Forget the tedious chore of wringing out delicate garments by hand. A savvy social media user has revealed an ingenious method that uses a common kitchen gadget to dramatically speed up the drying process for hand-washed items.
The Kitchen Gadget That Revolutionises Hand Washing
While washing machines handle the bulk of our laundry, delicate fabrics like silk, cashmere, and lace often demand a gentle hand wash. The same goes for specialty items such as swimwear and certain activewear. The real challenge, however, comes after washing: removing excess water without damaging the fabric or straining your hands.
Mallory Matthews shared a video on Instagram on 14 January 2026 that has since captured widespread attention. She demonstrated how she uses a salad spinner, a Christmas gift from her sister, not for drying lettuce, but for spinning water out of a hand-washed jumper.
How The Clever Laundry Hack Works
Matthews explained her process in detail. First, she hand-washes the delicate garment directly in the bowl of the salad spinner. After emptying the soapy water, she gives the item a gentle squeeze before placing it into the spinner's basket.
She then secures the lid and uses the pump or crank mechanism to spin the basket at high speed. The centrifugal force pushes water out of the fabric, collecting it neatly in the bottom of the bowl—just as it would with salad leaves.
"I handwashed it in the salad spinner bowl, and then look," Mallory said in her video. After a few spins, she confirmed that while the jumper was still damp, it was no longer "sopping" wet and would dry in a fraction of the usual time.
Best Practices For Hand Washing Delicate Items
To ensure the best results and care for your clothes, follow these key steps when hand washing:
- Read Care Labels: Always check the garment's label for specific instructions.
- Sort Clothes: Separate items by colour and fabric type.
- Use Lukewarm Water: Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water, as hot water can damage delicate fibres.
- Add Mild Detergent: Use a small amount of gentle detergent and mix it into the water.
- Soak and Gently Agitate: Submerge the clothes for 5-10 minutes, then swirl them gently, focusing on soiled areas.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Empty the soapy water and refill with clean water until it runs clear.
- Remove Excess Water: Gently press clothes against the basin or use the salad spinner method. Avoid harsh wringing.
- Dry Flat or Air Dry: Lay items on a towel or hang them to dry according to the care label.
This simple yet effective hack from Mallory Matthews offers a practical solution to a common household problem, turning an underused kitchen tool into a laundry time-saver for delicate fabrics.
