Money-Saving and Emergency and Off-Grid Laundry

COLD OR HOT WATER?:

WASHING METHODS:

Parts: Two, 5-Gallon plastic buckets with lids (one for washing and one for rinsing) and a Plumber's Plunger

• Drill a hole, a little larger than the diameter of the plunger handle, in the center of each bucket lid.
  
• Drill multiple holes in the plunger base to reduce resistance by allowing water to pass through during the pumping motion
  
• Place everything on a table at waist level to avoid bending over and causing fatigue during the washing/rinsing process
  
• Use non-drinking (rain, etc.) water when possible
  
• Add water to each bucket (about 1/2 full)
  
• Add soap to the Washing Bucket
  
• Place dirty laundry in the Washing Bucket
  
• Put the Plunger handle through the hole in the lid and hold or secure the lid to the top of the bucket
  
• Pump the Plunger up and down inside the bucket to clean the laundry.
  
• When you believe the laundry is clean, move the laundry to the Mop Wringer/Bucket Combo (below) and squeeze out as much excess water/soap as possible. Retain the excess water for reuse*.
  
• Place the laundry in the Rinsing Bucket
  
• Put the Plunger handle through the hole in the lid and hold or secure the lid to the top of the Rinsing Bucket
  
• Pump the Plunger up and down inside the bucket to clean the laundry.
  
• Repeat as needed to remove as much soap from the laundry.
  
• Proceed to DRYING phase.
  View Other DIY Washing Tools/Methods
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  Using the Bathtub to do Laundry:     [Article 1]     [Article 2]     [Video 1]

DRYING:

Parts: Mop Wringer/Bucket Combo and Rope. Remove the bucket wheels to reduce movement during use.

• Remove excess water from clothes using the Mop Wringer. Wringer Bucket will retain the excess water for reuse*.
  
• Tie, string, and secure, the rope between two poles or trees and hang the clothes over the rope to air-dry.
  
  Natural Dryer Sheets: Soak clean (commercial dryer sheet size) rags in a bowl of white vinegar. Wring out excess vinegar and place the vinegar rags in a sealed container. Use one vinegar rag per dryer use.
  
  Prevent Static Cling in Dryer: Take a sheet of Aluminum Foil (about 2 feet long) and crush it into the shape of a ball. Toss it in the dryer.

COMMERCIAL "WASHING MACHINE" ALTERNATIVES:

LAUNDRY SOAP OPTIONS:

• Buy clothes that don't need dry cleaning.
• Promptly remove and hang Dry-cleaning clothes to prolong the need to dry clean again.
• Search out a discount dry cleaner.
• Press dress suits with a damp cloth between clothing and iron to reduce dry-cleaner visits.
• Spray ties with fabric protector to avoid frequent dry-cleaning.
• Hang clothes out to dry on a clothes line instead of using a dryer.
• Do all laundry in one day to keep dryer warm between load.
• Wash and rinse all but the most soiled clothes in cold water.
• Use a little less than the recommended amount of detergent for each load. Works best with front-load washers.
• Perform routine maintenance on washer and dryer to prolong their life.
• Cut dryer sheets in half. Dryer Balls may be an alternative.
• Save used dryer sheets as dusting cloths.
• Unless soiled, wear clothes a couple times before washing them.
• Make DIY laundry detergent.
• Make DIY dryer sheets by spraying liquid fabric softener onto a clean designated rag.
• Run washer through a second spin cycle, to remove more water from clothes; reducing dry time.
• Use white vinegar instead of fabric softener.
• Use front loading washer and energy star appliances to save water and electric use.