The start of spring felt like a good time to give some winter sweaters a wash. Dry-cleaning is just about the worst thing you can do for your cashmere (more on that soon) and handwashing is way more economical than sending knits out to be cleaned. So I brought out my laundry companion — this rubber washing-up bowl by Normann Copenhagen — to work through handwashing a pile of sweaters. Why did I splurge on a rubber tub? I use this rubber basin all the time — it's a storage tub by day for a spillover of makeup and products in the bathroom. I've used it for flower arranging and putting champagne on ice. It's perfect for handwashing delicate glasses. You can flip the folded edge up if you need a deeper tub.
I secretly enjoy the ritual of handwashing delicates. The best way to clean sweaters: warmish water + the Laundress Wool + Cashmere shampoo. Their sulfate, phosphate and chlorine-free cashmere wash cleans delicate sweaters so well, and I love the scent it leaves on my hands.
How to handwash sweaters: Don't leave your sweaters too long in the water. The wash should only take about two to five minutes — anything longer and you'll stress the fabric and fade colors. Wriggle sweater around in sudsy water, then drain and replace with fresh water. Give your sweater a spin in the rinse water. You may need a second rinse for a bulky sweater. Wringing is bad. Instead, cup your sweater and lightly press out excess water. Then, lay your sweater on not-your-best white towel (reshape it on the towel) and roll up the towel to dry the sweater some more. Hanging up a wet sweater stretches out its shape, so lay sweaters flat to dry. C'est fini!
I've often seen the task of handwashing clothes photographed in a glass basin. Pretty for sure, but with my clumsy talent, I'd drop the glass basin with sudsy hands. Another reason why I love this rubber tub — it can't break.
