Life without a washing machine

AnnieO1234

I am genuinely shocked and humbled by this thread.

If I were you OP I'd scour the wardrobes for lighter fabrics. Satin, microfiber, fleece etc for both clothes bedding and towels. You can pick up two tea towels, or a hair or a body microfiber towel in a pound shop if you don't have any. They're dead easy fabrics to dry quickly on an airer.

If you can't do this, look at wearing jeans more often - sorry folks but denim does not need washing after ever wear. And then maybe once a month find a launderette.

Hopefully the weather is now turning enough to help you dry fast. Look on gumtree, free cycle for a spin dryer. A second hand one should be about twenty pounds max. They'll cut the workload right down.


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missprice

If you really can't afford some kind if washing machine til later in the year then soak stuff in the bath/sink/bucket overnight. Still clothes do soon look very old after a few hand washes. And towels are darn heavy when wet.

If you have any energy left after washing by hand then Wang the smaller stuff round your head ( lasso like) to get rid of more water.

whiteguineapig

can you go to the launderette now and again ? i have dried 2 loads this morning for £2 (mostly towels) , i think its costs £2.40 to do a wash

Jo12

OP - I had to do this for a few months last year when my old one blew up. Like you, I live alone, so it wasn't too much of a hardship really. It was summer time, so easy to dry -not sure I would fancy it in the winter!
I soaked stuff overnight in a bucket and that made it easier -otherwise, whack the radio on and enjoy.......
I did it by hand, but every couple of days, or it became a real chore.
Im lucky in that I have lovely neighbours and they did the bedding and towels for me, but I did the rest myself.
Neighbours got the favour repaid when their washing machine went wrong - not sure if its an option for you?

Mistral001

Thanks everyone. Some good tips.

It looks like my hand washing technique cannot be improved much.

Using fewer items of clothing so that the dirty clothes do not build up is probably the key.

No launderettes in my area any more I am afraid.

peachyprice

My teenage years at home were spent handwashing all my own clothes, mum had a washing machine but it wasn't plumbed in so only got attached to the kitchen taps for sheets and towels.

If you can't find a washing machine on freecycle see if you can at least find a spin dryer, it really helps with the wringing and drying.

Imbroglio

I did my friends washing for several months in return for her home made savoury muffins to fill lunchboxes with - it was an arrangement we were both very pleased with. I refused to iron for her though, no muffin can be that good!

Got a friend who might help you out in return for a small favour?

kwmlondon

Imbroglio wrote: »

I did my friends washing for several months in return for her home made savoury muffins to fill lunchboxes with - it was an arrangement we were both very pleased with. I refused to iron for her though, no muffin can be that good!

Got a friend who might help you out in return for a small favour?

That's an idea - if a friend of mine was "between washing machines" and offered some kind of deal on the washing powder I'd jump at the chance to help them out.

Gracie_1827

Definitely look on freecycle/freegle. my son has furnished his flat with free stuff, including fridge freezer and a washing machine. If you don't see one, put a wanted ad on there...it's all free

carefullycautious

fill bath with soapy water, place clothes in and tread it with your bare feet.
Kill 2 birds with one stone. Your feet will have a free massage and will come out super clean.

I know a few people who due to restricted finances managed with this method and or used an old fashioned wringer.

If you cant get a machine look out for a spin dryer which is great for removing excess water. I had one for years and regret having to get rid of it due to restricted space. You can also soak heavier clothes as any stains will come out so no need to ruin your hands rubbing.
Warm soapy water will remove most stains also use a nail brush or similar for scrubbing jeans.

My machine is on its last legs and I have been looking for something smaller/more lightweight. I am unable to move front loaders due to the concrete inside, I like to move them to clean underneath etc.

Another idea is to put a request on recycle.

Good luck at least you have a garden to dry the washing.