Unlike regular laundry detergents, which contain tough grease-and dirt liftingingredients that make them alkaline or acidic, products made for delicates are closer to a neutral pH, and thus gentler on both fragile fabrics and your hands. Some are formulated towork in the washing machine on the gentle cycle. These include Woolite, which offers fine results and good value. For a splurge, try Victoria's Secret Gentle Affection Delicate Wash ($10 for 16 ounces, Victoria's Secret Beauty Stores, 800-888-8200 for locations), which testers found cleans effectively, sudses up just enough, and smells pretty to boot.

The caps on fine-washables detergent bottles, unlike those on regular liquid detergents, may not be measuring units, but since the typical amount needed for a load of delicates is two ounces, you can use a 1/4-cup measure, or spring for an OXO Mini Angled Measuring Cup ($4, 800-545-4411).