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lifestyle:faq_laundry

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Doing laundry

laundromat

Most people do their laundry at a laundromat like anyone who doesn't own a washer/dryer. It's not that bad:

  1. put your clothes in the washer
  2. set a timer and go back to the van. Connect to the wifi. Chill
  3. when the timer goes off put your clothes in the dryer
  4. set a timer…

The only real pro tip here is to bring your own detergent; buying it at the laundromat is very expensive.

off-grid washing

Bucket washing is a normal fact of live for off-grid families. For vehicle dwellers, there are some important limitiations to consider:

  • washing laundry uses a good amount of water, particularly if running separate wash and rinse “cycles”
  • sweat and odor come out easier than stains.

detergent

Normal laundry detertgent can be used, although it will require a rinse “cycle”. Use as little detergent as required.

No-rinse washing with ingredients like a bit of vinegar or bleach may be preferable offgrid in order to preserve water.

Remember that wash water doesn't have to be potable. If you find a rest area with non-potable water outlets it could be a sign to do laundry.

machines

bucket and plunger

images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com_images_i_41_2bglpyff8l._sx90_.jpgA common off-grid clothes washing solution is a bucket with a laundry plunger. These plungers differ from toilet plungers because their design forces water back-and-forth through the laundry.
Demonstration (youtube)

A regular broom handle will screw into the plunger, allowing standing operation.

You can make a great washer with 2five gallon buckets and a plunger. Drill holes in the bottom of one. Place it inside the other, with clothes inside the innermost bucket and plunge away! To wring out, take the no-hole bucket and nest it in the holed bucket with the clothes and sit on it. Then line dry to complete. No electricity required and it doubles as a laundry hamper. JaredUmm1)

tumbler

dry bag

m.media-amazon.com_images_i_91u2se8hj8l._ac_ul320_ml3_.jpgScrubba and similar camping wash bags work by filling with clothes and washwater. As the hiker walks or van moves the water sloshes around and cleans the clothes.

wash board

SunnySouthTexas uses a washboard.2)

wringing

Wring is removal of excess water before drying.

roller

Buttons and other breakable items should be laid flat before going through a roller

centrifugal

Salad spinners and similar devices may be used to fling out some water, but they are difficult to balance. The largest item Secessus was able to spin-dry was a pair of calf-length socks.

press

FIXME after bucket testing

drying

img.mousetrap.net_pm_img_20180108_123151.jpgClothesline drying is the most common method of off-grid clothes drying. Lines can be stretched across open doors, tent poles, hung from awnings, etc.

lifestyle/faq_laundry.1581274233.txt.gz · Last modified: 2020/10/11 19:48 (external edit)