hand washing; water for washing hands
Refers to the act of washing one's hands, or the water/basin used for it. Common in daily life and hygiene contexts.
Please be sure to wash your hands before meals.
I'll prepare water for washing hands.
Polite euphemism for toilet/restroom, often used in public places or formal settings. The prefix お is frequently added (お手洗い).
See also: お手洗い
Excuse me, where is the restroom?
May I use your restroom?
hand-washing (laundry)
Specifically refers to washing clothes or fabric items by hand, as opposed to machine washing.
Please hand-wash this sweater.
Please do not machine-wash clothes with a hand-wash label.
Let's wash our hands before eating.
Excuse me, may I go to the restroom?
Please hand-wash this sweater.
May I use your restroom for a moment?
washbasin; washbowl