http://inhabitat.com/human-powered-giradora-washer-needs-no-electricity-and-costs-only-40/ Looks better than the one that has a hand crank.
put the kids to work ..... Momma and Daddy can sip tea in the shade or work in the garden while the laundry gets done
I do my own laundry...I'm very persnickety about everything. But, I do like to be clean...the smells...oh, the smells. Before you know, people will think you're French.
I'm not sure you can buy these yet. My gut feeling is that they're going to give them away to 3rd world countries for free. Which means they'll probably sell them here for $299. http://www.fastcodesign.com/1670355...hing-machine-could-change-millions-of-lives#1
Here's something that can be purchased, but it's for smaller laundry tasks. Pressure Handwasher Newly Improved Design! Portable and quick, this little handwasher cleans small loads of laundry with very little water and soap, in only two minutes! When warm water is sealed in the airtight drum, the heat causes the air to expand, which builds pressure. This drives the soap and water into the clothing and combines with agitation to "blow" the dirt out. Ideal for delicate fabrics (use lukewarm water) New patented lid is easy to remove with built-in lever Metal axle is now built inside the unit for sturdier construction and long-lasting use Maximum load: 5 adult shirts or a pair of jeans Works best on small loads 17"H, 14"W, 5 lb Imported
Yea, too small only washes one pr of jeans, but thanks for posting the link, might come in handy for singles. I have 2 washtubs, a couple of plungers and scrubboard, guess Ill stick to that if need be.
Speaking of squeeze Ive got to buy a mop bucket with a wringer to remove excess water from my clothes after washing. Anyone have any recommendations? Was thinking of just going to Wallyworld. Also what are your feelings on washing clothes in pond water during a water shortage?
You're going to use soap I assume...and in a tub? Otherwise they'd stink without soap. Just don't dump the gray-water back into the pond (yes...I'm a closet environmentalist). Here's one at Amazon...I couldn't bring myself to spend that much though...I'd have to just wring and let drip. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002QSXK60/?tag=survivalmonke-20
Yep with shipping that would be almost $200. Too rich for my blood. And YES I'm gonna use soap, got 21 bottles of laundry detergent stashed back lol. And a case of vinegar, one of you monkies told me to add some to rinse water to remove suds.
Tide (and other brands) dried laundry soap in solid bars is a great way to stock up. I picked a bunch up from a dollar store in the area. I can bring one with me on a bug out, or keep a bunch at home for bug-in. The bar soap form will store indefinitely, and they won't make a mess if they get kicked around or dropped. http://www.thelatinproducts.com/zote-pink-soap-7-oz-case-of-50-bars/ You can also make your own lye soap, scented, whatever. Borax, too. The list is almost endless.
I didnt even know they made laundry soap in bars, thought it only came in liquid or powder. I'll look for it, saw comments on Amazon that it was available at local dollar store. Thanks for the info.
this is one that was converted some time ago to electric. It now is defunct and on the scrap heap. Improvise, Adapt, Modify, and Overcome. FTM/PTB
The first time you wash them it won't be too noticeable, but eventually they will get dingy and have just an "off" odor to them. I know because my Grandma had pond water only during dry months and she would only wash her laundry in the rain water from the gutters! Grandma knew best,, lol!
After a while you may look like Popeye did, except with really huge calf muscles. How about a bicycle belted to something? I'm sure some of our engineering monkeys can figure out a way of doing that.
I'm glad I still have an old washboard that I got from an older lady before she died and one of those old irons that you heat up over the fire before using it on your clothes.
I would mount this crank washing machine on a cargo type bicycle frame with center stand. Ride it to the water with clothes in a attached hamper basket. put it up on it's stand , flip the lever on the handlebars from forward drive to wash tub drive, and peddle the bike until done. much more efficient I think. The bike frame and stand as well as the riders weight would keep it stable, easy access to water, loads could be done until the hamper was reloaded with the wet laundry for hanging when returned to the home. A wind mill could also supply power through a cam to the peddle mechanism, or to run a fan to aid in drying clothes. much like the flexible cable attachment for a drimel tool.