49 replies to this topic

[Shortpoet-GTD]

SolaStarr, on 27 October 2011 - 05:57 AM, said:

I recently tried to do a load of laundry without using my washing machine, and got extremely exausted by the time I got to my third pair of pants - using a washing board. Does anyone have any tips on achieving this without the strain, or maybe I just need to work out more ;-)

Whey protein?
Just kidding.
Kudo's for trying. My hands couldn't handle it.

[eds]

[Shortpoet-GTD]

eds, on 10 November 2011 - 04:27 AM, said:

Now that is cool.

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[kat74]

I don't use a washing machine, since the sun is usually up and shinning and I have the time to do the washing I prefer hand wash. Besides, power is very expensive in my country so cutting down the expense is also my goal in these inflation times.

[sunny]

You should practice. :)
It will not harm.

[sbjc]

I once tried to do the laundry by just using my bare hands, and I oh my gosh, I would never do that thing again. I was washing for almost five hours, and that almost cracked my fingertips and hands. LOL. Thanks to those genius persons who invented the washing machine.

[kat74]

I have been doing that ever since 10 years old. There is no magic to it, you just need to practice doing it more. You can be soaking your clothes at least 20 minutes before staring to wash. If bending is a problem for you, try using a stool to put your basin in. Its easy and saves a lot of power not to mention your clothes last longer. I find putting my clothes out in the line to dry better because the dry while getting fresh air too.

[Green Thumb]

eds, on 09 November 2011 - 02:32 PM, said:

"Swirl" is a ball shaped laundry basket, washer and water transporter, that's fun to use.

http://www.inhabitot...laundry-ball-5/

Wow! I love this. It's like a means for exercising and playing with kids while doing the laundry. I wonder if same principle will work with rolling a drum. You know, put the clothes in a drum filled with soaped water, seal it where there’ll be no leak and roll it. (Just a thought since I still don’t have the money to buy for this new appliance.)

I saw this Korean movie where they wash blankets using their feet. You’ll just step on it repeatedly in a big tub and scrub using your feet. Now, I don’t think that would be hard.

[karmaman]

I've been washing our clothes by hand for a few years now and I've got a good system going to save my back and time.
1. Soak the clothes in cold or warm water, depending on how dirty they are. Give them a few swishes around the tub or bin with a stick to get them good and wet.
2. Add powered or liquid detergent equally over the entire load.
3. Use a plunger or one of the breathing clothes plungers that was listed early. This forces water through the fabric and gets it cleaner than a normal spinning washing machine. For a full load of clothes the plunging takes about 10 minutes.
4. Drain the water out and fill it back up with rinse water.
5. Let it soak for about 10 minutes, then plunge it to force the soap out.
6. Squeeze the water out with a press. I use two plastic 5 gallon buckets. You drill holes in the outer bucket, then dump the clothes in.Slide the second bucket in and sit on it to press the water out. Wringing out the clothes by hand used to be the worst part.
7. Hang it up to dry outside.

[char4u]

Living without washing machine is the life I have. So, I can share about washing clothes by hands. First, separate the colored and white clothes with different basin. Second, put soap on the clean water and stir it well. Then put the wet clothes. The same for white clothes. If there are still stains, add enough bleach. Then leave it for 30 minutes. Then wash it with a washing board and rinse it well with a clean water until no soap bubbles and clean. You may add fabric conditioner before hanging it or drying it. This way, you can save more electricity and water consumption while you have enough exercise. Washing clothes is a good exercise and you can save money, and the earth.

[dziomek]

SolaStarr, on 27 October 2011 - 05:57 AM, said:

I recently tried to do a load of laundry without using my washing machine, and got extremely exausted by the time I got to my third pair of pants - using a washing board. Does anyone have any tips on achieving this without the strain, or maybe I just need to work out more ;-)

It is a good workout that's for sure. Keep it up and you will find as time goes on you will be stronger and tire less quickly. I have a washboard more for decoration than anything, but did make my daughter use it when she was younger; she would change her clothes at least five times a day and I was tired of it. After washing the clothes on her floor with the washboard, she was much better at wearing the same outfit for more than an hour or two.

[Sandra Piddock]

If I wash stuff by hand, I usually let it soak for around an hour before tackling it. I find it's much easier to get things clean after a soak, and if any stains remain, I just squirt with a little detergent and rub the fabric until the stain has gone. It is hard work - that's why women 50 years ago were generally fitter and slimmer than we are today.

[Shortpoet-GTD]

At the top of this page-Eds posted pictures of the "ball."

[btatro]

I do hand wash many of my clothes due to their delicate fabric or nature- also bras... It does take a bit of work, but I also know that my clothes never get too "dirty" to begin with. I never find myself getting tired, but I also do not hand wash pants as you said you are doing, which I'm sure would acquire more dirt and require a bit more effort.

[happyrocinante]

The only clothes I have ever washed by hand were delicate.  I can't imagine trying to do a full load, especially my huband's work uniforms which are big, thick and usually quit dirty.  I think I would end up using more water this way just making sure the clothes were really clean and rinsed.  I would rather save money and energy by hanging my clothes out to dry than giving up my washer.