More gentle washing methods are required in order to maintain the satisfactory appearance of delicate or luxury garments. In the current study, a new washing method with an up-down tapping action was introduced for delicate garments. The influence of tapping washing parameters used in the new washing method on the removal of five different types of IEC soiling from cotton fabrics was investigated. The cleaning performance of the tapping washing method mainly relies on the turbulent flow of the washing liquor and a gentle mechanical tapping action without a friction force being applied to fabrics during laundry. Tapping washing could maintain the good appearance of the fabrics without fibre damage and remove water-soluble soil but it had difficulty removing water-insoluble soil. However, the washing efficiency of water-insoluble soil could be improved by adjusting the levels of washing parameters. Further development and optimisation of the up-down tapping washing method could make a good balance between sufficient washing of soiled fabrics and the maintenance of fabric appearance without causing fibre damage.