When it comes to preserving the beauty and structure of your favorite pieces especially those crafted from lightweight, natural fabrics like rayon, cotton voile, linen, or viscose hand washing is the ultimate act of love. Unlike machine washing, which can cause stretching, fraying, or fading, hand washing allows you to care for your clothes gently and intentionally.
🫧 Why Hand Washing Matters
Most of Pantai’s pieces are designed with soft, breathable fabrics that respond best to minimal friction and gentle handling. Machine cycles even the delicate ones can be too aggressive for these airy weaves, causing seams to loosen, colors to dull, or the garment to lose its flowy drape.
🧴 What You’ll Need:
• A clean basin or sink
• Room temperature or cool water (avoid hot water which can cause shrinkage)
• A mild detergent (preferably formulated for delicates or baby clothing — no bleach, no enzymes)
• A soft towel for drying
🫧 Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Pre-check
Turn your garment inside out and check for stains. Spot clean gently with a soft cloth if needed.
2. Prepare the water
Fill a clean basin or sink with water that feels cool to the touch — around 20–30°C (68–86°F).
3. Add detergent
Pour in a small amount of mild detergent and swirl with your hand to create a soapy bath.
4. Wash gently
Submerge the garment fully and swirl it slowly. No twisting, pulling, or scrubbing — just gentle motion. Focus on areas like underarms or hems if needed.
5. Soak it
Let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes, especially for dresses that have seen sunscreen, sweat, or sea air.
6. Rinse well
Drain the basin, refill with clean water, and swish your garment until all the soap is gone. Repeat if needed.
7. Press, don’t wring
Lay the piece flat on a towel, roll it up like a sushi roll, and press lightly to absorb excess water. Never twist!
8. Dry the right way
Reshape the garment and lay it flat on a clean surface or hang it on a padded hanger, out of direct sunlight. Let it air dry fully.
🌿 Bonus Tip:
Avoid hanging heavy wet garments on thin hangers this can stretch the shoulders or necklines. Use padded, wide, or wooden hangers for better shape support.
By incorporating this mindful routine just once in a while especially after beach days, hot days, or when traveling you’ll extend the life and beauty of your favorite resortwear.
Your pieces will thank you for it. 🌺