It's incredibly frustrating when your washing machine breaks down, especially when you need clean clothes for work, an interview, or a date the next day. Don't worry! If you have a large bathtub at home, you can solve this problem. If you're unsure about how to hand wash clothes in a bathtub, keep reading. We will provide you with detailed steps, which are also suitable for washing items like comforters, pillows, and stuffed toys that aren't ideal for machine washing. Let's get started!
Precautions and Items Needed
Sorting your laundry is a crucial first step in the washing process, especially when using a bathtub. First, divide your clothes into three main categories: whites, colors, and delicate items. Whites are relatively straightforward to wash with normal detergent. However, extra care is needed for colored items, particularly new clothes that might bleed. If there's a risk of color bleeding, avoid washing them in a bathtub, especially if you have a solid surface tub, as these colors could stain the tub and be hard to remove.
Delicate items require special care. Use cold water and a gentle detergent, and wash them separately to avoid damage. Proper sorting helps maintain the integrity and appearance of your clothes and ensures that each fabric type is treated correctly.
Additionally, it's important to avoid using bleach or harsh brushes in the bathtub, as these can damage the tub's surface. Here are the items you'll need:
- Household laundry detergent or powder
- Soft-bristled brush (optional)
- Rubber gloves (optional)
Preparing the Bathtub
You certainly don't want to wash your clothes in a dirty bathtub, do you? Start by thoroughly cleaning your bathtub to ensure its surface is clean and tidy. Once cleaned, close the drain and fill the tub with water. The amount of water should depend on the quantity of clothes you plan to wash; you don't need to completely submerge all the items.
For regular clothes, it's recommended to use warm water, as this helps effectively dissolve detergent and remove dirt and stains from the fabric. For delicate items such as underwear, silk, or wool, use cold water to prevent shrinkage, weakening of fibers, or color fading.
Adding Detergent and Soaking
Add an appropriate amount of detergent to the bathtub—typically, one to two tablespoons of detergent are sufficient for a moderate amount of clothing, though you can adjust the quantity based on the amount and dirtiness of the clothes. After adding the detergent, stir the water with your hand or a stirring tool and gently agitate the clothes to ensure the detergent is evenly distributed and forms a consistent soapy solution. This step helps activate the detergent and break down stains, laying the foundation for optimal cleaning results.
At this stage, there's no need to start the actual washing; instead, let the clothes soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. This process allows the detergent to effectively break down oils and dirt, while the water temperature helps loosen grime and soften fabrics, making the subsequent cleaning more efficient and residues easier to remove.
Washing the Clothes
Now you can start thoroughly cleaning your clothes. Grab each piece of clothing by its two corners and make the fabric rub against itself to remove stains. Gently rub the fabric, especially for delicate materials, to avoid damage. Continue this process until every corner is cleaned.
During the washing process, regularly check if the stains on the clothes have been removed. If stubborn stains remain, apply a bit more detergent to the stains and rub gently again until they disappear.
Rinsing and Squeezing Out Water
Once you've confirmed that your clothes are thoroughly cleaned, it's time to rinse them to remove any remaining detergent. First, gently wring out each piece of clothing and set them aside. Next, open the bathtub drain and wait for the water to drain, while also removing any foam from the bathtub surface. If you're using a freestanding bathtub faucet, this process will be more convenient and efficient.
During the rinsing process, refill the tub with clean, cold water. Adding extra water helps to better dissolve and remove the detergent. Then, agitate and gently rub the clothes in the clean water until the fabric no longer feels slippery, ensuring that all detergent residues are completely removed.
After confirming that there are no detergent residues left, you need to squeeze out the excess water from the clothes and let them dry. For delicate or expensive fabrics, avoid wringing or twisting the clothes, as this may damage the fibers or alter the shape of the garments. If the bathtub edge is sturdy enough, you can place the clothes on the edge and gently press down to squeeze out the water.
After completing these steps, remember to clean the bathtub thoroughly to maintain its good condition.
Ending
With this, our bathtub laundry tutorial has been thoroughly presented. This practical household technique is valuable even if your washing machine is working fine, as mastering these methods is crucial for handling delicate fabrics. Throughout the process, please pay special attention to the following points:
- Prevent Color Bleeding: When washing colored garments, ensure they do not bleed in the bathtub to avoid staining it.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use bleach or other harsh cleaners, as these can damage the bathtub's surface.
Proper cleaning methods not only protect your clothing but also keep the bathtub in good condition. We hope these steps help you. If you have any questions or are interested in other household tips, feel free to discuss them with us—Giving Tree Home is happy to assist!
