Non Electric washing machine in the UK?

DaveTheGeordie

I want one but can't seem to find a supplier. I've been looking at the 'wonder washer' but you can't seem to get it here easily. I found one place but their page had expired and another place where the item was £40 but they then wanted £200 for delivery!

The_Green_Hornet

Is this the type of thing you are looking for?

SELF-POWERED TWISTER WASHING MACHINE

Cardew

A dryer too!



These are selling for a fortune now!

hm71_2

http://www.laundry-alternative.com/cart?prodID=12#&panel1-3

what about this, it is for uk delivery to where i live in Essex worked out 103 dollars. So i don't think that's bad for the amount it does.

DaveTheGeordie

I more considered the hand crank one but something like both of those, yes. Thanks. Very helpful.

Kernel_Sanders

The_Green_Hornet wrote: »

Is this the type of thing you are looking for?

SELF-POWERED TWISTER WASHING MACHINE

What a waste of £59! Just get a bucket and rubber gloves and spend a couple of minutes squeezing - not several minutes pedalling!

The_Green_Hornet

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

What a waste of £59! Just get a bucket and rubber gloves and spend a couple of minutes squeezing - not several minutes pedalling!

A bucket and rubber gloves? How extravagant!

Simply go to your nearest stream and use some rocks.

Ben84

A simple and effective washing method I used for some time is to put all the clothes in hot water and detergent in a bucket, let them soak a while (15-20 minutes), then use a wide plunger to agitate the clothes. Ideally through a bit of plywood with a hole just big enough for the handle to avoid water splashing. A bucket and plunger have other uses around the house, you may already own one or both of them. Also, stick with hand washing powder, it rinses out much easier than automatic powder.

As for non electric washing machines, I just don't see the need. Only point of a washing machine is to have a bunch of items that are attached and work together automatically - take the automatic bit out and you're doing all the work, and you of course can use a huge range of different items to do the task equally well.

Audrey_Wright

Honestly, I find this a bit eccentric (no offence meant). With that said, you can probably invent one for yourself.
I picture a stationary bicycle with the rear wheel taken off and the chain attached to a regular washing machine with it's motor stripped out.
Of course, that would require a bit of handy work, but I see no reason for it not to work. If you have access to an old or broken washing machine for free, this can be a pretty fun garage project for you.
Also you get to do exercise in the process, which is something we rarely get to have time for.
In the end you're at a win-win situation.

rogerblack

First question is why?
Do not assume that doing it by hand will use less resources.

A washing machine can use around a unit of electricity, for the more efficient ones at a 30C wash.
It can take a lot more hot water to properly clean clothes manually.

Ben84

There's lots of reasons not to have an automatic washing machine, starting with the cost of one. Lack of space is another, or just not planning to live somewhere very long. A lot of students hand wash as it can be easier than going to the laundrette and saves money, plus it's common while camping or staying at a holiday cottage.

But does it save resources? Hand washing uses lots of water, just like an automatic machine, and the motor uses relatively little, so I suspect the outcome is similar. At any rate I don't see that taking out the energy use for the spinning around will make a big difference. Not having to make a washing machine might matter however.