How to do laundry without electricity | Off grid Laundry Day

#offgrid #washing #prepper
Sometimes life is messy or just fully goes off the rails. This week we are back to off grid laundry because our washing machine took a dump and it will be a couple weeks before we can replace it. No worries though as we have done this before! This skill transcends Homesteading and is valuable to everyone no matter if you live in the biggest of cities or the most remote of back woods. When I first learned how to do this I was a young single mother with a pittance of an income and little to no support. I deeply value the life lessons I learned during this time and the grit and tenacity gained from those experiences. I hope that this helps you all through your "rough ride" experiences in the same way those veteran hippy off-grid mamas helped me all those years ago.
Support our homestead and Adventures by visiting our online store at:
TheNamelessHomestead.com we have lots of homestead made goodies like goats milk soap and bone carvings waiting for you!
Stay in touch and dont miss out on content by following our other social media accounts:
/ thenamelesshomestead
TheNamelessHomestead
Facebook.com/TheNamelessHomestead
Facebook.com/groups/276439926685515/?ref=share
Twitter.com/TheNamelessHome
Reddit.com/r/TheNamelessHomestead

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

I hope you all enjoyed our video on offgrid laundry! What are some things you have had to do in leaner times to get you through?

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

Lol I have done that a time or two 😅 builds character! Spirit lake is a stunning area. Glad to have you join the crew 🥰

[@becsap9151]

I've installed a bidet to get through the toilet paper shortage.

[@jacquelinecargill4017]

I was once in the same situation as you were. Single, small baby, no money, no washer or dryer. I felt less than. I eventually bought a used portable washer and clothesline. It changed my life.

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

I just thought of another idea. Put the laundry in a tub. Agitate it by standing in the tub and trampling and stirring it with you feet!

[@bkkorner]

Or wash your clothes while taking a shower!

[@debbiewrazen5233]

We are really only two - three generations out from hand washing and scrubbing clothes. Nothing to be ashamed of when you are independent and save some cash. Thanks for the informative video.

[@dinarusso3320]

Exactly, I hand wash a few small items to save trips to laundromat and cash. I just wash in my sink and hang them up. I take larger items to the laundromat

[@elektron333]

This probably sounds weird, but it works. . I sort laundry into heavy lawn type garbage bags. Put soap and whatever in each bag. Drag them to the car and add water. It helps to have a 100' hose lying in the sun for hot water. Tie or use gumbands, make sure it doesn't leak but you need to get back into the bags. Make sure they won't shift around and DRIVE. Do shopping, visit, run the kids around. Put 25 miles of agitation on those clothes! The clothes that are very dirty or heavy take longer. They can soak there for a FEW days. Leaving them longer will stink! Rinse well with warm water from hose and help the kids hang them. I do use a genuine soap. No detergents here. A bit of vinegar in final rinse is nice. Necessity forces you to find a way!

[@tessie0528]

Single mama of 4 who really needed this video and the uplifting message. Thank you. ❤️

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

So happy to hear that this video offered you some comfort! Sending love your way Tessie! 💖

[@Yasmin-ff3mt]

I'm looking at ways to save electric, gas, heat etc. I'm in the uk and by January 2023 our electric bills alone will be £5000 a year. Its madness here atm. Also a single mum on a low income. I've been watching a lot of videos like this and tons of off grid living videos just to try and get some ideas. What a time to be alive huh! Lol its 2022 and people can barely afford to live in what's meant to be one of the wealthiest countries.. 😟 crazy times. Will definitely be watching more of your videos!

[@becsap9151]

You can always simplify the drying line issue by using a drying rack, or a few plastic hangers on the shower rail.

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

Good idea!

[@cricket3789]

We used to move the shower rod to the middle of the tub to keep it from dripping on the floor. Of course if you overload it with jeans it can and will collapse. I'm talking about the cheap tension rod type.

[@wanderlotstravel]

​@@cricket3789I just keep a 2nd rod up for drying things, and have it installed offset so that's it not right above our heads but far enough in so that water from anything hanging on it will drip into the shower. It's also hanging above the shower wall so that it's resting on the edge of the shower insert, which helps hold it up. This is made possible by having the shower curtain on a curved rod, which is also hanging above the shower insert and a few inches above the hanging rod.

[@Srindal4657]

When i have the time while doing washloads in the washing machine, i hand wash clothes in a bowl with a bucket, some laundry detergent and some emergency washing up liquid. It works, very clean clothes. Also its quite theraputic doing a task like that. Helps to clean the mind. Clean clothes, clean mind. 😌

[@justinreich3486]

These videos will become much more popular as more people are attracted to an off grid life. Thank you for your time and effort 👌

[@danijohnson1038]

I tried using a plunger, but my arms aren't strong enough, but I still use the bucket and kind of knead the laundry and spin it around in the bucket for as long as I can go and then do the same process all over again in the rinse cycle. It's kind of like kneading dough and relaxing once you get started. I hang dry my clothes cause I don't have a dryer at all. My washer, the timer stopped working so I had to go this route. I actually don't mind doing it this way and may continue too.

[@elektron333]

I stir with an old boat oar. Less resistance than a plunger.

[@wanderlotstravel]

We're going to do this instead of taking up space in our camper for a washer and dryer we'll rarely use. I think adding a drink dispenser spigot to the bottom of the bucket would make this process a lot easier since it could act as a drain valve.

[@TheLakingc]

Re: drying inside...Just watch out about humidity in some places. Thank you for this video. We have no running water AGAIN! Our laundromat is sketchy, VERY EXPENSIVE, and does a poor job of cleaning. I have a lovely set w/D, though. I am going to try running it on spin before drying. I did buy a plunger today...now i know what to do with it! Hope it helps me with my attempts at weight-loss ! I can barely walk due to extreme arthritis, so my weight has become an issue. Think I will turn on some good praise music, too! Thanks again.

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

A good worship song really helps the work be less frustrating! Praying for your healing, you are an overcomer! 💖

[@sandrabennett3757]

This process is new to me. Thank you ‼️

[@karenmickle9738]

I love this info! Thank you "Nameless"!

[@c_c_adventures]

Thank you for this laundry hack as well as the inspirational speech I really needed to hear that!

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

I am so glad to hear that you were helped by my video ♥ as old of an adage as it is remember everything has its season and sometimes they are harsh but "this too shall pass" sometimes we have to say it through gritted teeth but it is a bit of hope to hold on to.

[@vernabryant2894]

Good information

[@koolkidprozane7786]

Thanks 👍

[@MsOliveLeaf]

I couldn't get anybody to hook up my washing machine after I moved in and now there is something wrong with it. I have been washing clothes out of a plastic bucket using a plunger, laundry detergent and that's all. If the item has a stain, I pretreat with Oxy Clean Spray or some other stain remover on it and let it sit a while. then wash. I dump the water in the bathtub and only give it a second rinse if needed. The laundry racks are for the basement and I have a clothes line on my back porch for the summer months. I have gotten quite used to this method. PS: My daughter picked up a washboard for me so I will use it after I get some laundry bar soap, Zote or Fels-Naptha. The latter is excellent for getting tough stains out.

[@jacqslabz]

Thank you :)

[@dianaklien1560]

When my husband, baby and I was living in a small trailer in a trailer park, the natural gas line broke. We had no gas for the stove, oven, furnace and water heater for about two months. It also meant that the park’s washing machines and dryers didn’t work as well. We used our 12 cup electric coffee machine to heat water. I hand washed our laundry in the bathtub and hung it out to dry on a cotton line. The cotton diapers I washed separately in the kitchen sink. (We tended to run out of disposable diapers so we had a dozen cotton ones.) The worst part was ringing out the big stuff like sheets and his clothes (he is 6’4”, so his clothes are a lot of material, ha!).

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

Adversity breeds creativity!

[@d3ltaohniner261]

Been in very similar situation in a trailer with a newborn and the water line froze and broke, went months without being able to get it fixed. Caught water running off the roof to flush toilets, melted snow & ice, hauled water by the bucket from outside hydrant to heat and use a camp shower to keep clean, filtered for drinking. It was a nightmare but we persevered. Glad you did too. Strong men make good times, good times make weak men, weak men make bad times, bad times make strong men. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

[@ResonanceHomestead]

G'day, saw you on Quebec Live and thought I'd come say hi from South Australia :) Subscribed and watching

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

Thanks so much! Welcome ❤

[@sheashearttoheart1111]

new subbie! I am currently a single mother of 2! My dryer stopped working

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

I feel that! Keep on swimming mama you got this 💪

[@MountainRoots]

Resourcefulness!... congrats btw in hitting 1k subbs!! 🤙-Josh

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

Thank you ❤

[@LifeWithMrsB]

My washer just broke 😩 the company are coming out in a week to look at it. Till at least then I’m gonna give this a shot! Too expensive to use the machines I need to pay for. :) thanks for sharing

[@datghettoazn127]

Great video! Hope you reach your next milestone!

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

Thanks for your support I am glad you enjoyed the video!

[@farmertylerranch4399]

You hit 1000 subs! Congratulations!! I knew you would

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

I did! Thank you for believing in us! 🥰

[@ramonamittelstadt5106]

Girl! I thank you from my heart ❤ I too am a single mom who cannot afford the coin laundry every time. 😮😢 lifesaver!!

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

Keep up the hard work mama! It's a difficult season of life but you can do it ❤️

[@CheetahSnowLeopard]

You had me at the drill.

[@patryk6747]

Great video, that helped me thank you :)

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

Glad to hear it!

[@jonnien6006]

I need this since my washer is broken

[@pinkpastelhearts]

honestly, i think this would be better to do along with having a wringing machine you can buy off of amazon and have a clothesline, it'd be saving you alot of money for sure, but thats just my opinion. at least you get a workout, LOL, i wish i could get a wringing machine cause i have arthiritis in my hands and i cant squeeze out clothes too good.

[@elektron333]

They are pricey! I am looking for an easy design to make one myself.

[@dlewis895]

CK OUT SQUEEZE WRINGER FOR.MOPS EFFECTIVE CHEAP.

[@Bella-wl6fn]

I just moved. I'm an empty nester but watching spending for retirement. I can't lug things to an overpriced questionable public Laundromat. Mywasher/dryer arrives from Amazon in a few days so thank you❤ Also, I really enjoyed your story in this video, and yes, too many r on the struggle bus, good for you🤗 ...we are in a recession, inflation has me paranoid about spending. Some of the younger ones need to lay off the Star Bucks, Red Bulls and ap subscriptions, it eats away at financial security. I'm excited to see if the portable washer and dryer works well, if it doesn't, I'm sending it back and going with your set up. I can afford to take blankets to the cleaners when necessary, it's just me now be blessed❤

[@LiliansGardens]

Great watching you . Saw you at the fb page.

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Ftybr57]

Living off the grid I’m interested in how you charge that drill

[@Pacifica74]

I think I'm too vigorous when I plunge my clothes because the color bleeds out. It still happens even when I shorten the wash time to 15 minutes. How much do you have to work the clothes to release dirt/oil, etc.?

[@Ftybr57]

You should’ve drilled some holes on the plunger that’s very important

[@Zaycream21]

Why is it important? I've seen some videos where they do drill holes and others don't drill any. One explains why the plunger works but doesn't say if it's better to drill or not; they just didn't drill any.

[@heathercreighton9613]

Did you wring the water out of that washing?

[@chonadoria5755]

Why not drill holes on the plunger?

[@sandriagutierrez2605]

What do you think of a washboard?

[@brachashighhopeshomestead226]

Did someone already say it would be really smart to have those old-fashioned cranking type 2 roller manual squeezer thingies that you can get from that great store in Ohio called LEHMANS'? they have other hacks as well I imagine! Also from experience: never underestimate soaking time, whatever time works.

[@MaxineAnne77]

A "wringer". Lehman's has wonderful items, but the prices! Ouch!

[@TheLakingc]

When i was a kid, my mom got one of those wringer washers that was electric. One day i could not find her, then opened the basement door and heard screaming. I ran down and her whole arm had been run through the wringer rollers. I cannot remember how she ever got out of it...just remember the shock and scare,and unplugging it. Someone got her out. And she wore a sling for quite a while. I must have gotten help from someone. We did not even have a telephone! So, be careful if you use that.

[@anuthutantrum]

i reckon youd get the same result after 1 minute. Is it really necessary to do it for 10 minutes?

[@joedurt2220]

I live in an apt. I swear people are putting straight poop in the washing machine. My clothes come out smelling worse. Why I googled how to hand wash. So much easier and I do it watching TV.

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

Oh yeah, I remember those days. You had to pay for the privilege to use those nasty machines in the apartments I lived in as well. With how much we paid in quarters you would think they would have the funding to clean them out once a decade... But nope! Lol

[@glennporter6378]

That's a regular toilet plunger?

[@lainamattox2483]

I just wanted to say that your eyes are beautiful

[@CheetahSnowLeopard]

Drew Barrymore’s Laundry Tips

[@imanassole9421]

Yeah, my washing machine broke down last week too. Started making a high pitch screeching noise, and just wasn't working as well as it use to. Something is definitely severely wrong, and it can't be ignored anymore.. so I bit the bullet and took my wife to the hospital. 😂😂 I'm joking!!

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

😏🤣

[@StevenJimenez-fp7cz]

Why didn't u dump the dirty water outside or outside window it cheaper and cheaper

[@MoneyMan28]

Don't have a kid because it costs like $100,000 dollars from 0 to 18 years

[@Coid]

What are your thoughts on the method where there are holes in the plunger and it's above the clothes? Have you experimented with swapping out the plunger handle with a longer handle, like from a broom?

[@d3ltaohniner261]

You would get a lot more leverage with the longer handle for sure.

[@bryancarlos6466]

You're a cutie pie, single? 😁

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

Lol, sorry buddy. 13 years too late 😉

[@bryancarlos6466]

@@TheNamelessHomestead where's my time machine 🧐😁

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

Sorry friend, I doubt you could hold a candle to my man anyway. It's a rare guy who could dream of reaching high enough to compete with him 👍 but feel free to endeavor to attempt lol it does a man good to have goals 😂

[@bryancarlos6466]

@@TheNamelessHomestead my previous comment was meant as joke & I have no desire to be like or better than anybody else, & I'm happy that you're content & as far as goals go ive already obtained them & im reaping the benefits daily

[@TheNamelessHomestead]

@bryancarlos6466 lol no worries man mine was also a joke 😉

[@marymascorro8791]

You lost me at the showing of the breast section.

[@user-wz1xu2yb4m]

I just came here to watch you tell me how to do laundry😂 in a 🪣😊