Truth be told, clothes will always get dirty and, eventually, stinky. Research options to reduce everyday costs and chances of harmful bacteria and illness and improve morale during an emergency or living off the grid. Make a washing tub from a modified 5-gallon bucket and toilet plunger or discover less-manual options. Visit the enclosed Links for other Laundry Plans to consider. [Video] COLD OR HOT WATER?: Ah, the washing machine; arguably one of the great inventions of our era, this device has freed up hours of time and energy. But even now, some questions remain. Namely, is washing clothes in hot water always the way to go? Or is all that heat doing your favorite shirt more harm than good? Suggested reading to answer these questions: [Article 1] [Article 2] 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 Add Baking Soda to Laundry Wash to Eliminate Odors Using the Bathtub to do Laundry: [Article 1] [Article 2] [Video 1]
COMMERCIAL "WASHING MACHINE" ALTERNATIVES: Other Laundry Wringers and Appliances 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. * In an emergency/survival situation, water will be precious to have and wasting or discarding it should not be an option. With few exceptions, even the most vile water can be boiled, distilled or filtered for reuse. LAUNDRY SOAP OPTIONS: DIY Laundry Cleaner Without Soap Magnetic Laundry System IRON WITHOUT ELECTRIC: - Old time Cast iron Iron in the fire - Heat cooking pot or baking tray with heavy items to flatten clothes - Spray on Anti-wrinkle sprays while clothes are still damp - Press Clothes Under a Mattress - Heat the bottom of your Unplugged Electric Iron - Buying Wrinkle Resistant/Easy-Care Fabrics - Use a good fabric softener in the wash - Give garments a good shake while wet/damp, before hanging to dry SAVING MONEY:
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 (above).
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.
Related Resources: Clean Clothes Without Water How to Dry Wet Clothes in the Wilderness Soap From Plants [Author's Reference Link]
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