How to Wash Clothes in A Bathtub

A Simple Guide for Effective Cleaning With Broken Washing Machine!

Our economic times are tough right now, with the cost of living continually increasing, sometimes an overlooked, but very much used, household item can "die". If your washing machine has decided to take an extended "break" - don’t panic!

You can still get clean, fresh-smelling laundry —right in your bathtub!

While it might sound like a daunting task, washing clothes by hand in the bathtub or other smaller basin it is easier than you think, and it can be surprisingly effective.

Whether you’re in an emergency, living in a small space, or just prefer a more eco-friendly option, washing your laundry in the bath, laundry tub, kitchen or bathroom sink, is a great way to tackle laundry without a machine. Particularly for delicate clothing items.  TABLE OF CONTENTS

This guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions, tips to remove stubborn stains, and how to dry clothes without the use of a dryer.

Why Learn This? Washing clothes in the bathtub has numerous benefits:

• Great for emergencies when your washing machine breaks down or during power outages.

• Perfect for small spaces, especially in apartments or tiny homes where a washing machine may not be practical.

• Eco-friendly since it saves water and energy compared to machine washing.

• Handy for travel, camping, or self-sufficient living when you need to wash clothes on the go.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about how to wash clothes in your bathtub, including techniques for stain removal, tips for drying clothes, and how to maintain the freshness of your garments.

What You Need for You Start Washing Clothes in a Bathtub

Before you begin, it’s important to gather all the necessary items. Here’s a list of essentials:

With these basic items, you’re ready to begin the process of washing your clothes in the bathtub!

Step-by-Step Guide: Hand Washing Clothes in a Bathtub

Step 1: Sort Your Clothes by Colour & Fabric Type

Sorting your laundry, regardless of hand washing or machine washing, is the first crucial step in ensuring your clothes stay in good condition. Divide your clothes into separate piles:

• Lights and darks: This prevents colour bleeding, especially with new clothes.

• Delicates: Wash delicate items like lingerie, wool, and silk separately to prevent damage.

• Heavier items: Towels, blankets, and other thick fabrics should be washed separately from lighter materials like t-shirts or blouses to ensure even cleaning.

Step 2: Fill the Bathtub with Lukewarm Water

You’ll need enough water to fully submerge your clothes before you start hand washing your dirty clothes. Lukewarm soapy water (not hot) is ideal because hot water can shrink or fade your clothes, especially delicate fabrics. Fill the bathtub until the clothes are completely covered, but be mindful not to overflow.

Step 3: Add Detergent (Plus Optional Baking Soda/Vinegar)

• Detergent: If you don't make your own liquid laundry detergent or powder, read the manufactures guideline. It is important to avoid using too much detergent, as it can leave a residue on your clothes.

  

• Baking soda or vinegar: For an extra boost of freshness, add half a cup of baking soda or vinegar to the water. Baking soda helps eliminate odours, while white vinegar is excellent for removing stains and breaking down detergent residue.

Mix the water until the detergent is fully dissolved, and the water is evenly distributed. (*We have a great home made liquid laundry detergent recipe using washing soda and borax it will be coming up in a new article soon!)

Step 4: Submerge Clothes & Soak for 20-30 Minutes

Gently place your clothes into the bathtub, ensuring each piece is submerged. Press down on your clothing items, softly with your hands, to ensure an even soak. Let the clothes sit for 20-30 minutes to loosen dirt, sweat, and stains. If your clothes are heavily soiled, you may want to extend the soaking time.

Step 5: Agitate & Gently Scrub

Once the clothes have soaked, it’s time to mimic the agitation of a washing machine. You can either use your hands or a soft brush to scrub areas with visible stains, such as underarms, collars, and cuffs. Gently rub the fabric together for effective cleaning, paying special attention to any stubborn spots.

Step 6: Drain Water & Rinse Thoroughly

After you’ve finished scrubbing, drain the soapy, warm water from the bathtub. Refill the tub with clean, cool water and rinse each item thoroughly. It’s important to repeat this process until no soap residue remains on your clothes, as leftover detergent can irritate the skin and leave your clothes feeling stiff.

Step 7: Press Out Excess Water (No Wringing)

Once you’ve rinsed your clothes, it’s important to remove excess water without damaging the fabric. Avoid wringing clothes as it can stretch and damage delicate fabrics. Instead, gently press the clothes against the bathtub wall or roll them in a clean towel to absorb the moisture. This technique helps to reduce drying time.

Pro Tip

Great Drying Options for Wet Clothes

If you need a reliable, space-efficient solution to air-dry your clothes indoors, check out these top-rated drying products. These options are perfect for drying your clothes after washing them by hand in your bathtub, ensuring they stay fresh and dry quickly.

• Hills Portable 120: This portable clothesline is a fantastic option for small spaces or when you’re on the go. It’s compact yet provides ample room to hang your clothes, perfect for indoor drying.

• AirDry Fold Down Clotheslines: are a great way to dry them efficiently. These space-saving clothesline allows for natural air drying, helping preserve your clothes' shape and fabric quality. It's an eco-friendly option that reduces energy use and ensures your clothes dry fresh and quickly, making it an ideal solution after hand-washing in the bathtub.

• Hills Portable 170: If you need a slightly larger clothesline, the Hills Portable 170 is a great choice. With more space for drying clothes, it’s ideal for larger families or for those who tend to wash multiple loads at once.

• Brabantia Over the Door Airer: This over-the-door clothes airer is a brilliant space-saving option. It’s perfect for apartment living or areas with limited space, and it easily hangs over a door for convenient drying without taking up much room.

• Artweger ArtDry: For those seeking a more high-end, efficient drying solution, the Artweger ArtDry is a premium clothes dryer that allows you to dry clothes in style. It offers adjustable heights and multiple drying levels, making it ideal for all types of clothing.

These drying options are perfect for ensuring that your clothes dry quickly and efficiently without a dryer. Whether you’re using a clothesline, portable airer, or over-the-door rack, these solutions make air-drying clothes as easy as possible.

Air Drying Tips:

• Clothesline: If you have the space, hang your clothes on an indoor or outdoor clothesline. This allows for natural air circulation and prevents the clothes from being exposed to direct sunlight for long periods (which can fade fabrics).

• Ventilated Area: Choose a well-ventilated area for drying, ensuring that there is plenty of airflow around your clothes.

• Use Clothes Pegs: Hang clothes using clothes pegs, Hills Soft Grip or Enviro Pegs Stainless Pegs are both great options, to maintain your washings shape and prevent them from becoming wrinkled.

• Drying Racks: If you don’t have an outdoor space, use drying racks or portable airers inside. These are compact and can be set up in any room with good airflow.

Quick-Dry Hacks:

• Towel Roll-Up: For faster drying, place wet clothes on a dry towel, roll it up, and press gently to absorb extra moisture.

• Hanger Method: Hang shirts, dresses, or blouses on coat hangers. This will help them keep their shape and speed up the drying process.

Conclusion: No Washing Machine? No Worries!

Washing clothes in the bathtub is a simple, effective, and eco-friendly way to keep your wardrobe clean. With the right technique, you can wash clothes without a washing machine, saving both water and energy while still getting fantastic results.

Don’t forget that drying is just as important as washing—use clotheslines, drying racks, or airers to ensure your clothes dry efficiently and maintain their shape and TheClotheslineStore.com.au only stock the best and top quality clothes lines, airers and drying racks in Australia.

Key Takeaways:

• Washing clothes in a bathtub is convenient, eco-friendly, and practical—perfect for emergencies or households without a washing machine.

• The right drying techniques will help ensure your clothes stay fresh and in great condition.

• With some simple tips and patience, you’ll be able to handle laundry day like a pro, even without a washing machine!

If you’re looking for quality clotheslines and drying solutions, check out TheClotheslineStore.com.au for all your drying needs!

Free Delivery of Clotheslines

At The Clothesline Store, we guarantee the fastest dispatch to ensure the quickest delivery of clotheslines, by operating our own national clothesline warehouse. Don’t take our word for it—check out our Google reviews!

As Australia’s largest private stockholder of clotheslines and accessories, we ship in-stock items the same or next business day. Unlike other retailers who rely on third-party distributors, our dedicated team handles every order directly, ensuring speed and reliability.

With our extensive range of clotheslines stored in our own clothesline warehouse and national centres, we deliver faster and more consistently.

Extra Hand Washing Tips for Better Results

• Spot Treat Stains First: Before washing, apply a paste made of baking soda and water directly to stains. Let it sit for a few minutes before proceeding with the washing steps.
  
  
• Don’t Overload the Tub: Washing clothes in small batches ensures that each item gets properly soaked and cleaned. Overloading the tub can make it harder to agitate and rinse clothes thoroughly.
  
  
• Add Essential Oils for a Fresh Scent: Add a few drops of your favourite essential oils—lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil—for a lovely, natural scent boost.
  
  
• Heavily Soiled Clothes: For heavily soiled garments like gym clothes or muddy outdoor gear, extend the soaking time or even repeat the washing cycle for the best results.
  
  
• Cold Water: Cold water removes all the soap, powdered detergent, dirty water from the fabric fibres better than any other water temperature.

FAQs: Hand Washing Clothes in a Bathtub

Can I wash all types of clothes this way?

Yes! However, wash delicate fabrics (e.g., silk, wool) separately, and always avoid hot water. Hot water can damage these fabrics.

Will hand washing damage clothes?

No, in fact, hand washing can be gentler than machine washing. It’s ideal for delicate and sensitive fabrics, as the agitation in a washing machine can be too rough.

How long does air drying take?

The drying time depends on the weather and the amount of moisture remaining in the fabric. and the material of the clothes.

Can I add fabric softener?

Yes, however that will involve a second rinse, that maybe practical or not. Your personal situation will determine this!

What's the best way to rinse the hand washing?

Regardless of Use cold water. Cold water removes soap from any surface faster than warm water. If you are fortunate enough to have a bath with a shower over the top - or a sink with a spray mixer tap, that is the easiest way to rinse your hand washing.