Is Your Washer out of Commission? Here’s a Quick Guide on How to Wash Clothes in a Bathtub

If you own a washing machine, you probably wouldn’t imagine there would ever be the need to learn how to wash clothes in a bathtub. However, you never know when your washer might go out of commission.

Plus, hand washing your clothes can also be more eco-friendly and better for preserving delicate fabrics. For a detailed, step-by-step guide, keep reading.

The first step is preparing the bathtub. Before you even think about throwing your clothes in there, the tub should be squeaky clean, according to The Spruce. Remove any items along the rim and then follow your typical tub-cleaning routine — make sure there’s no leftover residue, as this could damage the clothes. Just like how you wouldn’t want to use a dirty washing machine, you don’t want to use a dirty tub, either.

Next, gather all of your dirty laundry. Turn all the garments inside out — while some fabrics require specific care instructions, this general rule can be applied to all types of clothing, according to MarthaStewart.com.

After turning them inside out, sort everything by color. You only need three piles: Darks, whites, and colors. For the best results, it's helpful to wash similar fabric types together, whether based on material or weight. To give an example, washing towels with delicate garments should be avoided, as the bacteria and lint from the towels could damage your clothes.

Once your clothes are sorted, you can begin filling the bathtub with room-temperature water. If the water is too hot or too cold, it could cause unnecessary damage to the clothing or make the cleaning process more challenging. Continue filling the tub until there's enough water to submerge your items.

Now, add a small amount of laundry detergent to the tub — be careful not to use too much, as it could make it difficult to rinse out completely. When it comes to what type of soap you choose, there’s no right or wrong answer. However, it never hurts to try a non-toxic, environmentally conscious option.

It’s time for the fun to begin! Place your clothes in the tub, ensuring that each item is submerged. Move your hand through the water to evenly distribute the soap between the fabric. Don’t overfill the tub — there must be enough room (and water) to wash every item.

Let the clothes soak for at least 15 minutes. After you’ve let the detergent work its magic, you’ll want to agitate and scrub the items thoroughly to get them nice and clean. When you’re done, drain the bathtub and rinse the detergent from your clothes with cold water.

Press the water out of your clothes as much as possible. To dry your clothes, you can throw them in a dryer, use a drying rack, or hang them on a clothesline — it’s totally up to you.

If you’re in a rush, an automatic dryer might be the best option. For a more sustainable experience, clean the lint filter, use dryer balls, reduce the heat, and put in a full load. When you have the time, use a drying rack or clothesline for the ultimate energy-efficient experience.