Even in households that have a washing machine, woolens, silks, and other delicate materials are still frequently hand washed as washing machines tend to have a bad reputation when it comes to cleaning fragile garments. Looking back 5 or 10 years ago, this was certainly the case, but nowadays a new washing machine is specifically designed to include many different settings, allowing users to customize the wash. This way, you have roughly the same level of control as you do when you wash something by hand, but without all the effort! 

     Traditionally, there were many problems with washing delicate materials in a washing machine. A standard wash cycle meant that fabrics were exposed to water and detergent for extended periods of time. There also wasn’t the choice of detergents that we have today, so the soaps tended to be laden with harsh chemicals (great for removing stains, but bad for the longevity of the materials), and the vigorous motion of the spin cycle meant that the fibers were stretched and could easily snag on the internal workings of the machine. Fortunately, there are now many ways that you can help to protect your delicate garments during the washing process.
Place your wool and silk items into a wash bag. These inexpensive bags can be purchased in many shops, and are made from mesh. The small holes of the mesh allow water to penetrate the materials, helping to get them clean, but it prevents the garments from directly interacting with the machine, reducing the risk of snagging and tearing.
Use a mild and gentle laundry detergent. Detergents that contain more natural ingredients are practically as gentle as plain water, and they won’t discolor or damage your clothing. 
Set your washing machine machine to the ‘hand wash’ or ‘delicates’ setting, if your machine offers these options. If not, ensure your machine is set to a short wash, a gentle spin cycle, and a warm temperature of 30 degrees or less. The gentle spin will protect the garments from damage, and the cooler water will prevent shrinkage.
NEVER dry your delicates using a built-in dryer setting, or in a stand-alone dryer. The heat can cause the materials to shrink. Instead, silks can be dried naturally on the line, while woolens should be laid flat on a bath towel to prevent stretching. Always reshape your garments while they are damp, so that they dry in the correct shape.
If your delicates are creased after drying, don’t iron them. Steaming them is far better. If you don’t have a clothes steamer, run a hot bath with the door shut, and hang your clothing in the bathroom. The steam from the bath will help the creases fall out effortlessly.
     There really is no need to spend time and effort hand washing silk and woolen items. Make your washing machine do the hard work for you! As long as you take a few more precautions than you would with cottons, for example, you should find your clothes retain their shape and colour for many years.
Guest Post by Surf Excel