How To Do Laundry In The Bathtub: A Step-by-step Guide For A Cleaner, Fresher Wardrobe!
What To Know
- Bathtub laundry involves washing clothes in a bathtub, and it’s a great way to save money, space, and time.
- To wash bras in the bathtub, fill the tub with cold water and add a small amount of laundry detergent.
- To wash bulky items like blankets or pillows in the bathtub, fill the tub with warm water and add a generous amount of laundry detergent.
Are you tired of lugging heavy laundry baskets to and from the laundromat or struggling with a tiny washing machine that can barely handle a few items? If so, bathtub laundry might be the perfect solution for you. Bathtub laundry involves washing clothes in a bathtub, and it’s a great way to save money, space, and time.
Materials You’ll Need
- Bathtub
- Laundry detergent
- Bucket or large bowl
- Plunger or long spoon
- Clothesline or drying rack
- Towels
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Fill the Bathtub with Water
Start by filling the bathtub with enough cold or warm water to cover the clothes you’ll be washing. The water temperature depends on the fabric type. For delicate fabrics, use cold water. For regular fabrics, warm or hot water is fine.
2. Add Laundry Detergent
Add a small amount of laundry detergent to the water and stir it until it dissolves. The amount of detergent you need will depend on the size of the load and the type of detergent you’re using.
3. Submerge the Clothes
Submerge the clothes in the detergent solution and press them down to remove any air bubbles. Make sure the clothes are completely saturated with water.
4. Agitate the Clothes
Agitate the clothes by stirring them with a plunger or long spoon. You can also gently squeeze and knead the clothes to help remove dirt and stains. Continue agitating for about 10-15 minutes.
5. Rinse the Clothes
Once the clothes have been agitated, drain the soapy water from the bathtub. Rinse the clothes by filling the bathtub with clean water and swishing the clothes around. Drain the water and repeat the rinsing process until the water runs clear.
6. Wring Out the Clothes
After rinsing, wring out the clothes by twisting them or using a plunger. Don’t twist too tightly, as this can damage the fabric.
7. Dry the Clothes
Lay the clothes flat on a towel to absorb excess water. Then, hang the clothes on a clothesline or drying rack to air dry. You can also use a fan or blow dryer to speed up the drying process.
Tips for Bathtub Laundry
- Use a non-abrasive laundry detergent to avoid damaging the bathtub.
- Don’t overload the bathtub with clothes.
- If you’re washing delicate fabrics, use a gentle detergent and avoid agitating too vigorously.
- Rinse the clothes thoroughly to remove all traces of detergent.
- Dry the clothes as soon as possible to prevent mildew and musty odors.
Benefits of Bathtub Laundry
- Saves money: Bathtub laundry is much cheaper than using a laundromat or a washing machine.
- Saves space: If you don’t have a lot of space in your home, bathtub laundry is a great option.
- Saves time: Bathtub laundry takes less time than using a washing machine.
- Gentle on clothes: Bathtub laundry is less harsh on clothes than using a washing machine.
- Environmentally friendly: Bathtub laundry uses less water and energy than using a washing machine.
Bathtub Laundry for Specific Items
- Bras: To wash bras in the bathtub, fill the tub with cold water and add a small amount of laundry detergent. Gently agitate the bras and rinse them thoroughly. Wring out the bras and lay them flat on a towel to dry.
- Delicates: To wash delicate fabrics in the bathtub, use cold water and a gentle detergent. Avoid agitating too vigorously, and rinse the clothes thoroughly. Wring out the clothes gently and lay them flat on a towel to dry.
- Bulky items: To wash bulky items like blankets or pillows in the bathtub, fill the tub with warm water and add a generous amount of laundry detergent. Agitate the items gently and rinse them thoroughly. Wring out the items as much as possible and lay them flat on a towel to dry.
Alternatives to Bathtub Laundry
If you don’t have a bathtub or don’t want to wash clothes in it, there are other options available:
- Sink laundry: You can wash clothes in a sink using the same steps as bathtub laundry.
- Hand washing: You can hand wash clothes by agitating them in a bowl or sink of water and detergent.
- Laundromat: You can take your clothes to a laundromat and use their washing machines and dryers.
- Portable washing machine: There are portable washing machines available that you can use in your home.
Summary: Embrace the Convenience of Bathtub Laundry
Bathtub laundry is a simple, affordable, and space-saving way to wash your clothes. Whether you’re a student living in a dorm, a traveler on the road, or simply looking for a more sustainable way to do laundry, bathtub laundry is a great option. Give it a try and see how easy it is to keep your clothes clean and fresh.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I wash all types of clothes in the bathtub?
A: Yes, you can wash most types of clothes in the bathtub, including delicates, bulky items, and everyday fabrics. However, it’s important to use a gentle detergent and avoid agitating too vigorously for delicate fabrics.
Q: How often should I wash my clothes in the bathtub?
A: The frequency of washing depends on how often you wear your clothes and how dirty they get. Generally, it’s a good idea to wash your clothes after every 2-3 wears.
Q: Can I use bleach in the bathtub?
A: Yes, you can use bleach in the bathtub to whiten clothes and remove stains. However, it’s important to use bleach sparingly and avoid using it on delicate fabrics.
