Our New Old Fashioned Washing Machine - Electric Free Laundry, Why Would I Use This?

Check out this laundry setup. I've done laundry by hand for a while, but we have a new, bigger, and nicer way to do that now! Washing machine from - www.lehmans.com/product/lehma... The hose we use to drain and fill - amzn.to/3WAA6Hd
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Join Fy Nyth on social media - mewe.com/i/fynyth ! If you are new to my channel and Fy Nyth (Welsh for "My Nest") in general, welcome! I'm Ariel. Along with my husband Clay, our dogs, cats, bees, and some poultry, we live in a tiny house on wheels in the mountains of western Wyoming and are working on setting into our own new little homestead. I've been living this lifestyle since 2014 and my wonderful partner has joined me more recently. What will you find if you follow the channel and watch the videos?
Real life here. I try to show the good and the bad. The ups and the downs. What works, and what doesn't. The parts I love (most of it!), and the things that suck. Not just the showroom version of a tiny house, but everyday life in a tiny house. Not just the romantic idea of "homesteading" or off grid life, but the everyday details of this lifestyle. We split wood for heat, fill the water tank from a gravity fed spring, and attempt to grow as much of our own food as possible between the weather and wildlife here. I hope to help others learn from mistakes and make life just a little easier for anyone else interested in pursuing a similar lifestyle.
We live in a somewhat harsh and cold climate, but enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife that we are surrounded by on a daily basis. You'll also see videos of the nature and wildlife around my home. If you are interested in my photography or purchasing a photo, I'd love if you follow that over at mewe.com/join/arielcelestepho... or ArielCelestePhotography.zenfolio.com!
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[@katherinekelly5380]

I have to admit I checked out this washer and was startled at the price - so I appreciate Ariel talking to her brother about it and what it would take to make one. It made me realize why it costs what it does. What I loved the most about using a laundry room in an apartment building is getting up early on Saturday and taking my five loads of clothing, bedding and towels and getting it all done in 90 minutes as I could use 5 washers and then 5 dryers all at once. The building had 20+ washers and dryers. I’d pre-sort all my laundry into cheap white pillowcases, add the detergent to each pillowcase in my apartment. Then in the laundry room I’d just need to dump the pillowcase’s contents in the washer, toss the pillow case in after. I would stuff each load back into the pillowcase as I emptied dryer and carried everything back to my apartment like that. No lugging a big container of detergent with me, no worries about dropping a sock on the commute 😁

[@beverlymichael5830]

I have had this machine for about 10 years and just love washing in it. It gets clothes clean. I think cleaner than the new electric washers. I attached mine to a rolling dolly so I can move it around d easily as I use mine in the barn. I can roll to the over head door east. Fill with the garden hose. I attached a hose to drain out in the gravel and use a biodegradable soap with no harsh things in it. I can then roll it back to its storage place in the barn. It’s very well made. It is pricy but think how long this will last compared to short life of an electric washer. Nothing to break and no electricity needed. I then hang my clothes to dry. It is amazing.

[@carolluther1625]

Love hung clothes to dry! Good little washer!

[@DDD11239]

My 25+-year-old electric washer works well. Loud, but fast.

[@calicat7794]

You sure have more energy for this than I. At my age I will stick with electric washer and dryer.😊

[@littlehomeinthevalley]

About to move onto our property in Idaho and live off grid in our Fifth Wheel while we build our little house. I've been considering this machine, and now I'm convinced I will use it happily! Once again, you are a source of knowledge and inspiration to me, and you have been for many years!

[@alladreamwedreamed]

Your new place is wonderful! Happy for you both. Thanks for the demo.

[@doriolson8223]

I’m so happy for you, I agree that the modern machines are not up to par. They have forgotten that we want clean clothes and a machine that will last longer than five minutes, thank you for sharing 😊💗

[@Kayenne54]

I didn't even know one could get a manual washing machine like this (unless it was made by someone in the family who is handy with tools and old tech). My "new" electric washing machine takes forever, and I agree. Clothes aren't actually clean. Though they dry quickly because of the spinning. It's annoying, noisy and expensive (electric washer) and I'm cross about how much I spent to buy it. However, for a doona or large blanket, it looks a bit small? Also, that company doesn't ship to my country...sadly.

[@DoctorDuckie1964]

Problem is the young ones these days do not realize that ever existed. Long lasting quality stuff that lasts that is.

[@kathleensanderson3082]

@@DoctorDuckie1964 I think it would be good for young people to spend some time browsing Lehmen's website or catalog. They'd learn a lot!

[@ladyinthemountains2527]

There is a lady at On The Path Homestead channel that built one. I think they call it a Dasher washing machine.

[@klazyy641]

When the first electric wringer (much like yours, only electric with a quick release on the top) I, being not too brilliant as a lad, decided the rollers were going the wrong ways and stuck my thumb in to disturb their mischief and the cry of "finger wringer" rang out in the basement. I never saw my mother move so fast taking the steps two or three at a time to hit the release. I still bear the scar at 80---and was so glad the rollers were new and not like the ones on the ranch which were like concrete after all the years and use. Thanks for the (painful) memory!

[@beverlymichael5830]

Not only do I have the hand washer like here but also a Kenmore wringer washer from the 50’s. The motor still hums along and the wringer still works great. I love it. You won’t find the new washers still around 75 years from now.

[@2ndrevgirl141]

How great your mother was so fast and that she knew where the release button was! I can imagine her speeding to your rescue! Amusing to all of us to whom it didn't happen! HaHa!

[@cherylhuskins3711]

I remember my 85 year old mother telling about her mother, my grandmother getting her hair caught in an electric wringer washer!

[@Diligent-dp7gi]

: ) I actually ENJOY Manual WORK. It is so satisfying to DO the work and SEE the fruits of your Labor. It often is a Good Workout.

[@allegrosotto2126]

I’ve never understood why go to gym when a real life gives a more satisfying workout 😊

[@Johnsoncrna]

That’s so cool on so many levels

[@skmccuen]

Thanks for the demonstration. Gives me something to consider. The cost is about the same as a new electric washer/dryer combo.

[@wichitatxgal]

Loved the video. Stacy on Doug and Stacy had this on one of their videos but you demonstrated so much more than she has in the past. Thank you for doing this video and hopefully more of us will buy one now!❤🏅

[@megangreene3955]

I recommend Blueland laundry detergent. It is environmentally friendly, dye free, perfume free, hypoallergenic and does a good job at washing clothes. That's what I prefer to use on my wash.

[@cedarrockcabin3633]

I must admit initially I was shocked at the price. But I quickly realized how economical and inexpensive it is in the long run. As you said, you will never need another one, no electric bill and no (stupid) touch pads & computers to go bad. I have definitely spent more on washers if I were to add them up. I love your washer! I stopped using scented detergent and absolutely no fabric softener a few years ago, drier sheets or wool balls when I use the drier. I have gotten to where fragrances really bother me. Natural essential oils are ok. But why waste the money on them? Yes. Some things come out with static cling. But we have minimal synthetic fabrics, but they never have static when I put them on. I also make my own unscented soap and face/body lotion.

[@FyNyth]

Yes I think it should well pay for it's self over time but it's a bit of an investment up front for sure! Isn't it amazing how those fake chemical fragrances stand out when you don't use them yourself?

[@barbaragriffin869]

If you wanted to conserve water, you could do a second rinse and use that water to wash the next load. I grew up using an electric wringer washer and we did that. Our well would get low in the summer- we had to bathe in the lake then.

[@zapfanzapfan]

When you buy quality you only have to buy it once 🙂

[@karynm3365]

I absolutely adore this washer and would love to get it. Only problem? It's almost $1300 😟

[@Jmmbear]

Considering the life cycle of the machine, it will outlast a reg washer. I have an apt size in my Rv and I'm on my 2nd one in 9 years. They run approx 400. My one in a house, a front loading was close to 700.

[@user-Ozzieboy]

Omg the toilet paper !! lol lol have the same rolls. 😂😂 love it

[@ClaudiaSandigo]

I purchased a washer 5 years ago, along with a 5 year protection plan, all together it cost me $980. I wasn’t happy with the machine because the clothes didn’t come out clean. On Friday it stopped working. It failed 17 days after the protection plan expired! I’m so angry! Two years ago, I installed an outdoor rotary clothesline and have been air drying clothes since. Now that the washing machine failed, I’m planning on ordering one of these Lehman machines, which are comparable to the cost of the modern machines, and I’ve no doubt that it will last me longer than 5 years and 17 days.

[@susanyates4233]

Fascinating. I washed by hand with three childre, two in terry towelling in nappies. One hour in the evening after they were in bed, and they were soon done.

[@marlenejones6266]

Thats a nice gentle wash for your clothes. Wont frazzle them or wear them out quickly

[@revaflowers3115]

When all my children(5), and my husband was alive ,I did all my washing with a Maytag wringer washing machine.I just loved using it and so did the kids.They never complained about helping doing laundry.I wish I still had it. I have also used a gas powered wringer washer when I first got married and we lived with my husband's family on their farm. Now there is just me and I use the Wonderwash tub like you used to use in the Tiny House. I really like doing wash without using as much water.Modern washing machines just don't make me feel that my clothes are getting clean.

[@tesselaynes5428]

One time I hung a pair of jeans and a shirt over the wood stove to dry for morning. 4 in the morning I woke up and saw a pair of burning pants coming toward me as my grandpa had heard them burning and came out to check and swatted them down so clothes can start on fire even though theres no open flame if they get too dry. So be careful.

[@beejereeno2]

She's been doing this for like 10 years I think she'll be ok lmao

[@sheilabundren2037]

You should put a laundry basket under the wringer so your clothes can fall into. Thanks for explaining it. How do you wash bulky things like blankets or sheets?

[@FyNyth]

Sheets run through here just fine. Blankets might be harder. Since we use sheets against our skin, we almost never have to wash bigger blankets but we might have to do a laundromat load if we did need to wash a bunch of big blankets.

[@patriciafuchs5970]

This took me back to my grandma’s house.President Rutherford B Hayes’s. Granddaughter provided a wringer washing machine for her servants to use. This was in the 1970’d.

[@judyzeigler3980]

I love the washing machine. That is so cool. Use to use a round tub whice it was electric and it had the roller on top od the round tub. You had the water just like you did and empty the same way, but it had electric Agentator. That was at least 20 years old when I had it, and I used it at least another 10 years before I moved and gave the machine to someone else. It lasted a long time. And never broke down. I loved it. But I like yours better , the electric could have needed to be replaced or a part could have had to be replaced. But at that time it was old school and I loved it and what I could afford. I brought it use and still it lasted forever.😊

[@MrRLH93]

I was saving it buy one and then I found one on marketplace for $100 dollars from a family that was going back on grid after being off grid for 20 years when I asked them why he said I have a wife and four daughters that all want to use hair dryers so I was out voted 😂

[@GrannyS217]

Wow! You have managed to make it so cozy and beautiful! I love it ! Thank you for sharing!

[@marionbartley214]

You said that you wash clothes every 3 weeks, so did you all wear these clothes more than once ? Because they sure our dirty. This is a lot of work to do for just one person, let alone a family say four. Oh my gosh well good luck to you on doing this laundry. It was interesting how you do your laundry and thank you for sharing the video.

[@FyNyth]

Yes. For instance if you are cutting firewood one day, and doing the same the next day, you may as well just hang up your sawdusty clothing and wear them for the same thing another day. :)

[@jankarel6454]

I used to have an electric wringer washer decades ago, and your hand operated wringer seems so much safer than that. Every time I used it, it scared me, because catching a hand in the wringer is so dangerous and so easily done. Your setup looks perfect. It also looks like something that would be really good for using in a dry area, because you could water your plants without running up the water bill.

[@mags102755]

That's a great machine Ariel and I seem to remember something like it when I was a little girl (68 now) 🙂

[@gailjohnson2795]

I looked at those expensive i thought but less so than an electric machine

[@katherinekelly5380]

I’d be tempted to let dirty clothes soak over night and then rinse the next day and hang to dry - it seem like letting them soak longer old be better - although this is probably something to test when trying out the machine

[@dawnbaker9274]

I have wanted this washer for years. I live in a permanently parked camper trailer and need a shed to house it. Maybe by the end of summer?

[@truuBludd]

You are both amazing people, i project peace and love to you and your family🥰💥🤩🤪

[@candacemiller-wh5rm]

Thank You ❤The video

[@delmadehoyos1946]

I really like the fact that no electricity is required....I want one of these washers. Thank you for showing this Ariel. 😊❤

[@westrose586]

Thanks for the share! Actually looks fun.

[@sw8234]

Love it! I could totally see using this. Question: how do you wash your bed comforters and blankets?

[@micaely880]

What a valuable information! Thanks for sharing.

[@paulcaskey]

Very cool. I've been eyeing these for years.

[@carolynmoody9460]

❤❤❤❤🕊️

[@geraldinefields1730]

Thank you.

[@jorgehurford1742]

I hand washed for many years. I don't think you are rinsing enough; My mother always said rinse until the rinse water comes out clear: I didn't have hot water on tap and my hands got painfully cold in the winter when rinsing; a machine like yours would have been a godsend. ( Of course my mothers generation took great pride in how white their washing was. It was a different time)

[@rubygray7749]

I think Ariel covered the rinsing aspect very thoroughly indeed!! Her technique is perfectly suitable for her farm situation. As she said, the second rinse would be perfectly clear, showing that all the dirty water had been removed by the rollers after the first rinse. No sense wasting water, especially when supply is limited and it must all be carted in freezing weather.

[@clobberelladoesntreadcomme9920]

I was confused when she said "a third rinse isn't necessary" but it seemed to me she did one rinse and not two?

[@rubygray7749]

@@clobberelladoesntreadcomme9920 Yes, she filled the tub twice. Once to wash and once to rinse. On the occasion she filled it 3 times (for the second rinse) she found no extra benefit, so no longer does that.

[@sgrvtl7183]

I watch another off-grid channel that uses a wash 'machine' like yours in southern AZ. TLook forward to your garden videos and all the beautiful flowers!

[@sethbeske268]

Aerial I have 2 electric wringer washers I love them!

[@bobmoss1802]

Why Wow Cool

[@arjones0819]

Glad you finally got it. I know they were on back order for quite a while

[@janetjohnson998]

I have always wondered about these machines and if they actually worked well. Thanks!

[@jrcriner6542]

I would love to visit Lehmans store. Maybe someday

[@skytechbits]

I love that washing machine and drying rack setup. I grew up with a round washing machine that had the same rollers on it like that. Pretty cool. Thanks for sharing Ariel.

[@heathers8472]

What about bedding? Specifically like a king size quilt? Hard to tell from the video but it doesn't look big enough.

[@denisedarrell6828]

Back in the day my Mother had a wringer washer (electric) and I loved it. We had two stationery tubs and one was for clean, rinse water and the other for flushing down the drain. I loved it. I was a kid at the time and I'd volunteer to do the laundry.

[@Jmmbear]

I had a second hand elec wringer washer decades ago that i used for 5 years, before i sadly sold it. Moved to a place with built ins. Washed great once you figured out how not to break buttons on the wringer. I wish i had the room for this in my rv. :-)

[@glendabyford8074]

I have a wash tub set up and a wringer I love doing my wash like this daily.. I also use my water to water my plants etc

[@Fireballsocal]

Thank you for the Lehman's recommendation Ariel. There are some nice products for prices comparable to the big internet bazaar.

[@dorisharrison9885]

Their are sheets detergent we use ordered from Amazon,have a wonderful wash day😮❣️👍

[@bradlafferty]

Thanks for giving us your insights on this washer. I’ve been contemplating getting one but didn’t know how muscle-demanding it was. You’ve answered that. It seems to be gentler on clothes, what with the soaking and come back agitating. I like that. Thanks. New sub.

[@magamutts5726]

Bless your heart Ariel. This machine looks awesome and I really enjoyed your video on it but definitely not for me. Laundry is my pet peeve, the less time spent on it the better. I’m with you on fancy gadgets though. I recently replaced a 30 year old washer with a no frills Speed Queen. No wifi connections, nothing I can’t fix myself if it breaks.

[@margaretpollard2179]

👍

[@wendyweaver8749]

I think I would do two rinse cycles BUT use the water of the second rinse to wash the next load. The second rinse water should be "clean" enough for a wash cycle.

[@user-gb2fl9xj6o]

I have had a James washer for 20 years. We ordered it from Lehman's. When it arrived we were shocked at how Flimsy it was. We took it to a local sheet metal shop and asked if they could make one but only using heavier metal for the tub. They could and they did. For half the price. We returned the one from Lehman's. There is no patent on the James washer so anyone can make and sell them. A really good ringer assembly is the most expensive thing you have to buy. Oh and I have double tubs on legs for my rinse water. I would really like to have a ringer washer with a gasoline engine like old order Mennonites use. I do my laundry in a wash house not in my kitchen.

[@samanthab5752]

I wonder if you could rig it to automate the drain valve? I’m imagining something akin to a toilet tank flapper. The process of doing manual laundry like this seems like it would be relaxing and easily done on autopilot mode (like when washing dishes), but I see myself getting a bit annoyed having to squat/bend down and twist the drain on and off multiple times.

[@danbev8542]

I agree with much of your philosophy! We have a European style front loader. Like you, I loathe heavy perfumes in laundry soap. I found after buying a few horrible ones, a fragrance free sheet paper laundry soap - no plastic containers! We own a dryer (it came with the house) but we use it for less than 5% of our laundry. We hang laundry outside, or inside -depending on the weather. IMO, dryers beat up your clothes, shrink them, and use way too much electricity. And dryer sheets?? Slather your clothes with more toxic chemicals? No thanks! There is actually some skills needed for hanging clothes up to dry. 1. Hang pants and shirts by the hems. The heavy waistbands & pockets dry faster if they aren’t bunched up on the line. Some may dry faster if inside out. 2. Straighten them for minimal wrinkling, by arranging as if on your body, or a hanger. Ex: shirts hung by hems and as if buttoned. Tug on the plackets & collar so they will hang with few wrinkles. 3. Hang underwear on a middle line, behind the towels for privacy. 4. Hang sheets & blankets across 2-3 lines. 5. Hang like things together - towels, t-shirts, etc. More efficient for folding off the line when dry.

[@joegarry8983]

Sad to say I use a modern washing machine that I bung my clobber into about every two weeks or so, just would be impossible for me to find the time involved for that wonderful contraption of yours. Would have one of them in a flash if I could find myself an Ariel that would be as happy as you are to operate the dang thing for me. Would be harder in these parts to find such an Ariel as it would be to find one of them thare washers and the nearest Ariel might be three thousand miles distant, afraid I'm stuck with what I got.

[@alicerafferty9595]

I don't have this wash machine. We are off grid and have a small cheap Chinese washer. I use my rinse water from my first wash to wash my second load. This washer spins the clothes so well that it takes very little time to dry. This machine looks like just the ticket for a non- electric wash. Nice video! Thank you, Ariel!

[@rnord9882]

Great demo, Ariel! It reminded me of your original laundry video but instead of spinning and doing chores while you waited you are now agitating! 😂 Do you rinse the basin out after you are all done to get rid of any dirt? I guess my only remaining questions are on maintenance with it. Love your channel! ❤

[@sherryharding5792]

That is a lot of work and a great workout! Firstly you must have a lot of energy and time to operafe it. However it surely gets the clothes very clean. Personally i would prefer to wash my clothes the old fashioned way by using a brush and rinse in the bathroom. I guess it would be much much faster. Appreciate your video especially of how much water you have saved.🎉

[@christycritser2819]

Hello, do you have any trouble with buttons on your clothing when you put them thru the ringer? I have just purchased and received one but haven't used it yet. Thank you

[@FyNyth]

I wondered if that would be an issue but the buttons seem to roll through just fine.

[@christycritser2819]

@@FyNyth thank you

[@mhariett3718]

To avoid button or zipper damage, fold them inside / cover with fabric before running through wringer. You can agitate your clothing as long as you want but electric machines run on a timer. As always, keep your fingers out of the rollers!

[@ladyinthemountains2527]

@@mhariett3718I learned to fold the buttons/zippers inside when I helped wash clothes in our old Maytag. We had a double rinse tub and just swung the wringer around to hang over each tub.

[@heatherclayton-callaghan4270]

I always kept my rinse water in the machine & used it for the next wash. On second thoughts your rinse water is a bit dirtier than mine was.

[@LoriSkees]

This looks kind of therapeutic too! I am trying to get rid of toxins in our home so I make my own laundry detergent. I also hang almost all our laundry on a drying rack to save electricity/money. I am I intrigued by something in the background….is that toilet paper with politicians’ faces on it? 😅😅😅

[@Diligent-dp7gi]

I LOVE the Simplicity. However, the Rinse water LOOKS DIRTY : ( Could you HOSE your clothes off out side to RINSE them BETTER ??

[@rubygray7749]

Didn't you listen to the whole video???

[@chiapagringa]

I listened to the whole video, and that rinse water is too dirty for me. Definitely would rinse one more time because there's got to be dirt still left in the clothes. I'm surprised with all of her allergies and skin sensitivities that she wears clothes that undoubtedly still have dirty(and maybe pollen) rinse water residue in them. @rubygray7749

[@2ndrevgirl141]

I enjoyed this demonstration and believe you when you say it is not difficult! It's a beautiful machine! And clothes dried outdoors or even indoors (but not in an electric dryer) smell heavenly! One of my cherished memories from childhood! Thanks for another interesting, fun video!

[@marciaford7882]

😂

[@thegroundedstarseeds]

💙🙏💫

[@mcfloater1171]

I wash all my sheets and blankets every week How do you fit bulky blankets and if not how do you clean these items ?

[@rubygray7749]

First viewer!! At 1:44 a.m.in Tasmania

[@vernabryant2894]

I would buy one if it was half price

[@TheRickie41]

One of the next big solar storms will put out the grid, with the weakening magnetic field.. Good choice. Amish and those prepared as this will be the ones to get on much more easily then.

[@lunalhd3381]

What do you do when you have to wash your big covers like your bedding stuff or big jackets I’m just wondering

[@Lili-xq9sn]

I also wondered that too. But after seeing all she washed/ hung in one load, it seems a linen bed set of sheets should easily fit in a load. Idk. I hope she answers here.

[@maryrutigliano1044]

One trip to town in spring to wash all the large items would solve that problem, one sitting at the laundry and one person taking care of town chores in that trip

[@paige_n_neri]

​@maryrutigliano1044 Good idea. Just be careful what laundromat. The last time I tried, the linens smelled terrible.

[@jenniferhuslage3390]

Thats a dasher washing machine

[@marciaford7882]

Ha ha

[@RobinsNestEggs]

That rinse water is not “cloudy” it’s dirty. Another rinse or two is definitely needed. Although I respect your commitment to that process I will stick to my mine. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us. Blessings. 🙏🏽💐

[@livinginthenow]

There's no reason why this should cost $1299.99. It's an improvement over doing your laundry in a 5 gallon bucket with a plunger, but the price is ludicrous. I'd love to have one, but I just can't justify spending that much money on something that isn't much more than a barrel cut in half with legs tacked on it. smh

[@annalinekennedy1027]

An interesting machine. I am very spoiled with an electric one and will rather stick to it. I am to lazy for this machine

[@mommabecky83]

What dishsoap is that?

[@maryrutigliano1044]

I like Palmolive for oil stains

[@beejereeno2]

Looks like Palmolive free & clear (no dye, no fragrance)

[@margiemurray2147]

It looked like a green environment type soap it would definitely have to be that way so you can put it on your plants biodegradable

[@barbaracarlson1331]

I would use another rinse…..I don’t like that dirty rinse water.

[@jenniferr2057]

Could you use the rinse water as washing water for the next round of laundry? I think we have the same skin!

[@douglashambelton5596]

How is it your socks come in pairs, whats the secret?

[@allegrosotto2126]

🤣

[@sarkybugger5009]

I'm sorry Ariel, but in what way is hand washing clothes _nicer_ than using a washing machine? My front loading automatic machine can do a week's washing (6kg) in half an hour, and I don't have to stand there like an idiot, pumping a handle. Press a button, and walk away. It even plays a tune when it's finished. Cost me £200, almost 15 years ago. Also, a wringer won't get your clothes nearly as dry as a spin dryer. It appears to me that Clay gets to play with all the machines he wants, while you have to make do with manual labour... More fool you.

[@user-gt3qn2zj5q]

Not for me. I don’t have that much energy at 80 years old. Nor the time.

[@Jenny-hh1um]

$1300???

[@mary-chiltonvanhees1201]

Our fancy electric machine is so lousy, I hate it! It decides how much water to use. I cannot do small loads or it will unbalance. I cannot open it during a cycle. It has taken control of my choices and does a rotten job! Sometimes I would like lots of hot water for a craft project…nope. Your machine is great!

[@catscattying]

I have many thoughts on this and whole heartedly disagree with all your points. Your machine is a good option when one has limited power (which isn’t the case in your property, your current power setup is plenty sufficient for a few appliances) and/or limited water (which doesn’t seem to be the case in your property anymore either) Your machine is a time waster and costs more than a large heavy duty electric washer. The way I see it, buying a regular washing machine is worth the risk of having to make repairs or replace it after 15 years or so. One can get a simple washer - not those ones with a ton of electronic “features “, and if clothes are heavily soiled, leave them soaking in the machine for a little while and don’t put them through a dryer. It’s really the dryer that’s rough on fabrics, but you can select the gentle cycle in the washer as well if you’re particular about certain pieces. I can’t imagine what machines you’ve used in the past that washed clothes for hours and hours using 2 cups of water. Never encountered one myself and my Frigidaire one has been going strong and cleaning well for more than 14 years. A washer that isn’t equipped with all kinds of bells and whistles will clean well and last a long time provided you keep the drum clean and don’t abuse it (like overloading it). Electricity and modern appliances are a godsend, specially as one gets older. Try using this manual laundry contraption if you have arthritis, or if you or a loved one are sick… you won’t have time or energy to waste babysitting clothes on top of everything else. You don’t know what’s ahead of you. Sure, you and Clay are both are active and pay attention to what you eat, but that’s not a guarantee that you will maintain your strength and vitality as you grow older. If you design your home thinking you will be able-bodied “until you die”, and that doesn’t actually happen, retrofitting the home will be harder and costly and you may need to sell it and go elsewhere sooner (say in your 70s as opposed to staying in your house until your 80s or your 90s). As you and Clay build the new house, planning your home to facilitate aging in place is a smart thing to consider.

[@stevevernon5038]

@catscattying. Old order amish women use this even in their old age!!

[@catscattying]

@@stevevernon5038 the fact that some people use it when they are elderly doesn’t mean it’s comfortable or appropriate for everyone. An old order amish woman that needed a walking aid to keep her balance would not have an easy time with this thing. Theoretically, one can use an outhouse in the middle of a cold night or haul water indoors when one is 80. Doesn’t mean it’s comfortable or appropriate. There will come a time when it’s too much. The point here is to think about arrangements for an easier, more comfortable old age and stay in your own home longer. Not everyone will get to their late 80s in perfect good health, but if the home isn’t too physically demanding, staying independent longer becomes more feasible.

[@nintendopepokemonfreakrube490]

Fy nyth im sorry but thiw ! machine is not spectacular. Id rather use !y hands in a container as i sometimes do

[@mircat28]

“NEW electric washers!” How long have you lived in your cave?! They have been patented since 1910!

[@mycelticstardust]

I believe she meant the ones that have computer chips, which break down a lot and have to have repairs yearly, from my experience.

[@Miguel195211]

I honestly can’t see the U.S. going back to this type of washing machine. This machine is not practical at all. Folks let’s get real!

[@allegrosotto2126]

Just wait till the grid goes down…

[@Miguel195211]

@@allegrosotto2126Fear mongering and conspiracy theories. Paranoia! We are waiting 🤦‍♂️

[@rubygray7749]

It's obviously the very MOST practical solution for all people who choose to avoid electric washing machines for whatever reason, or who have no choice about living off grid. Compared to spending time playing golf or drinking down the pub or watching football, this is incredibly practical. You don't want to do this, fine. Stick with your computerised noisy inefficient machine that will break down any minute.

[@margiemurray2147]

Ariel, thank you for demonstrating you're clothes washing set up and spending time with us. My grandmother had a ringer washer on their farm. My mom has told me stories of doing laundry and using water from the cistern to fill it up. Happy Mother's Day! My only concern is that Lehmen's is now owned by Walmart. The original owners of the company sold out. Was wondering did you get this from an Amish or Mennonite store or was it from Walmart with the Lehmen's brand name on it? I also have problems with neighbors using toxic chemicals for drying their clothes but I don't have a quarter mile between our houses we have maybe 6 ft so I can't even go out in my garden. Completely understand how you feel bcuz I get migraines... Happy washing

[@stevevernon5038]

My wife and I raised 8 children off grid and this is what we used for laundry. Very practical

[@marciaford7882]

Put your face in the water