In 2023, I made a crazy New Year’s resolution: to hand-wash all of my delicates! I know for many people, that sounds like a crazy goal to follow through on. But after damaging a few fragile items in the wash, I decided this year would be the one where I upped my laundry game. Luckily, I’ve found the best detergent for delicate clothes. Dirty Labs recently launched their Hand Wash & Delicates Detergent, and it has been my most-reached for laundry product this year.
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Detergent: Use code ‘SBSCIENCE‘ for 10% off. Linen PJs: Wearing XS.
Why Use a Laundry Detergent for Delicate Clothes
Truthfully, I never used to differentiate between regular and delicate detergent. Do they really make a difference? Most detergents contain 2 active ingredients: surfactants, and enzymes.
- Surfactants: Create the foaming and soapy ‘effect’ by helping to lift stains/dirt.
- Enzymes: Bio-active ingredients that help to break down protein-based dirt such as sweat, and organic/food stains.
Delicate detergents are formulated either without enzymes entirely, or by omitting specific ones. That way, they are gentler on protein-based fibers such as wool and silk. In contrast, regular detergents that do contain enzymes have the potential to break down protein-based (i.e. wool and silk) fibers. If you have a precious piece of clothing you are concerned about, choose the delicate wash detergent to be safe.
Delicate detergents help to effectively clean your higher-maintenance, and fragile garments. In turn, they help to prolong your clothing lifespan. Read your clothing label, and make sure to use a delicate detergent for pieces that say ‘Hand Wash Only.’
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How I Use My Dirty Labs Hand Wash & Delicates Detergent
I most commonly use the Dirty Labs’ Delicates Detergent to wash silk, wool, and lightweight pieces in the sink. (Note: You can also add detergent to your washer under the ‘gentle’ or ‘delicate’ cycle) Each bottle comes with a silicon beaker, with markings for 8, 12, and 16 ml. Because their formula is hyper-concentrated, 8 mL is plenty when I am just washing pieces for myself.
- Fill a basin with cold water, and add 8 mL of Dirty Labs detergent.
- Swirl to create bubbles.
- Add in dirty laundry and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
- Swish and hand-wash delicates, but be careful not to warp or wring fabric.
- Pour out detergent, and then rinse clothes in cold water by pressing down on fabric.
Before & After Using Dirty Labs Hand Wash Detergent
Dirty Labs uses different enzymes in their detergent to target a multitude of stains. As such, I have found that just by soaking my clothes, so much dirt comes off before I even start washing! Below is a comparison of the water from washing my Lunya silk pajamas. (I wore these for 1-week before washing)
- First Wash: Soaked and hand washed my pajamas. Water was yellow and murky.
- Clear Water: Used for comparison – you can actually see the bottom of the basin!
If you are on the search of the best detergent for delicate clothes, I’ve used Dirty Labs on so many items including silk, undergarments, lace, and swimwear. Since making this switch, underwear that I’ve owned for a year are still in excellent condition.
How My Clothes Smell After
I hope that some day, Dirty Labs comes out with a scented version of their Hand Wash Detergent. For now, however, their bottle is fragrance free and perfectly safe for sensitive skin. I have washed my some of my sweatiest, smelliest clothes with this stuff and they come out odorless and no longer sticky. (That’s how I know they are clean!)
Use ‘SBSCIENCE‘ for 10% Off your Dirty Labs Order.
Dirty Labs Regular vs Hand-Wash Detergent
Dirty Labs uses an advanced enzyme cleaning technology called Phytolase® in all of their detergents. Read my review of their regular detergents HERE. I did a side-by-side comparison of the ingredients in both their regular and hand-wash formulas. The main difference is that the regular Bio-Based Detergent contains protease (enzymes that can break down proteins) while the Hand-Wash Delicates Detergent does not. Based on the explanation I offered in the beginning, this formulation makes a lot of sense!
Note: I have checked in with the Dirty Labs team, and their regular Bio-Based Detergent can be used on wool and silk garments. But the Hand-Wash Detergent is best suited for fine wool and silks. However, since ‘fineness’ can bee a subjective term, I use the Hand-Wash Detergent on all of my delicates to stay on the safe side.
Best Detergent for Delicate Clothes: A Summary
Dirty Labs is the only laundry detergent brand I use now, and their Hand Wash & Delicate Detergent is one of the best ones I’ve tried. It is gently formulated without proteases (a type of enzyme) that makes it safe to use on fine wool and silk fabrics. I’ve also used their detergent on a multitude of other garments (e.g. swimsuits, lace, thin fabrics). These pieces have always come out looking, smelling, and feeling clean!
Use my code ‘SBSCIENCE‘ for 10% off your order, and as always, leave a comment if you have any specific questions.
