Abstract: A method of abrading fabric garments in a washing machine. The garments are placed in the washing compartment of a washing machine and the machine is filled with sufficient hot water to cover the garments. The garments are thoroughly soaked, and then the compartment is drained of sufficient water to enable the compartment to accept a predetermined amount of small sized abrasive particles to uniformly abrade the garments. The abrasive particles are added to the compartment and agitated until the garments are uniformly abraded. Next the compartment is drained of substantially all of the water and abrasive with the drainage fluid passing through a filter or trap capable of separating the abrasive from the water; rinsing and redraining are accomplished, and the sand removed from the filter for reuse in subsequent abrading operations.