つまみ洗あらい

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb

spot washing; washing only the soiled part

Refers to the act of washing only a dirty spot on a garment, rather than the whole item. Often used in laundry contexts.

• 襟えりの汚よごれだけをつまみ洗あらいした。

  I spot-washed only the dirt on the collar.

• このセーターはつまみ洗あらいで十じゅう分ぶんきれいになる。

  This sweater will come clean enough with just spot washing.