Hand washing family laundry? Technique/tips?

[LilacRhodes]

Hello

Currently I haven't got a washer or dryer in my house. This is the first time in my life as a parent that I've had this situation, and a lot has changed since I last used a laundromat. After trying a few different ones in the area I have decided it's not a satisfactory solution.

This is probably partly OCD, but I don't feel as if I'm coming home from a laundromat with actual clean clothes. And I hate being in a laundromat for so many reasons ~ the lights, the people....

Like everything else I suppose, it also has become very expensive compared to before. IMO not worth it.

So how is it done? I have always had hand-wash-only items of course, but I'm talking about things like jeans, sheets, boys' socks, towels, etc. etc. ~ the entire household laundry.

When I was really little, my grandparents didn't have a washer at their summer house... I remember they washed the clothes on a washboard (well, the aunts did) and I helped out with putting the wet clothes through the wringer, turning the handle (which was like over my head at that point).


This house is really small so I'm trying not to have to obtain any special equipment... however, it may be a while before I can get a washer (need to feel more comfortable with the septic system before I can do that). So I would be willing to get some gear if need be. Anyone doing this? I would love to know your system!

[ltlmrs]

Originally Posted by LilacRhodes

So how is it done? I have always had hand-wash-only items of course, but I'm talking about things like jeans, sheets, boys' socks, towels, etc. etc. ~ the entire household laundry.

Check in the country living forum, I've posted my former routine there several times.

I would actually recommend, if you have the money to get a washer that hooks up to your sink. My aunt in NYC has one of these and it works great and honestly nobody minds the fact that it takes up the entire bathroom because otherwise it is out of the way and very convenient for doing a load a day. She dries on a fold out rack.

I used to wash DH's and my clothes and then Ladybug's clothes and diapers when she was a newborn (everything but the sheets, which were king size). Then I was able to use my mom's machines and haven't hand washed regularly in over a year. I found that either I had to do one load a day or be completely swamped: even with the bare minimum amount of clothes for each of us. I had a Wonder Wash, but found the tub easier actually. The thing that is a must is a wringer or a spin dryer because the hardest part about doing hand laundry is the wringing.

Again, it may be a better investment for you to just get a hook up to the sink washer. It would still save you money over the laundromat (when we've done our laundry at the laundromat, it costs us around $50/month! the machines cost around $200 and could be paid for in four months).

HTH!

ETA: This is the sort of thing I was talking about. I have this

[LilacRhodes]

Originally Posted by ltlmrs

Again, it may be a better investment for you to just get a hook up to the sink washer. It would still save you money over the laundromat (when we've done our laundry at the laundromat, it costs us around $50/month! the machines cost around $200 and could be paid for in four months).

HTH!

ETA: This is the sort of thing I was talking about. I have this

Thank you, ltlmrs! That little washer looks great! Gets really good reviews as well.... and you certainly can't beat the price.

I'm thinking that may be more my "speed" than hand washing.

[SuzyLee]

I have seen a lot of people do it in a 5 gallon bucket with a toilet plunger. Then you just need a wringer.

One option might be to wash all the clothes at home, and pick up a few extra sets of sheets at the thrift store. Then just go to the laundromat when you have 4 dirty sets of sheets.

We use these "European" bath towels. They are like waffle weave kitchen towels, except big like bath towels. I have no idea how much they cost as my g'ma gave us ours, but since they are not big and fluffy, they would wash and dry much easier than regular bath towels. Of course you could also just minimize bathing, and do a sponge bath at the sink instead. Then you don't really even need a bath towel.

[JudiAU]

If you have the option, consider buying a portable washing machine. We had one for awhile in our apartment and it worked really well. We mostly did lighter weight items and diapers but it was genius. Seriously, I cried when we lost it.

[EdnaMarie]

All I can say is, I have done this and it took about four hours every couple of days and that was just DH and I. If I had been paid even below minimum wage I could have easily, EASILY made that money by babysitting, and babysitting was a lot less taxing, physically. Especially if you already have kids.

That said, pre-soaking in oxy-clean works wonders, but don't pre-soak new bright colors as they may bleed. Ikea has indoor clothes dry-hangers (actually they're all over) for hanging clothes in winter. I strongly recommend them. Hm. What else?

Godspeed to you, woman. You shall need it.

(OTOH it's a great calorie burner... LOL!)

[JTA Mom]

I wouldn't waste money on the Wonderwasher.

You can get the same results with a big plastic bucket/rubbermaid container, with a lid and a toilet plunger (new and only for this purpose)

Pretty much, cut a small hole in the lid, enough for the handle of the plunger to go into. Fill with hot water, some detergent and dirty clothes. Let soak 20 min. Then put in the plunger, slip on the lid on top and plunge like crazy for a couple minutes.

Drain, wring.

Fill with clean water. Put in plunger and lid and plung like crazy. Drain. Wring.

Repeat once more.

Much cheaper and you can do bigger loads if you have a big bucket. You can even get them for free at the grocery store's bakery area, if you ask. That plus a $store plunger and you are set.

Ami

[ltlmrs]

Originally Posted by JTA Mom

I wouldn't waste money on the Wonderwasher.

This is what I was trying to convey to the OP and failed. The Wonderwasher is great, but it really is cheaper and just as easy with the bucket/plunger method JTA Mom mentioned.

But, I most strongly second JudiAU's suggestion of the portable washer, it really is the best solution unless you're planning on living off grid. Remember that when people did their laundry by hand a lot of time they had help: either hired or family and they had fewer clothes. I'm not saying this can't be done: I did it for over a year, while pregnant and with a baby and I don't regret it for a moment and will do it again some day. But, it sounds like OP might be better off with a portable automatic washer.

BTW, I actually really enjoyed laundry by hand despite the difficulties. I felt that I was actually *doing* the laundry and found it quite satisfying. When I go back to being SAH full time and especially when we have land I will definitely be washing by hand again.

[LilacRhodes]

Thanks ... I'm definitely not looking for a big workout, just trying to avoid the laundromat.... Probably I will get a little portable washer. I didn't realize I could get one that small. I don't think it would even tax the septic at all, even if it never gets any better (which may be the case, there isn't anywhere to expand the leach field because most of the property is solid rock, except where the septic is now).

[Hey Mama!]

I have washed clothes in the bathtub using my legs/feet to agitate them.

[justmama]

Originally Posted by Hey Mama!

I have washed clothes in the bathtub using my legs/feet to agitate them.

yep, this. throw some clothing into the bathtub with a little detergent and warm water and turn on some tunes. throw some naked kids in the tub and tell 'em to dance. gets the clothing clean in a flash! And the tub stays nice and shiny as well! The hardest part is wringing them out. That'll raise blisters within the first few days. And what stinks is that wringers are WICKED expensive, but they are cheaper than a washer and dryer I suppose.

[kittywitty]

I also second NOT getting the Wonder Washer. I have one and it's just sitting in my attic. It was a total waste of money and did no good when I had to use it for a few months. I ended up washing our clothes in the bathtub and it was just horrible. Just horrible. I hope I never have to go without a washer again. One modern amenity that I totally worship.

[BunnySlippers]

Horse supply stores sell a little plunger-type thing for washing bandages and stuff in a bucket. We used one on the track everday, it was pretty handy.

I have also washed clothes in the tub and used my feet