers. Blissy Wash Laundry Detergent is also free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, ensuring a delicate and non-irritating wash.
11. ECOS Laundry Detergent
ECOS Laundry Detergent is a sustainable and effective option for your hand washing needs. This plant-powered detergent is made with natural ingredients and is formulated without any harsh chemicals, dyes, and phosphates. It effectively cleans clothes while being gentle on both fabrics and skin.
ECOS Laundry Detergent is also biodegradable and eco-friendly, offering a greener approach to laundry. With a variety of scents and formulations available, you can choose the one that suits your needs.
12. Heritage Park Silk & Wool Laundry Detergent
Heritage Park Silk & Wool Laundry Detergent is a top option for taking the best care of your delicate fabrics. This detergent is specifically formulated to gently clean silk, wool, and other fine fabrics. It effectively removes dirt and stains while preserving the natural fibers' softness and integrity.
Free from harsh chemicals and enzymes, Heritage Park Silk & Wool Laundry Detergent ensures a gentle and non-irritating wash, making it a top choice for hand washing.
13. Orleans Nu Wash Angel Fine Laundry Detergent
Orleans Nu Wash Angel Fine Laundry Detergent is a luxurious and specialized detergent for delicates and fine fabrics. This gentle formula effectively cleans and preserves the beauty of your most delicate garments, including silk, lace, and cashmere. It’s formulated without any harsh chemicals, dyes, and perfumes, ensuring a delicate and non-irritating wash.
Give your fine garments the care they deserve with this premium laundry detergent.
14. Sea to Summit Trek & Travel Laundry Wash
Need to wash clothes while on the go? Sea to Summit Trek & Travel Laundry Wash is just what you need. This concentrated liquid detergent is designed to effectively clean your garments in outdoor and travel settings. It’s biodegradable and phosphate-free, making it environmentally friendly.
The small and lightweight bottle is easy to pack, making it ideal for backpacking or camping trips.
15. Purex Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
Purex Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent is great for hand washing as it's safe for those with sensitive skin or allergies. This detergent is specially formulated without any dyes or perfumes, making it gentle and non-irritating. It effectively removes stains and odors while keeping fabrics soft and fresh.
16. Attitude Laundry Detergent
Attitude Laundry Detergent is a trusted and eco-friendly option for your laundry needs, making it a great option for hand washing. This detergent is made from natural, plant-based ingredients, ensuring a gentle and effective clean for your clothes without irritating your skin. It effectively removes stains and odors without any harsh chemicals, dyes, and artificial fragrances.
Attitude Laundry Detergent is also hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
17. Forever New Delicate Detergent
Forever New Delicate Detergent is a great choice for gently and effectively cleaning delicate fabrics. Specifically designed for lingerie, swimwear, and other delicate garments, this detergent preserves the softness, color, and elasticity of your favorite items.
It's formulated with natural ingredients, doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, and is suitable for sensitive skin. Forever New Delicate Detergent removes stains, odors, and buildup while keeping your delicates looking and feeling good as new.
18. Persil ProClean Detergent
Persil ProClean Detergent is a top-rated laundry detergent known for its exceptional cleaning power. Its advanced stain-fighting formula tackles even the toughest stains, leaving clothes brilliantly clean and fresh. With a concentrated formula, a little goes a long way.
Persil ProClean is suitable for all types of fabrics and works effectively in both cold and hot water.
19. Murchison-Hume Everything Laundry Soap
Murchison-Hume Everything Laundry Soap is a high-quality detergent that delivers exceptional cleaning performance. Formulated with plant-derived ingredients, it effectively removes dirt, stains, and odors from clothes.
This detergent doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, dyes, or synthetic fragrances, making it a great option that’s gentle on both fabrics and your skin. Murchison-Hume Everything Laundry Soap leaves your laundry smelling fresh and clean with sustainable ingredients.
20. Tide Plus Bleach Alternative
Tide Plus Bleach Alternative is a powerful laundry detergent that offers the cleaning and stain-fighting capabilities of bleach without the harshness. It effectively removes tough stains and brightens whites and colors.
This detergent is safe for use on a variety of fabrics and works well for hand washing. With Tide Plus Bleach Alternative, you can enjoy the benefits of a bleach-like clean while keeping your clothes looking great.
Tips for hand washing your clothes
Hand washing your clothes is a gentle way to clean your garments. With hand washing, you can take extreme care throughout the process to avoid damaging your clothes. Here are some tips and tricks to follow when hand washing:
Read the care labels - Before washing anything, check the care labels on your clothes for any specific instructions or restrictions regarding hand washing.
Sort and separate - Sort your clothes based on color and fabric type to prevent color bleeding or damage. Always wash whites separately from colors and delicate fabrics separate from more durable ones.
Pre-treat stains - Prior to washing, treat any visible stains or spots with a stain remover or a gentle detergent. Gently rub the stain with your fingers or use a soft brush to help lift stains before washing.
Use the right detergent - Choose a mild and gentle detergent specifically designed for hand washing or delicate fabrics. Avoid using harsh or heavy-duty detergents that can be too harsh on certain fabrics.
Soak and agitate - Fill a clean sink with lukewarm water and add the appropriate amount of detergent. Fully submerge your clothes and let them soak for a few minutes. Gently agitate the water by swirling or rubbing the fabric together to help loosen dirt and grime.
Be gentle - While washing, avoid excessive agitation or scrubbing, especially for delicate fabrics. Instead, gently rub the fabric together or use a soft brush.
Rinse thoroughly - Rinse your clothes under running water or in a separate sink filled with clean water until all traces of soap are gone. The water should run clear and shouldn’t contain any suds.
Squeeze, don't wring - When removing excess water gently squeeze or press them against the side of the sink. Avoid wringing or twisting, as this can stretch or damage the fabric.
Drying - Lay your clothes flat on a clean towel or drying rack to air dry. Reshape them if needed and avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading or discoloration.
