So, the lights are out. That shiny washer and clothes dryer are now rendered useless. What option do you have?
Load up the clothes in the car and make a run to your local Laundromat. But, you DO NOT own a vehicle, you have restless kids, or you just plain don't feel like the extra hassle. If you don't own a car then you have the extra expense of a taxi or a service like Uber. When is the last time you loaded clothes and kids in a car to go to a busy laundromat? Well, there are a few solutions for when the power grid does not want to cooperate.
Have you ever seen a Manual Washer? These can be very useful for college dorms, studio apartments, halfway houses and/or camping. Today, we will see how they can be used as a simple solution for "Off the Grid living". We aren't talking about the old washboard and wash bin. Definitely not a bucket and manual wash plunger either. Although, these are viable options if you want to look like Little House on The Prairie or the Beverly Hillbillies!
One thing I have learned more people are buying these for delicate clothing and lightly soiled everyday children's garments
Recently, Non-Electric Manual Washers have become more ergonomic and easy to use. One such Washer is called the EcoWash by Avalon Bay. This washer can wash up to a 5lb. load. It also requires LESS detergent and a fraction of the water required for an electric washer. For our Eco friendly savers it also conserves water, electricity, and reduces your chemical footprint (detergents and soaps) on the environment.
Another washer that is in demand is the WonderWash. This also has a 5 lb. capacity. It is great for reusable baby diapers and cloth training pants too! Just throw them in and in a few minutes ready to dry and completely clean! This washer comes with a patent-pending EZ-Lid lever. The company claims the handle insert will not come off in 1-2 years like its competitors.
Since all these use much less water in a survival situation this can cut down your water usage from your stockpile of fresh water in natural disaster situations. (Look for an upcoming article listing a basic Survival items list.)