newbie old style help needed!

vik6525

hi! im a new member but long long time lurker, so please be kind! We've recently become very 'old style' due to economics, and one of the main differences is that we now dont own a washing machine. whilst i dont mind doing the washing in the bath (with a little help from stardrops i might add!) im having terrible trouble wringing out the clothes, to the point that i keep putting my shoulder out. is there a 'knack' to doing it, or am i just a big girly wuss who needs stronger arms? any hints would be useful! thanks! xx

Gingham_Ribbon

I don't have any tips on this, Vik, but I did want to say welcome to the board. I'm sure there will be plenty of people along to give you some tips.

Do you have a mangle?

livinginhope

Oooh you poor thing,couldn't imagine being without a washing machine for more than about 2 weeks.
The easiest way to solve this is good old mum,take your washing there! sorry couldn't resist saying it,seriously now I find the easiest way to wring out washing is with 2 people each holding an end then twisting in opposite directions,we do this when camping and it seems the best way,although it does tend to make clothes a bit out of shape.
Whatever happened to the good old mangel?

moggins

There is an easier way which is to put items of clothes between two big towels on the floor and walk on them. It won't make them as dry as a washing machine but it will be better than wringing them out by hand and damp enough to hang on the line.

Could you not look on freecycle for a washing machine though?

twink

maybe you could look on ebay or freecycle etc for a spindryer wouldnt think they would be expensive

moggins

And charity shops too, I saw a spinner for a fiver at one of my little local ones, I was tempted to buy it after what Math said.

vik6525

hi! and thanks for the super duper quick replies! ive looked everywhere for a mangle, but cant seem to find one at all! and i'd kill for a free cycle scheme where i live, but, alas, there isnt one! i guess im just going to have to put up with aching muscles but im sure in a couple of months ill have fantastically toned upper arms (hey, all this wringing out must be doing wonders for my bingo wings yeah?!?)

Essex-girl_2

I remember my Nans mangle in her kitchen - she hated it.

The local car wash has them for their Chamois but Ive never seem one for sale anywhere either.

I would do as Moggins suggested - keep a look out in charity shops and bootsales for a spin dryer.

moggins

Sheets are an easy one though, you just knot the ends around the line post and twist in a clockwise direction.

Or you could stand in the middle of the garden and twirl the washing around your head lassoo style using centrifugal force.

Lillibet_2

My mum has a mangel, she uses it as a plant display:rotfl: along with an old toilet:rotfl: (Sqeaky has an entire bathroom suite planted out in his garden though:rolleyes:). They have a mangle on Big Brother 'cos they don't have a washing machine either, but then they haven't got anything else to do so can spend hours handwashing. No help whatsoever to the original poster, just thought you might find it interesting. (and I may have had a glass or 3 of vino:o sorry)

bye;)

(edited due to tipsy spelling)

Bogof_Babe

It all sounds far too much like hard work for me. I'd rather blow £3 (or whatever it is these days) on a big machine load at the local launderette every week. When I say "big" machine, I'm thinking of our local place, where you can fit a double duvet into the large machines, so if you are careful I'm sure a week's laundry could go in one. The smaller machines are/were £2. There was a spin dryer for 20p and of course tumble dryers for 50p per half hour or so. You could still hand wash smaller items at home, but bedding and towels will wear you out if you try to do them manually.

Surely there is something you could cut back on to fund this alternative to what will turn into an exhausting and soul-destroying chore.