Welcome To Soak School
101 Things to Wash with Soak
What will you wash with Soak next?
Most people use Soak for their handmade knits and loveliest lingerie...the things that say hand-wash only and mean it. But somewhere along the way, you start to wonder: what else? A watch strap, a fabric camera bag or a beloved hat that's been through too many summers.
We wondered the same thing — and then we started testing. Here are 101 things you can wash with Soak. Some of them you'd expect. Some you wouldn't. And all of them can use a little love from Soak to help keep them clean and looking great.
101 Things to wash with Soak...
...for makers
1. Hand-knit sweaters
2. Shawls
3. Socks
4. Mittens
5. Hand-sewn / me-made garments
(especially before first wear — removes sizing if you didn't pre-wash your fabric)
6. Crochet blankets and accessories
7. Fabric yardage before sewing and quilting (pre-shrink, remove sizing, get rid of excess dye)
8. Finished quilts (Soak is gentle enough for heirloom piecing)
9. Hand-dyed fibres and yarn — remove excess dye gently
10. Embroidery and needlepoint pieces
11. Blocking your knits
12. Tapestry/weaving projects
13. Cross-stitch projects
14. Costumes & cosplay outfits
...for the items that live next to your skin.
15. Underwire bras (machine washing destroys the wire casing and elastic — hand-washing with Soak preserves both)
16. Bralettes and soft bras
17. Silk knickers and underwear
18. Stockings and delicate tights
19. Shapewear
20. Vintage or heirloom slips and camisoles
21. Bridal lingerie
22. Nursing bras and sleep bras
23. Corsets and structured intimates
24. Swimwear— bikinis and one-pieces (chlorine and sunscreen degrade elastic; washing with Soak right after use means they don't linger on the fibres.)
25. Silk or satin sleep masks
26. Makeup brushes (Soak loosens product buildup without drying bristles)
27. Makeup sponges and beauty blenders
...for active bodies
28. Leggings and sports bras
29. Compression socks and sleeves (elastic, fabrics with stretch...think Lycra®, and compression fabric degrade with heat and harsh washing)
30. Running shirts and base layers (moisture-wicking finishes survive longer with gentle wash)
31. Cycling kit — bibs, jerseys and shorts (chamois padding especially)
32. Yoga wear
33. Gym gloves and hand wraps
34. Chalk bags
35. Climbing ropes — Yes, really! (* Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing to preserve the safety of your rope.)
36. Dancewear
37. Running shoes
...for water lovers
38. Wetsuit
39. Swim caps
40. Goggles straps and cases
41. Reusable water bottle sleeves (neoprene)
...and trail-tested favourites
42. Hiking base layers (merino wool especially)
43. Wool hiking socks
44. Down jackets and vests
45. Softshell jackets
46. Helmet liners and buff neck gaiters
...for the living room
The pieces that make movie nights, afternoon naps, and lazy Sundays a little cozier.
47. Throw blankets and sofa blankets (especially chunky knit and wool)
48. Decorative cushion covers (especially embroidered or embellished)
49. Hand-knotted wool rugs (small ones — soak in the tub)
50. Wool or sisal rug pads
51. Curtains and sheers (often "dry-clean only", but many are fine with Soak —test first)
52. Macramé wall hangings
...and around the table
For everyday meals and the celebrations you'll remember forever.
53. Table linens — linen and natural fibre tablecloths, napkins, placemats
54. Vintage or heirloom pieces
55. Linen tea towels
...for the bedroom
Because the things you sleep with deserve a refresh, too.
56. Duvet covers
57. Cashmere throws
58. Silk or linen lampshades (careful — test for colour fastness first)
...and family favourites
The well-loved pieces that are part of your story.
59. Stuffed animals and plush toys (especially beloved or heirloom ones)
60. Pet beds and pet blankets
61. Pet harnesses
62. Pet leashes
...for the eco-conscious
63. That vintage find you rescued instead of buying new
64. The cashmere sweater that's been in your wardrobe for 15 years because you care for it
Passed down & well loved. Proof that good care goes a long way.
65. The wool blanket from your grandmother — still going because it was loved and cared for
66. Hand-me-downs: baby & kid items, passed from child to child
Built to last. Because maintaining what you own matters.
67. Technical gear that lasts decades when maintained
68. The "investment piece" that was worth buying once because it'll last
...for the clothing curator
The Classics: The how-to-wash questions we hear most.
69. Cashmere pieces
The #1 question we get. Soak is made for cashmere. Cold water, 15 minutes, press (don't wring), block to dry.
70. Silk pieces
The #2 question. Soak gently cleans silk fibers to help preserve the fabric. No hot water, no agitation, no wringing.
Delicates & Details. Beautiful pieces deserve thoughtful care.
71. Sequined and beaded pieces (Soak loosens grime without catching embellishments)
72. Lace blouses and overlays
73. Embroidered tops
74. Velvet (gentle soak, reshape while wet)
75. Sarees
Everyday Elegance. The pieces that quietly do the heavy lifting.
76. Hand-wash-only labels — anything and everything
77. Linen blazers and trousers
78. Wool trousers
79. Spot cleaning silk ties
...for the scent-sensitive
Thoughtful care starts here. The wash list for fragrance-free living.
Tiny Beginnings: Gentle care for life's newest arrivals.
80. All newborn clothing (no fragrance, no residue — Soak Scentless is ideal)
81. Baby blankets and swaddles
82. Baby carriers and wraps
83. Cloth diapers and covers
Comfort & Recovery: For the moments when soft and gentle matters most.
84. Mastectomy bras and soft post-surgical bras
85. Prosthetic breast forms and covers
86. Post-surgical garments and compression pieces
87. Clothing worn during chemo or radiation (Skin sensitivity can be extreme — Soak has a skincare-grade formula)
Sensitive skin solutions: because clean should feel comfortable.
88. Bedding for people with chemical sensitivities
89. Items for people with eczema or psoriasis
90. Allergy sufferers' bedding and pillowcases (remove dust and allergens gently)
...for the globetrotter & those on the road
Frequent flyer favourites: the pieces that work overtime while you travel.
91. Merino travel shirts and base layers (merino + Soak = the ultimate travel combo)
92. Travel underwear (wash in the sink, dry by morning)
93. Compression socks (after a long flight)
94. Silk scarves and wraps
Adventure ready: because the trip doesn't stop for laundry day.
95. Workout clothes(mid-trip)
96. Camping (Soak is biodegradable-friendly — check local leave-no-trace guidelines)
97. Washing at an airport layover (yes, people do this)
98. Cruise stateroom sink
99. Backpacks, handbags & luggage
100. Parkas
101. Car interiors
Over the years, our beloved customers have shared with us many of the things they wash with Soak. The list, it turns out, is never really finished. If something in your life deserves a little gentle care, chances are Soak has something to say about it. We'd love to hear what's on your list.
p.s. If you love Soak laundry soap, we'd love it if you left a review here. And don't forget to mention what you wash with Soak. You could make someone's day by solving one of their laundry challenges!