Best Handwash & Delicates of 2025

Kiera Browne Avatar
Kiera Browne
Last Updated: 2 Feb 2025

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When it comes to keeping our clothes and linens clean, it's important to use products that are gentle yet effective. Handwash and delicates detergents are designed specifically for delicate fabrics and items that require extra care. These products are typically free of harsh chemicals and are formulated to protect colours and prevent shrinkage. Whether you're washing silk, lace, or cashmere, using a handwash or delicates detergent can help ensure that your items stay looking and feeling their best.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Dettol Lemon Washing Machine Cleaner, 6-Pack Cover #TOP 1
Dettol Lemon Washing Machine Cleaner, 6-Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Stergene Handwash for Delicates 500ml (Pack of 3) Cover #TOP 2
Stergene Handwash for Delicates 500ml (Pack of 3)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Ecover Hand Wash Refill with Citrus Scent Cover #TOP 3
Ecover Hand Wash Refill with Citrus Scent
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Handwash & Delicates

#TOP 1

Dettol Lemon Washing Machine Cleaner, 6-Pack

3165218
Dettol Lemon Washing Machine Cleaner, 6-Pack Cover
Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner, Lemon, Multipack of 6 X 250ml, Total of 1.5L, Wasing Machine Limescale Remover, Washing Machine Descaler, Antibacterial, Disinfectant, Laundry

The Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner offers 5-in-1 protection against bacteria, odours, limescale, dirt, and enhances freshness. By killing 99.9% of bacteria, it ensures a hygienic wash for your laundry. The cleaner also acts as a descaler, effectively removing limescale to improve your machine's performance. It reaches hidden areas, eliminating bad odours and leaving a long-lasting freshness. For optimal results, simply use it every two months in an empty machine.

What We Like
Kills 99.9% of bacteria
Removes limescale effectively
Eliminates bad odours
Enhances machine performance
Easy to use
#TOP 2

Stergene Handwash for Delicates 500ml (Pack of 3)

033091
500 ml (Pack of 3)
Stergene Handwash for Delicates 500ml (Pack of 3) Cover
Stergene Handwash Delicates Gentle Care 500ml (Pack of 3)

Stergene Handwash Delicates is a gentle, non-biological liquid designed for washing wool, silk, and other delicate fabrics. This product helps you maintain the beauty of your delicates, ensuring they look like new for longer. Its rich, silky formula cleanses and refreshes while protecting the fibres, leaving your fabrics beautifully soft and fresh. Plus, it has been dermatologically tested, making it safe for your skin. With Stergene Handwash Delicates, you can care for your treasured items with confidence.

What We Like
Gentle on delicate fabrics
Maintains garment appearance
Leaves fabrics soft
Dermatologically tested
#TOP 3

Ecover Hand Wash Refill with Citrus Scent

transparent
950 ml (Pack of 1)
Ecover Hand Wash Refill with Citrus Scent Cover
Ecover Hand Wash Refill, Hand Soap, Gentle Hand Cleansing, Fresh Citrus & Orange Blossom Scent, Pack of 1, 1 x 950ml

The Ecover Hand Wash Refill offers a gentle cleansing experience, perfect for keeping your hands happy and healthy. Its dermatologically tested formula is pH-neutral, ensuring your hands remain soft and silky without any overwhelming fragrance. The delightful Citrus and Orange Blossom scent adds a refreshing touch to your handwashing routine. Made with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients, this refill is an eco-friendly choice that aligns with your values while providing effective hand hygiene.

What We Like
Dermatologically tested formula
Subtle and refreshing fragrance
Eco-friendly biodegradable ingredients
Convenient refill packaging
Pioneering brand since 1979

Method Hand Wash Refill with French Lavender

4005465
Violet
1 l (Pack of 2)
Method Hand Wash Refill with French Lavender Cover
Method Hand Wash Refill, Hand Soap, Gentle Hand Cleansing, Fresh Scent French Lavender, Pack of 2, 2 x 1L

The Method Hand Wash Refill offers a caring formulation that leaves your hands beautifully soft while effectively removing dirt and germs. By washing your hands thoroughly for at least 30 seconds, you can significantly reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses in your home, promoting a healthier living environment. Enjoy a burst of refreshing fragrance with its rich, creamy lather, transforming your hand wash routine. With non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients, this hand wash delivers a powerful clean without harming the planet.

What We Like
Softens hands effectively
Reduces bacteria spread
Refreshing fragrance
Non-toxic ingredients
#TOP 5

Granny's Fragrance Free Soap Flakes 425g

Granny's
SW1017
Natural
425 g (Pack of 1)
Granny's Fragrance Free Soap Flakes 425g Cover
1 x Granny's SOAP FLAKES Original Fragrance Free 425g Bag No Allergens No Bleach

Granny's Soap Flakes are a gentle yet effective cleaning solution, perfect for those with sensitive skin. These vegan-friendly, fragrance-free flakes are made without bleach or allergens, making them ideal for delicate fabrics like wool and silk. You can confidently use them for handwashing or in your washing machine, ensuring your laundry remains fresh and clean. Additionally, they are excellent for general home cleaning, suitable for various surfaces, including wood and marble, providing a versatile and safe cleaning option for your home.

What We Like
Gentle on skin and fabrics
Ideal for delicate materials
Vegan-friendly formulation
Versatile cleaning for home
#TOP 6

Cashmere, Wool & Delicates Shampoo Detergent 475ml

CSHAM
Lavender
475 ml (Pack of 1)
Cashmere, Wool & Delicates Shampoo Detergent 475ml Cover
Cashmere, Wool & Delicates Shampoo Detergent 475ml, Made in UK, Lavender

The Lona Scott Delicate Detergent is perfect for caring for your cashmere, wool, and other delicate fabrics. With its highly concentrated formula, it provides up to 40 washes, ensuring long-lasting value for your laundry needs. Whether you prefer hand washing or using a machine, this detergent is versatile and user-friendly. Its nontoxic, biodegradable, and allergen-free composition means you can clean your clothes without worrying about harmful chemicals, making it a safe choice for you and the environment.

What We Like
Suitable for delicate fabrics
Highly concentrated for 40 washes
Nontoxic and biodegradable
Versatile for hand or machine wash
Allergen-free formulation
#TOP 7

The Lab Co. Eco Laundry Detergent Strips

TLCWLSRF32EXXX
The Lab Co. Eco Laundry Detergent Strips Cover
The Lab Co. Laundry Detergent Strips Sheets Eco Ultra-Concentrated Non-Bio Refreshing Fragrance Lime Eucalptus Cucumber Hand and Machine Washing. Up to 32 Loads.

The Lab Co. Detergent Strips offer an eco-friendly and convenient option for your laundry needs. With one sheet equating to two strips, you can enjoy pre-measured doses, eliminating waste and mess. These strips dissolve completely in both hot and cold water, ensuring effective cleaning regardless of your washing preferences. They are also gentle on the skin, providing a soothing fragrance that enhances your laundry experience.

What We Like
Eco-friendly and convenient
Pre-measured, no mess
Dissolves in hot and cold water
Gentle on skin
Refreshing fragrance
#TOP 8

Elm Valley Soaps Buttermilk White Soap Bars

ELM VALLEY SOAPS
ELM VALLEY/white Laundry/ Household Soap
Cream / White
70 g (Pack of 12)
Elm Valley Soaps Buttermilk White Soap Bars Cover
ELM VALLEY SOAPS Household/Laundry Buttermilk White Soap 12 x 70g Bars *Made In Yorkshire*

Elm Valley Soaps offers a pack of 12 x 70g bars of traditional buttermilk soap, perfect for general household use. Made in Yorkshire, these soaps are lightly scented and enriched with conditioning buttermilk, ensuring your skin feels soft and nourished. They are trusted by vets, hospitals, and farmers, highlighting their effectiveness and reliability. You can use them for various cleaning tasks around the home, making your laundry and handwashing routines simpler and more pleasant.

What We Like
Traditional household use
Lightly scented
Enriched with buttermilk
Trusted by professionals
Made in Yorkshire
#TOP 9

Stergene Gentle Care Detergent for Delicates

9224698
500 ml (Pack of 1)
Stergene Gentle Care Detergent for Delicates Cover
Stergene Gentle Care Washing Detergent for Cashmere Wool, Silk and All Delicate handwash only Fabric 500ml (15 Washes) by Unknown

Stergene Gentle Care Detergent is specifically designed for handwashing delicate fabrics such as cashmere, wool, and silk. This 500ml bottle provides enough detergent for 15 washes, making it a practical choice for those who want to maintain the quality of their delicate items. By using this detergent, you can ensure that your cherished fabrics receive the gentle care they deserve, preventing damage and prolonging their lifespan. This product makes washing delicate items easy and effective, giving you peace of mind while caring for your wardrobe.

What We Like
Ideal for delicate fabrics
15 washes per bottle
Gentle on cashmere and silk
Easy to use for handwashing
#TOP 10

Soak Laundry Soap – No Rinse, Plant Derived

71592
Multicolor
375 ml (Pack of 1)
Soak Laundry Soap – No Rinse, Plant Derived Cover
Soak Laundry Soap – No Rinse, Plant Derived Hand Wash Detergent - 375 ml / 12 fl. oz, 75+ Washes (Fig)

Soak Laundry Soap offers a convenient no-rinse formula, perfect for washing delicate items by hand. Originating from Canada, this plant-derived detergent allows you to care for your favourite garments without the hassle of traditional washing methods. With a bottle size of 375 ml, you can expect over 75 washes, making it a cost-effective choice. Its compact packaging, measuring 8.35 cm in length and width, fits easily in your laundry space, ensuring you always have it on hand for those delicate washes.

What We Like
No rinse needed
Plant-derived ingredients
Over 75 washes
Compact packaging
Ideal for delicates
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is hand wash and delicate the same?

A delicate wash cycle (or “delicates”) is the washing machine equivalent to handwashing. The difference between hand wash vs delicate cycle is that this setting uses cold water with low agitation or slow spin and is the shortest and most gentle cleaning cycle.

2. Can handwash items be washed on delicate?

Always wash hand wash garments in cold water or on a delicate cycle. Cold water is less likely to shrink your clothing or alter the colors. The delicate cycle offers less agitation, even in machines with a central agitator.

3. What is handwash on washer?

Hand washing involves manually removing soils with water, detergent, and a gentle squeezing action. A care label that calls for machine washing in a delicate or gentle cycle indicates soils in the garment can be removed with water, detergent or soap, slow agitation, and reduced time in a washing machine.

Editor's Notes

During our handwash & delicate research, we found 104 handwash & delicate products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 34,856 customer reviews through our big data system to write the handwash & delicates list. We found that most customers choose handwash & delicates with an average price of £12.19.

The handwash & delicates are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of handwash & delicates, including Dettol, Stergene, Ecover, Method, Granny's. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 10,693 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Kiera Browne Avatar

Kiera Browne served as chef and caterer in Purslane Restaurant for three years before establishing her restaurant. Kiera now owns two restaurants and a culinary school all over the United Kingdom. Kiera has featured in magazines and editorials, providing recipes for various dishes. Using her skills and knowledge in the culinary field, Kiera has published few pamphlets on preparing various cuisines.