49 replies to this topic

[dziomek]

Sandra Piddock, on 06 June 2012 - 09:01 AM, said:

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.

Hmmm...maybe I need to start using my washboard on a regular basis again. I'll toss the clothes in the machine to spin them out though, as I don't have an old wringer. :) You're right though; women did used to be much fitter and healthier when they had to work harder to do the tasks we have machines for now.

[Pat]

Washing heavy clothes like jeans by hand is very hard.  I usually wash my light clothes by hand, but the heavy things I wear as much as I can before I need to wash them because they are so heavy.  I also soak them for a few hours or over night to let as much dirt as possible loosen, making it easier to clean.

I like to dry my clothes by air to save money.

[artistry]

Didn't read through all the comments, so this has probably already been stated. But soak the clothes first, in warm water, change the water and soak again with detergent, by the time you wash the clothes most of the dirt will be gone, wash with detergent and a little stain remover and rinse twice. You should be good to go. Cheers.

[aphil]

I tried that before. It is exhausting. You're supposed to use the washing board friction instead of exerting too much of your own strength. There is actually no way around being tired out because  you have to agitate the clothes, just like a machine, if you want them to be clean. Then there is the wringing out the water, which requires strength and always hurt my wrists. I use a machine now. It is probably best for you to do small loads as suggested before.

[Mystique]

Since we gave the car to his ex-wife, we started washing our own clothes by hand. I'm not sure if we would still do the washing on our own when we get a new car, as we used to send them to the laundry shop. My fiancé wrings the clothes for me, so it isn't as tiring for me :D

[Shortpoet-GTD]

http://www.equalfutu...ges/washing.gif

[eds]

$99.- Wash/Rinse/SpinDry

$2.-  Plunger

$43.- Wonder Clean  Deal or Dud

Bucket Press

[eds]

[Shortpoet-GTD]

You always find the best stuff Ed - Thanks.

[aspen]

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 ;-)

I could never give up my washing machine no matter what. I've done hand washing and it's the pits. Back in the early 80's all the hippies were buying a hand cranked machine. So I googled and was  surprise something similar is still available.
http://www.cleanairg...ng-machine.html