A Cheap and Easy DIY Washing Machine. Spin Cycle Included!

In this video I show you a cheap (about ten dollars) and pretty easy way to wash your clothes thoroughly, rinse them easily. Spin cycle included! For other DIY tips, ways of living simply and tiny houses for sale added daily, be sure to checkout tinyhouselistin....

[@ramseydeavilla3109]

You can replace the short stick with a taller stick on the plunger so that way you can plunge standing up & not hurt your back bending over.

[@DuhMasto]

To everyone who's never drilled holes in plastic before: After you get the bit all the way through, flip the motor into reverse and run it while you're pulling out the bit, this will clean up the plastic burrs CONSIDERABLY. Maybe not 100%, but afterward you can always turn a larger bit on the inside, just in your hand, to chamfer the hole.

[@cynthiadelarosa206]

Thank you

[@danielmicalizzi]

Drill through it in reverse, let the drill bit melt through it

[@grmpEqweer]

Chamfer...new vocabulary word. I wonder what heating the drill bit would do. It IS plastic. When I'm pottering around cutting plastic with a knife, I heat the knife. It thus cuts through a much softer surface, so I'm not sawing away. 🤷 Use if useful?

[@ItsAsparageese]

@@grmpEqweer I think that'd just gum up a drill bit. It's sort of like the importance of having a sharp blade ... It's better to cut through material that's reasonably firm, to a point, rather than being gummy and gooey and grippy.

[@grmpEqweer]

@@ItsAsparageese True. Guess it depends on part on the plastic.

[@Pappysan]

I just made this setup and have one recommendation: after drilling the holes from the outside of the bucket there are sharp edges, I went in with a small knife and carved them down so they wouldn't tear up the thinner fabrics. Two days later: I would also recommend sanding/stripping the decals from the strainer bucket. After two washes, they started peeling off

[@AdrianClement]

Padraig Coleman Good tip.... thank you for sharing

[@joebotz1243]

Padraig Coleman or drill the holes outward

[@inolvidable.]

Better using a soldering iron.

[@cynthiadelarosa206]

Thank you

[@lilaniaadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@marie-everousseau2355]

I made it yesterday because I was sick of begging people to borrow their washing machine. It totally rocks and I should have done it ages ago!

[@egcowling9657]

Marie-Ève Rousseau im where u were ima try it

[@lostboi210]

Same .... It works wonders!! 100% useable video!!

[@tinyhouselistings]

@@lostboi210 Awesome!

[@yardleyj9391]

I can't wait to build my next washing machine. I'm moving to the country side in 3 weeks. Going to build me one. Thanks for the awesome tutorial.

[@billyjones9045]

Offer up and Craig's list usually have cheep and free washers and dryers

[@kwson2020]

Soaking for 15-30 min in hot or warm water also helps loosen the dirt/soil and reduces plunging to 3 to 5 min too.Thanks for the drilling idea :)

[@joanntaylor6125]

How to spin inside ?

[@jewellee946]

@@joanntaylor6125 I thought about that too. I am going to try hanging the bucket from my shower curtain rod and spinning it there. I'll be washing my clothes in my bathtub so why not.

[@comasiba3]

@@joanntaylor6125 🤔 Good question... Maybe spin it inside of a large round trash barrel? Then you can reuse that water that spins out for something else, like scrubbing the floors?

[@grmpEqweer]

Ooh. The last time I had no washer I just filled the tub, added detergent, "treaded the grapes" on my clothing for a while, drained, rinsed via the shower head, treaded again to remove moisture. That worked. But this might work better.👍

[@yourekittenme.]

I’ve been wanting to make something like this but couldn’t figure out the “spin” cycle. This is genius! Thank you.

[@donaldriedy9687]

Wife and I used this, while stationed in Germany, forty + years ago. Worked then, and will work when we start to RV full time, April 2015

[@doloresofcourse]

I've watched dozens of these type of washing videos. Yours is the most original rinse and spin cycles!

[@ItsAsparageese]

Seconded!

[@PurplePixieEater]

I did lol when you said, "and a plunger.... hopefully a new one."

[@joemann7971]

for a stronger spin cycle, i think you could make like a swing (with two ropes instead of one. ) it will lift the bucket a bit, and take a little more force to wind up but once it starts spinning, it will spin much stronger because gravity. its a neat idea. i might try it. doesnt look very expensive at all.

[@Greg-tj8rg]

Using 2 lines instead of 1 is genius.

[@Brandon-no3vc]

What u mean

[@JassimAlbuainain-i5v]

​​@@Brandon-no3vclike if you wanna spin the bucket much and much stronger get 2 ropes or wires or lines or even strings but better know if it's strong and try to get a little more force to wind up if you see the do it yourself washer spinning very fast means your clothes are drying

[@d.conley5917]

I think the bucket inside of the bucket pressure ringer is a simple yet awesome innovative idea. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@pistoffpussycat5778]

Depends how snugly the buckets fit together. I might try this , though bc I need to get more water out before I put them in the salad spinner

[@nanyabiznus4738]

I dont understand how is anything spinning? The bucket is definitely not spinning.

[@joecope9935]

Add a little bit of vinegar to the rinse water to get all the soap out of the clothing. ;-)

[@zman4791]

Yes, this is true!

[@agnesa8865]

Looks like fun.to do allso

[@jet3rry]

I use vinegar in the rinse for my black clothes because it keeps the black color from fading to brown.

[@Brandon-no3vc]

How much

[@szbyzan]

Don't forget a vinegar rinse. Vinegar will dissolve any residual soap. Should not hurt your lawn either as it will be diluted.

[@areckstaune8959]

that's one of the coolest things I've ever seen in my life. I'm making one tomorrow

[@carmenlorenzo4410]

I think I'll do this tomorrow, I'm tired of spending money at the laundromat!

[@scarboroughlifestyleGaming416]

Honey our crazy neighbor is spinning buckets in the yard again. ...

[@elenaneens1326]

And then sitting on it

[@lizachaparrosoto2600]

😂😂🤷🏻‍♀️

[@s_drek6616]

😂😂😂😂💀

[@GMoney-B]

"And then you sit on it!" haha.

[@mandimayyhem]

Hahahahaha im still laughing

[@zaggyzig1304]

And Make Sure You Remove The Plunger Before Sitting on It ..

[@angieroyall1516]

good POINT ZaGGy, hahahahhahahahhahahahhha,,,,........aahahahahahahha.

[@liyavaanunu7944]

that has got to hurt...

[@dulceangel191]

Haaaaahahahaaaa

[@K9River]

But that's the best part about doing laundry!

[@Noniksleft]

Mr. Garrison advises to leave the plunger in. You could even get different shaped attachments for it. Combining this washer with a monkey rocker could bring back the excitement many housewives get every spin cycle (especially when intentionally setting the load partially off balance)

[@kathymonnin9818]

I am retired and I have have used a laundry stopper since I was preschool. My grandmother did her delicates and I supposedly helped. When my mother passed I got it and used it till it fell apart.

[@barbmundorff9686]

Brilliant! I use a breathing washer now, but wringing the clothes out is hard on my hands, and drip dry takes forever. This is great! Thank you!

[@tinyhouselistings]

Thanks Barb! If you try it out please let us all know how it works.

[@marktomas119]

Wow! I think the is the best DIY wash n dry system I have seen. How about putting a valve at the bottom of the bucket with no holes so you can open the valve, run a stream of clean water as you agitate more to get the soap out. Then put the outer drum on the clothes to squeeze out the water and pile on heavy objects in the bucket to squeeze the remainder of water out. Thank for this cool video.

[@wendyfay16]

+Mark Tomas I guess all the small holes would be to make it easier for 'spin' drying the clothing ... :)

[@tracksuitbrigade]

That's awesome man! I've seen the plugger in bucket before but the double bucket with the holes and the spin cycle is genius

[@ItsAsparageese]

That spin cycle idea is genius. I have wrist/thumb issues and squeezing/wringing things really messes me up if I do it hard or too much, gotta minimize that, so this is SUPER helpful! Thanks so much for sharing this!

[@eckankar7756]

great ideas. Just attach the plunger to a porch swing to somehow make the work action and man, got it made!!! maybe ratchet it to a stationary bike pedal and let the thighs do the work to make it simple. so many ways to take this. I love your videos. the two bucket idea and spinner are just great.

[@AdrianClement]

I am very excited to try this idea....bought my supplies today and I'm charging up my drill to make the holes. Of all the videos I watched yours was definitely the best besides one thing... I'm going to use a long handle on my plunger other than that your idea of hanging it to spin is absolutely brilliant . I have lived the last four months with no washing machine or dryer and I've been able to hang my clothes outside but now it's turning winter and my clothes are not drying fast inside the house and are dripping all over the floor so this is my perfect solution I feel like I don't even need to buy a washer and dryer ever. Plus we like to go camping and this will greatly reduce the amount of clothing that we need to bring on long camping trips. thank you so much for sharing.

[@LucidDreamer54321]

At 1:12 “Without the holes in there, this project won’t work.” I disagree. I did a test and found that the plunger works better without holes. That is because the plunger will produce a suction effect that pulls the clothes to the top of the water. So there is a lot more movement of the clothes through the water - thereby helping to clean them.

[@pollyjetix2027]

That spin cycle reminded me of a homemade toy we made when I was young. We threaded a strong thread through a large button (coat button size) through both button holes. Leave about a foot or 18 inches of a loop, and knot the ends. Pull the thread on the other side of the button, until you have an equal-size loop on both sides. Thread your first fingers into each loop, one on each side. Start the button spinning, twisting the doubled thread on each side of the button. Then begin to pull, causing the button to spin incredibly fast. The button will spin so fast it will wind itself up the other way, even further and tighter. As long as you maintain tension on the thread, the button will spin like a blur first one way, and then the other. And I wonder... What would happen if you'd make two holes in the lid of the bucket (near the sides) and two holes in the bottom, close to the edges... And then thread a strong nylon rope so that you could do the same trick with that bucket? The rope would need to be part of the pre-wash assembly of the bucket. Once the clothes are rinsed, all you would need is two young saplings, about 2" diameter, with a branch the right height on each to keep the rope from falling down. Wind up the bucket on its rope, and pull one sapling back to start that thing spinning... This size of sapling would apply the right amount of tension, to make that bucket spin like crazy. Let it go until it stops, and I bet your clothes would be nearly dry already! If there are no saplings to use, I'm sure a fencepost on one end, and a loose pole on the other, to pull back on, would do the same trick.

[@deborahelaine6701]

I think the lid might not continue fitting tight enough. I would attach the rope at the top of the bucket on the sides near the top, but below where the lid fits when it's on.

[@aubreygmcghee]

If you by the screw on lid made for 5 gallon buckets it wouldn't come off. It has one part that snaps on the top of the bucket (real tight) and it has threads on it and the lid screws into it. They sell them in the paint section with the buckets.

[@jeffs9302]

@@aubreygmcghee Called a "Gamma" lid.

[@yourekittenme.]

We called that toy a “zizz wheel”. Just don’t get it near your hair!

[@rindys7942]

I love the squash cycle. That is brilliant!

[@krista9015]

easier on back if you use a broom stick so that you don't have to bend so far

[@GMoney-B]

This is a great idea. At first he started spinning the bucket and I was like.. uhhh... that aint gonna do anything. But like in his video it does work. I think what would be even more effective, unless he does it too and I just couldn't tell from the video, is to spin and spin and spin it so the rope or string winds up really good, then it will unravel and go way faster than you could spin it with your own hands.

[@toni2606]

Centrifugal force! I love it! Wish I had a big tree on my patio! Thanks for this very cool AND useful video!😁👍

[@weekendnomad5038]

This spin cycle is genius!!! 😂😂😂❤❤❤❤

[@ElizabethGarcia-yh1bn]

This is The Mother of invention...great!

[@lcinflorida8728]

I was looking for ideas on how to get my laundry dryer before I hang them on the line... EXCELLENT INFO! Thank you!!

[@racheltomlinson2257]

The spinning idea from the tree is fabulous, thank you so much for sharing your idea. Try with two lines,attach each line to where handle joins the bucket to get a stronger spin ? Maybe you could do another video showing which works better,one single line from middle of handle or two lines each side of bucket? Look forward to the outcome of these spins.

[@PaulChaklos]

Did you see the new version of this on Amazon with easier to use handle? It's called the "Washing Wand".

[@DeeBroughton]

I'm living in my RV and had been wanting to try this for a long time. I can wash the clothes in a soapy bucket while driving around, but wringing is the hard part. I was hoping sitting on it would make it much easier, but yeah, no, that didn't work at all, because the top bucket as is cannot go all the way to the bottom of the bottom bucket. You're left with about 4 inches of untouched, unwrung clothes. In the video, the bucket is pretty full, so you see water coming out, but the clothes are still dripping wet when you do this with a smaller load. Adjustments could be made, but I think a roller wringer is the way to go.

[@laurabien4809]

Put a couple of old disc golf frisbees or equivalent in the bottom of the wash bucket to "raise" the level of the floor of that bucket; then the clothes should be more squeezed.

[@JihadAeon]

VARIATION=The "Spinning Line" could be a rubber line similar to a cut alternator belt, etc or a really good rope. Twist it good to create tension like preparing to spin a top THEN attach the bucket, let go & stand back!

[@pollyjetix2027]

See my comment above. :)

[@ledzepcleo]

The spin cycle is amazing

[@snapdragon2441]

Genius, love the spin cycle

[@gowest5145]

Thanks for all the tips. I will be doing my washing in a bathtub and saving every bit of the water since I live in the desert. Conserving water is a major issue where I live.

[@BradWliilams]

Love these videos. Do some more with those buckets!

[@tinyhouselistings]

Coming soon :-)

[@LaineyBug2020]

That spin cycle is genius!

[@kathleenmacdonald5511]

I was thinking about off grid laundry and I thought of my o cedar mop with the spinner. Why can't we get a spinner with a foot pedal that fits over the bath tub, large enough to do laundry? It would be hands free since you are using the foot pedal to get the process spinning. the spinner basket should lower into the detergent water filled tub to be able to agitate the clothes and it should be able to raise out of the water enough to spin to throw the water off. then use the shower nozzle or hose to rinse the clothes, then spin again to drain off the excess water. You would be able to see when your clothes are clean and clear of dirt or detergent rather than trust your electric washing machine. I would add a wringer also just to ensure the water is just drained off completely. I don't think this has been invented yet. Maybe you and your husband can invent it. All the off grid and tiny home families would buy it, as well as apartment dwellers who have to lug their laundry to a laundromat.

[@Saurosapius]

thanks for sharing all these great survival skills!

[@mscathyaz]

Just what I was looking for. My hands and fingers can't wring out the clothes anymore. Will get my set up ASAP. Thank you. I am tired of spending money on machines that don't last.

[@slimk5328]

Its paper log dude, I always remembered that video, u are awsome!!!

[@lindawolffkashmir2768]

You can also get a round wood or plastic block and place it in the bucket before squishing, to help get out even more water.

[@weekendnomad5038]

I’m trying to figure out how to do laundry if the grid fails 😂😂😂❤❤❤❤ thank you for this. I saw in other videos they do an agitation rinse cycle with clean water

[@tarot-karma-online]

Brilliant idea. Will built this for my camper, thanks a lot

[@TheJTcreate]

once your done, you can clean out and whip that cream into butter. Looks like one of those ancient butter whippers your grandmother use to sit in a rocking chair and stir.

[@vanessaolinger3901]

Thank you!! I have such a tight budget and cannot afford the laundromat right now but need clothes.

[@veganvocalist4782]

haha clever , Hands down ;D the best home made one I've seen so far

[@traceykays433]

So kool I love that spin cycle

[@ALFiordita]

Greetings from Venezuela and THANK YOU so much for this video!

[@purplewombat1923]

That's really clever - and cheap! Thanks for sharing :)

[@shridharhodlur170]

Spinning was very awesome

[@kellytaylor2969]

Bakeries in grocery stores often sell or give away buckets their icings etc come in.

[@skeetorkiftwon]

Dunkin Donuts used to be good too.

[@suzannebazeghi5698]

Oh my god you are talented perfect idia for me with ofgrid life thanks for sharing stay safe.

[@peacefulserenity7818]

That"s actually a really creative idea.

[@joshuajudas2414]

@ Steve; So you were a little sparce with the plunger instructions and specifics...there are a few different kinds of plungers, and I had no idea which kind to get...No matter where I looked, I always found the ones that have extra rubber material underneath. Assuming I CAN indeed use that kind, I'd theoretically just make sure the drill made holes all the way through both layers...How many holes do I drill through the plunger now, I don't think you mentioned it in this video, but if you did and I'm just missing it, I apologize ahead of time. Thanks for the idea. Take it easy. Looking fwd to your response. Until next time, sir...have a good one. -Joshua J.

[@lhasaapso3360]

There's a lot to be said for those orange buckets. Some great ideas, this has been one of them. Thanks.

[@VeryBonita1]

Thanks...I loved this video! Awesome!

[@EricaYE6]

Love your poor man's washing machine. Very clever.

[@shonspencer]

I tried the spinning idea. It doesnt really get the job done. I was twisting and letting bucket spin for a very long time. I ended up having to wring my clothes out by hand. Not very effective. Great idea though

[@pgo301]

Hey, it works when your in a fix !! Good Job.

[@leoniepattison3081]

Very clever and cheap!

[@silvanacarvalho622]

Very good and smart!!!

[@thejesters1975]

Cool Beans!

[@Estherpecanha1]

Parabéns pelo canal, seus vídeos são muito legais! merece mais reconhecimento!

[@alicewonderland7527]

Love this! Thank you

[@TheWindGinProject]

Most Excellent - Thanks.

[@hosseinebrahimi3451]

You don't need the bucket with holes. I build one for bath my brother returns from gym and washes his gym clothes in shower using it and it's a wrists workout too.

[@audhdcreativity5899]

ummm, yeah! i can even see my daughter helping with this! can't wait to try it!

[@MrRedtaco11]

That would so work for camping.

[@lyteyearz5810]

I'm doing this today! Wow

[@insightandintuition276]

Very creative

[@gracievillarreal9641]

Love it!! Thanks!

[@aternst]

Nice vid! spin cycle was a great idea.

[@darlabible1325]

Where can I get a MAN like THAT!!!

[@jezusova]

😂🤣

[@beccaham]

Cheap, unemployed and living in a van? Try seattle.

[@looksirdroids9134]

@@beccaham It's called living off grid. It doesn't make you cheap and you don't need to be employed to do it. Get out of your capitalism bubble.

[@beccaham]

@@looksirdroids9134 lol the guy is using someone else's garden hose. That's not exactly off-grid living. And based on his $200 north face puff vest, I'd say he doesn't shy away from capitalism much.

[@elenaneens1326]

Craigslist or Amazon or Etsy. Yes Etsy !!

[@compasslife6658]

Brilliant, inexpensive and simple!

[@klemens33331]

Hippy's washer, eh? Good stuff! :)

[@coptechgold]

Cool Job.

[@bicanoo_magic3452]

No wonder you have so many watchers. That intro was hilarious.

[@tatejennifer1791]

Outstanding!!

[@jonhohensee3258]

Good idea.

[@anthonymccarthy4164]

First, soaking for about twenty minutes in the soapy wash water before doing it might make it more effective. I'd put a handle on the plunger so I could use both hands and I'd try to find an old hand crank clothes wringer, you might have to sew on a few buttons now and again but the're pretty effective and fast. I was looking for an alternative to buying one of those flimsy looking hand crank ones and this one looks better. I've done most of my clothes by hand in a wash tub but I'm getting too old for that.

[@perlanayeligarcia]

u had too much fun washin clothes....good job

[@PurpleSpecialOne100]

Great MAN that's great. A must do

[@kentagion]

what about that septic? have you posted that video yet? thanks

[@silviamagdalenarubio5243]

Muy bueno tu invento amigo!

[@26terryburgess]

you'll wrinkle them sitting on the bucket I just hang em and it takes a little longer but it keeps the wrinkles down to a minimum thanks for the tip!

[@irgroomer]

Does it matter whether the plunger is on top of the clothes or under it?

[@candycoatedcyanide3267]

Wow awesome 👏

[@masterblaster9123]

Be careful with the buckets next to heaters. I was putting extension cords in a 5 gallon drill spool I made for 100ft+ cords. And I had to stop for a second and answer the door and chat with the neighbors because they had a lawn ornament stolen. And wile I was emailing the camera view from my house for more information to them. I was outside maybe 16 mins plus maybe like 2 more to reset my mind to continue organizing. And I came back and the bucket was a puddle on the floor. Thank God I wax my cords for protection. The plastic didn't bind to the cord. But. The way it melted the bucket. Was terrifying. Imagine if it stuck to my wood floor or worse a fire

[@HerrKielbasa]

It's great, thanks for sharing! It safes me a lot :)

[@lbfree714]

Excellent. Thanks so much. :)

[@arlecelarae]

I love this. It seems better for outdoors tho. I imagine a giant salad spinner and I wish I knew how I could make one for the “spin cycle” to keep it more contained indoors. Anyone have any ideas?

[@galeerusso5286]

Awesome,I'm impressed!

[@TigerLilyGzzTLRoars]

Brilliant.