How to Wash Clothes in a Washtub

Preserve your clothing by hand washing them in your washtub.

Delicate clothes are susceptible to wearing out and becoming misshapen when used in washing machines due to the stress caused by the agitator, but hand washing your clothes is a safe alternative that maintains the quality of delicate fabric. Your metal washtub is a suitable basin for cleaning your clothes because it is large enough to hold a sizable amount of clothing and can be washed in your home or outdoors.

Things You'll Need

• Metal washtub
• Washboard
• Mild laundry detergent
• Clothesline

Instructions

1. Fill the washtub halfway with the appropriate temperature for washing your clothing. Delicates are suitable for washing in cold water because warm or hot water leads to shrinkage or fading.

2. Pour 1 capful of mild laundry detergent in the washtub. Mix in 3/4 cup of white vinegar to eliminate odors caused by sweat.

3. Submerge the dirty clothing in the washtub, and insert the washboard in the washtub. Gently rub the clothing against the washboard, and dip the clothing into the water to remove dirt and soap buildup.

4. Leave the clothing in the washtub for no more than five minutes, and remove the clothes. Squeeze the clothes to eliminate water, and rinse the clothing in a nearby sink with cool water.

5. Hang the clothing on a clothesline to air dry, and pour the dirty water onto your garden area to dispose of the water without wasting it.

Tips & Warnings

• Repeat the cleaning process one to two more times after the initial cleaning for heavily soiled clothing.

References

• Real Simple: Hand Washing Do's and Don'ts; Jennifer Jarazadeh;
• Vela Creations: Laundry