Differences between delicate and hand washing in a washing machine

Differences between delicate and hand washing in a washing machine Intuitively, it always seems that hand washing and delicate washing are essentially the same thing, it’s just that different SM manufacturers use different program names. And therefore, many are surprised when they find two different modes on their washing unit - “Hand Wash” and “Delicate Wash”. It turns out that delicate washing is somehow different from hand washing. Let's try to figure out why exactly, and what is the benefit of these differences to the user of an automatic washing machine?

Delicate and hand wash: similarities and differences

If you try to find information on this issue on the Internet, you can come across observations of housewives and certain conclusions obtained empirically. They agree that delicate washing requires a particularly low drum speed, spin speed and temperature, so as not to damage things. However, this program is suitable for items that are generally machine washable.

As for the manual washing program, it sort of automates the process of washing clothes, which in theory should not be washed automatically. When washing by hand, the drum practically does not rotate, so you may even get the impression that the unit is broken, it works so carefully. the machine uses more water

So, let's now summarize the information received about what distinguishes hand washing from delicate washing, if we are talking about SM programs in both cases.

Important! By definition, “Hand Wash” washes items more gently than “Delicate Wash.”

When the user starts a hand wash program, the drum practically does not rotate throughout the entire cycle, but only sways slightly. This mode is ideal for items that have a warning on the tag that prohibits automatic washing. It would seem that this is a contradiction, but in the new generation of washing machines, the manual mode is implemented so well that it actually completely repeats the same actions of the housewife.

Using the delicate cycle, you can wash items that are officially machine washable. At the same time, the program parameters will allow you to preserve the color and shape of “complex” products.

The common features of delicate and hand washing can be summarized in a list.

Low water temperature (not higher than 30-40 degrees).
Large amount of water.
Reduced drum loading volume. If the usual load volume of a washing machine is, say, 5.5 kg, then the load volume for a delicate wash will be 1.5 kg, and for a hand wash it will be generally only 1 kg.

However, the difference between these programs is still quite noticeable. Tulle, curtains, lace, wool, silk, cashmere, microfiber, etc. are usually washed on the delicate cycle. Also, when washing, it is advisable to use special bags so that things do not cling to the drum, although for bulky items it will not be easy to find a suitable bag.

Washing “by hand” does not at all imply that things should be delicate. The main feature of products with this marking is the prohibition on twisting and pressure, hence the specificity of the drum’s operation. You can hand wash items of outerwear, as well as membrane items.

Detergents for these modes

The correct choice of detergent is an essential condition for quality washing. When it comes to capricious fabrics that require careful handling, you can forget about loose dry powders and aggressive bleaches.Your friend in this matter is liquid detergents without chlorine, phosphate and enzymes. They maintain the color pigment of the fabric in good condition, take care of the structure of the fibers and at the same time easily dissolve and do not settle on the products. Thus, real gentle washing includes both choosing the right program on the washing machine and choosing the right cleaner.

Note! Lanolin is used as a softener in many liquid products, and it perfectly removes stains just as well as bleaches.

If carefully reading the ingredients written on a bottle of product while standing in the middle of a store is too much for you, you can make your task easier and simply buy a gel marked “for gentle cleansing” or something similar.