Van Life Essentials How to Do Your Laundry While Living in a Van

Review of the Lavario Portable Washing Machine!
Cheap, Easy Way to Do Your Laundry on the Road! Wash Your Clothes Anywhere!
Is this the best portable clothes washer in the world?! This is the Lavario Portable Washing Machine! It is Eco Friendly, Saves Money, and it is very Convenient!
Subscribe: / @cheaprvliving
Be sure to check out my Amazon store, which is full of items that I either use myself, or know other nomads who use them.
Buy anything through my Amazon Store and the commission helps support the channel.
My Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com...
AMAZON LINKS - Items I Recommend:
~Power Stations
amzn.to/3P4S3YV
~12V Batteries
amzn.to/3R16srM
~Portable Solar Panels
amzn.to/3PzhK5z
~Hard Solar Panels
amzn.to/45EVXPi
~Gas and Dual Fuel Generators
amzn.to/3L8Ix5W
~Air Conditioner Units
amzn.to/3P5wAip
~Pop Up Tents
amzn.to/3sNkFyc
______________________________________
Website:
cheaprvliving.com
My Book- How to Live in a Car, Van or RV:
amzn.to/3LDxDWW
Need a Cool Hat, T-shirt, or Sticker:
cheaprvlivings...
My Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com...
---------------------------------------------------------------
Socials:
• Facebook: / cheaprvlivingdotcom
• Instagram: @CheapRVliving
• TikTok: / cheaprvliving
______________________________________
Thanks for watching!

[@bethalexander4257]

Smiinteresting. John Steinbeck wrote, "Travels With Charlie" . A garbage can, soapy water, and a bumpy road. I love that book.

[@stephanietaylor2144]

One of favorite books! I love Steinbeck ( Tortilla Flats!)!!

[@grannieannie1371]

it works well.

[@Tipperary757]

I love that book, too! "Ffftttt!" From Charlie. Can't remember if he had an overbite for that sound.

[@rs5570]

Absolutely wonderful book. I’m going to read it again now that you’ve remindedme

[@laurenkeon3267]

It was my very FAVORITE book when I was young. Made me fall in love with Steinbeck’s work and spent my childhood and young adulthood with him as my most cherished author. He always will b right there at the top. And I am now 70. Think I developed a love of reading and words just from reading his books.

[@jeanmkelly1933]

I love your videos. A lower cost version is you could drill holes in a 5 gallon bucket, and put it inside another bucket. Use a plunger (or just a stick) to swish the clothes around. Pull out the bucket with the holes, rinse, and then use the other bucket to help wring the water out by just switching the buckets. It's a smaller footprint.

[@kathleen3756]

My grandson made me that system for my tiny house. It works great.

[@denisemckiver69]

Good ideal! 👍

[@vanessahenry7238]

Sounds great! I had a system similar!

[@mbd6054]

Great idea. I'm also a fan of handwashing with a wash board. It really works well. It's easy, particularly if the clothes are steeped for a while. You use less water, and it's faster than using any implement.

[@swlabr123]

This set up reminds me of that. We have done that at home for hand washing and times when the washing machine was broken even. And the buckets can be used for other things. Even the one with holes.

[@radagast6322]

I really appreciate you mentioning the importance of biodegradable and environmentally friendly soaps when it comes to dumping greywater!

[@julietschida9114]

A bucket and a dedicated plunger 🪠 wash with soap and rinse with fresh. Easy peasy

[@amandafekety2297]

I just watched someone do a load of laundry. Bob Wells is a genius.

[@nmr6988]

I know, right? 😄😄😄

[@mstexasg6243]

😆😆😆😆😆

[@avagrego3195]

For hand laundry I use a 5 gal bucket and a toilet plunger marked "clothes only" on the handle with a permanent marker. Works great for sweathers / underwear and once even a pair of jeans.

[@katherineanderson6297]

Me to,works well,gets my clothes very clean

[@kele1264]

The blue washboard cracks me up. That's how we used to do it way back in the day. The more things change, the more the stay the same!

[@celegleeson1767]

I loved useing a bucket and a paint mixer. The paint mixer is under 10 bucks. Had a long Handel and it moves the wash as you pull it up and down. Not heavy. Now I remember it I'm going to buy another one. You can do as little as you like, in any size container. It gets in amongst the first bit of clothing and by lifting it it moves all the water through everything. Easy peasy. This is so easy I used it in a house even to do hand washing or soaking stuff.

[@ladyofthewoods2448]

I’ve used those to mix paint lol but would not have thought using that for washing cloths so thanks some don’t have abilities to scrub and plunge and all it would be easier

[@celegleeson1767]

@@ladyofthewoods2448. they are so easy to use. It's like playing. So cheap as well.

[@avagrego3195]

Manuel or drill / electric?

[@celegleeson1767]

@@avagrego3195 Manuel. I don't put to much clothes in at a time so it's easy too pull up and down. The clothes hook into the bottom of the stirer and help it all to move the water

[@juliadawnyel3648]

Share

[@cliffmorgan31]

In our dormitory (‘60s) when the coin operated equipment was out of order (frequently) we used a 5 gal bucket plus a “plumber’s friend” plunger. Worked just fine. We did it in the dorm shower, so lots of convenient water. We were in a dry air desert environment, so very wet clothes dried in a reasonable time. In a humid environment, a spin/centrifugal extraction of the water from the clothes is a necessity. We would spin the wet clothes in a heavy duty commercial netting laundry bag spun by hand outside on the end of a rope to centrifugally remove as much water as possible. We were young and in great physical condition, and could really spin it overhead fast… Not as dry as a real washing machine spin cycle, but it did helped the clothes dry faster by helping remove excess water.

[@-whackd]

Haha imagine those kids spinning their laundry outside on a rope

[@astarisborn9820]

A plunger 🪠, a used plunger on clothes…????.🦠🤢🤮🥴🚫🚫🚫

[@tatisluxor5310]

​@@astarisborn9820 You buy a plunger 🪠 (and make holes on it) especially designed for laundry, you don't use the one for your toilet ... tarado!

[@MelissaThompson432]

I watched another video where a woman did essentially the same, except she used a mop bucket with a wringer. And the agitator she used was not a bathroom plunger, but it looked pretty much the same. The mop wringer will get a lot of the water (not all) out of your clothes. But it beats a bag on a rope, I think.

[@MelissaThompson432]

​@@astarisborn9820 they don't cost much new....

[@janpiper3068]

I made one like this 35 years ago. I used 5 Gallon and other various size buckets and it was the very same idea only a smaller scale. I had 1 wash bucket 2 rinse buckets and 1 squeeze out bucket. Worked great.

[@joepiper6064]

I was thinking of using plastic trash cans and making my own , alot cheaper . maybe rigin my bicycle to power it !

[@janpiper3068]

@@joepiper6064 to make the squeeze out bucket cut a series of round holes instead of long narrow holes. Long holes weakens the sides of the bucket

[@minnesotafolk8722]

That bike powered idea 💡 gave me a flash back to Gilligan's Island 🏝

[@lea801]

@@minnesotafolk8722 😂

[@nmr6988]

@@minnesotafolk8722 , I was thinking the same thing. I bet a lot of other people did too! 😄

[@alliw1276]

Love the review! Another way to save water would be to reuse the rinse water in case there is more than one load to wash. After rinsing the clothes squeeze the laundry over the bucket and hang to dry. Then add some soap to the rinse water to do a second wash load of dirty clothes. Yes it would take additional water for 1 more rinse load but I was thinking in case there were dirty sheets or towels as long as it’s wash day. I know water is precious. Your right,q that it is a large container to store unless there is a tub which we have. For us when camping for a few months we did use the laundry mat every 2 weeks since there are 2 of us. That way we could get all the clothes, sheets and towels done at one time. Laundry is just going to always be a part of life and it’s nice to see alternative ways to wash them. Thanks much.

[@lindal7412]

maybe use 2nd rinse water for flushing commode or watering plants

[@renaudsechet69]

If you adapt a water filter on the drain, you juste let gravity do the job overnight and get back a large part of the water instead of wasting it. if you want to keep it simple, you can still get drinkable water with the right filter. if you create a DIY pre filter, and use a hight tech one to finish the job, you will keep you high tech filter a lot longer, being able to keep 7-8 gallons out of the 10 used.

[@jacquitabeddo6621]

My husband's grandparents lived in an RV most of the time after their retirement. This was years ago as I am about the same age as you, Bob. My husband's grandmother did their laundry when they moved camping spaces places about every couple of weeks. She put all their dirty clothes in a tub in her shower along with hot water and soap. She let the movement of driving to the next spot agitate the clothes in the tub cleaning them without much effort. When they moved they also took that opportunity go into town and fill up tanks and buy groceries. While in town she would transfer to a rinse tub and then into a laundry basket that had a few more holes drilled in the bottom this would be returned to the shower and allow the clothes to drain off the water with gravity doing the labor. She said they did this all in town because they would find a place to top off the water tanks after the laundry was draining in the laundry basket. After all their errands run and they had their groceries and water they move on the next camping site.

[@kimbathurston2705]

Clever!

[@annettefournier9655]

Brilliant.

[@pfftwhut7638]

Lord it would've been easier to just hit a laundromat and get some grocery shopping done while the other does the clothes

[@chapman1569]

When my mom did the wash at the farm many years ago, she used an old wringer washing machine. She would fill it using a bucket, then wash all the clothes without rinsing them, she did all the batches . When it came time to rinse, she emptied the washing machine, filled it up again with clean water and rinsed all the laundry. Then she would pass all the pieces through the wringer and empty the machine before storing it for another time. It was a big job, but our clothes always came out clean . Thank you mom. I asked her one day, why she didn't change the water with each wash, she told me it was not necessary, even if the water was used for several washes, it cleaned even better!! Obviously she started with the white and pale clothes, the really dirty farm clothes were the last wash!

[@susanpeterson7570]

That's what I did, too! It saved laundry detergent. It was also easier rinsing in the washing machine rather than tubs. And lastly, it also saved time!

[@annietiques1803]

I'm exhausted and I only WATCHED you do the work.

[@kimsargeant8126]

I was happy to see this as I had wondered if anyone ever did hand laundry and dry it outside. Wasn’t sure if it would be too dusty. My Grandmother used to have a small item similar to a toilet plunger with several holes in the top. She used it to wash delicates in a bucket. I think I will find something like that and use a collapsible bucket for my laundry. Being a country girl I am used to hanging my laundry on an outside line. Thanks Bob.

[@carolhewett3756]

I still line dry. It always brings back sweet memories of hanging laundry with my mother as a little girl. You never forget the smell of sun dried sheets.

[@kimsargeant8126]

Carol Hewitt. Oh they smell so good. I put them on drying racks which I put out on my porch to freeze then bring them in to dry. Doubles as an air freshener.

[@BlueSky-ff4oy]

Good point, the dusty smell would be a deterrent for sure. ... ruining that clean laundry smell.

[@BlueSky-ff4oy]

Carol, yes, those are powerful memories.

[@kimsargeant8126]

Blue Sky. I wasn’t thinking dusty smell, but rather dust/sand on the clothes. What do you think? Would that be an issue?

[@DBYouTubeHandle]

I did laundry 🧺 in hotel sinks overnight as a flight attendant. Thanks for sharing this info.

[@DavidMedina4All]

Hello. Are you no longer flying? Are you living the road life?

[@DBYouTubeHandle]

@@DavidMedina4All no longer. I rarely travel now. Haven’t started road life, yet.

[@timgillman]

And the hotel shampoo works well for soap. I would do socks and underwear and sometimes t-shirts, usually no pants or button down shirts. The hotel will give you extra shampoo.

[@DBYouTubeHandle]

@@timgillman I washed everything in the sink, my whole uniform 👩‍✈️ if I had to. I became used to it. My white shirt looked great. I’d dry them with a blow dryer sometimes if pressed for time. I had a travel foldable mini iron as backup so I’d have crisp ironed clothes. We tried to look perfect. ✨

[@rthenson2848]

Hi Bob. Been watching your videos for almost 3 years now. Ive been planning on going nomadic for a little longer. The reasons are many. My niece will have turned 18 and graduated by May '23. I need jobs that fit this way of life. My rig and set up is slowly but surely coming together. I think meeting you after I set out would really boost my confidence. You have incouraing advice & a lot of experience. I'd just really like to meet the man behind the legend. Im good with tools and still in good shape for my age (54). I could help a lot of people. Isn't that what this all about? Sincerely RT Henson.

[@ShayTBD]

Thanks for sharing - I agree it is alot of water usage & quite large - 2 design upgrade suggestions - 1- the Blue Agitation basket could have a salad spinner basket inside (hand or pump action) to get more water out after rinsing - 2- The Water Bucket can offer a storage bucket option, it would be half the height while stowed away but would have to be extended and twist-locked with a gasket between the bottom and top halves OR can have a rigid plastic collapsible bottom portion

[@steveowens398]

Great review Bob. When you hang everything up to dry and have the extra line, double it and twist it a bit. You can pull a bit of each item into one of the winds and do without the clothespins.

[@yourekittenme.]

Great tip!

[@jhemnes1]

Yeah the water usage is a big drawback. The best thing I've found to use is a bucket since we already have one and a plunger with holes in it.

[@minnesotafolk8722]

Great idea!

[@Nivasi]

its the easiest way!

[@nmr6988]

I use a 5 gallon bucket and a plunger, but I don't need a lid on top or anything. I don't even really need to use soap because unless the clothes are really stinky or dirty the agitation of the water will clean the clothes with nothing else added. A little white vinegar also does wonders for odors. Then rinse with a little more water and you're done.

[@Amid27]

This? This I could have used when Hurricane Maria hit us back in 2017! It’s a wonderful contraption to have.

[@lindajuarez5535]

C00l. 👍

[@cc-camper-lady]

Yes . Hurricanes can knock power off for a while...

[@jobabs]

Seems more appropriate for apartments and tiny houses, given how much water it uses and the space it takes up. I think I’d find a laundromat and have a scrubba bag for emergencies. I like your rig’s new paint job, Bob!

[@melreslor2114]

Wonder Wash "the laundry alternative" has several advantages over the Lavario. Smaller, uses less water, and cheaper about $70 new. I've been using one for over a year. A full load on the Wonder Wash is about what Bob was showing in the video. It uses a crank handle to spin the load, about two minutes should do. To get less of a workout, use less water. To get clothes really clean, I heat rainwater in a pot or from a bucket on a warm day. Two gallons of water to wash and two gallons to rinse. With the Wonder Wash, 2 tbsp of Bronner's or laundry soap is plenty, it's easy to put in too much and make the rinsing harder. It fits in a bathtub, even a small one so you can do it inside. It has a drain on the bottom using a plastic pipe to open the valve. With the Wonder Wash, I don't think I'll ever go to the laundromat again, unless to wash a large comforter, sleeping bag or lots of bed sheets at once.

[@GGiblet]

Can the wonder wash hold a twin size sheet? Thank you in advance for the reply☀

[@melreslor2114]

@@GGiblet The Wonder Wash could probably do a bed spread (cover) so it can easily do a sheet. A dozen large shirts would be about the limit for one load.

[@GGiblet]

@@melreslor2114 oh wow!! It sounds ideal then. I had been looking into various devices (I wash clothes by hand and it's exhausting) Forgive me for bothering you further, but do you use a spinner dryer? I've been reading about them. Any suggestions? Thank you again!!🙌🌈🐦

[@melreslor2114]

@@GGiblet A spinner dryer is a good addition, or an old-fashioned wringer. I don't use a spinner but would get one if I washed a lot of clothes or needed the clothes totally dry in one day. I use the clothesline for drying or place the clothes next to an air heater.

[@pamelahunter6555]

When I was traveling in my 15 passenger bus I had 2each 5 gallon buckets with lids that would seal. I would go into rest areas either gallon jugs from bathroom or outside tap and fill up the buckets. One with laundry soap. Place them on steps, load with clothes drive for 1/2 hour, dump laundry water.( Grey water is legal) Wring out, place in to second 5 gallon bucket, drive for 1/2 hour and wring out and clothing hanger with windows open drive on until dry. Rinse water possible next soapy load. Worked great...Free...

[@ronkeeney1752]

If you have a roof rack/luggage carrier, put ypur wet wrung out items in a nylon net gang, tie the bag to the rack and they will dry while driving down the road. You could even tie the bag to a secure place in your engine compartment.

[@virginiamueller267]

I use a 5 hallon bucket with a toilet plunger. Plunge my clothes 100 times in soapy water and turn the bucket over let it drain and then fill bucket 3 times and plunge each time to rinse. Works just fine. OR If rolling down the road put the clothes in bucket with soapy water and let the motion of the vehicle do the agitation. .

[@rharris22222]

Yes! I learned this from an old VHS video about long-distance sailing! I tried it and liked it well enough to use it at home when I had a single item or two needing washed separately. When at home with "Real" plumbing, you just have to be careful not to mix up the washing plunger with the toilet plunger!

[@terrapintravels3829]

Wow, fascinating off grid washing machine. Thank you for a unboxing and demonstration Bob. I've been going to laundromats off and on for years so they would be the best option for me since I'll be living in my Ford Econoline. I sure miss the desert, cant wait to get back.🦋

[@bboop1964]

A plunger and a 5 gallon bucket will do the same as the Lavario, and only cost less than $10. A large hook attached to your van will act as another set of hands to help you wring out the clothes! Wash complete!

[@laurirohr5364]

Always love seeing you testing things out for everyone Bob. Thank you! Safe travels🐕👍

[@lonewolfsurvival3453]

For me, washing clothes is the easy part, I just wash them by hand in a bus tub. The hard part is DRYING them when you are up north in the fall/winter and the sun isn't an option.

[@sarahvegangarden4822]

Yes. Here in England it's cold and damp and drying clothes is the really big problem. I would love to live in a hot dry area!

[@lonewolfsurvival3453]

That would be great for drying clothes anyway, but I do like a break from the heat once in a while. Four seasons is my preference, for sure. Dry clothes or comfort, hmmm. Lol!

[@nanciehuaracha6079]

I am rolling! Bob I've watch close to EVERY ONE of your videos, I thank ya for them. But this is the CUTEST, you first attempt to measure how much with a measuring cup......lol and to watch you hang your clothes....wow. PRICELESS..You definitely are a cutie, keep the work up!!! You are AMAZING BOB

[@Noniinthebush]

I live off grid and have used a large and I mean large, restaurant salad spinner for years, washes and spins with the mechanism on the lid. It’s awesome.

[@kenmcclow8963]

I bought a portable washer from Amazon with a separate wash and rinse area, but it runs on electricity. I want to say it uses less water than the one in this video. It does go in my shower and I have a 50 gallon tank in my trailer, so it's not so much of a constraint. I think mine was around $125 and at the laundry mat the wash and dry were each about $3.50, so I figured I was saving money, since my electricity comes from solar. Jeans take up too much space for these portable washers. I mostly wear shorts, or quick drying lightweight pants that are fine for these

[@haroldfitz5146]

Bob, I think I could talk myself into buying one, but they'd have to incorporate a hand crank wringer inside that huge handle. I think that's the missing ingredient. Good review though.

[@danmanx2]

I completely agree with you on the wastefulness of washing so often. My wife washes our clothing likes its going to somehow blow up if you don't wash it in time. The biggest challenge is finding a way to wash clothing without using water. I've read about plastic polymers, but I haven't seen anything viable yet. Unfortunately, we are stuck with the same old basic design. I hope one day, a person looks up into the sky and has a revelation and saves the world much needed supplies of water.

[@solitudeandhappenstance]

Thanks Bob. I've heard of the Lavario but haven't seen a detailed video. I use the scrubba and the laundry pod - both don't require power or take up space. Another one that doesn't use power or take up a lot of space is the wonder wash. 😎

[@jenallen5202]

I have a wonder wash works great. I bought it when my washer and dryer died and I was tired of fitting trips to the laundromat into my over dull schedule.

[@reneebushkin6554]

Yay! I use the same washer, it's great! I'm in a Travel Trailer so I have the space and water on-board for this but, I use the leftover water for flushing.

[@leahc9723]

Even if you aren't a nomad, it is a good idea to have a portable washer as a backup. I have one and when the lights went out for 3 days, I was sure glad I had my portable washer. I hooked it up to my generator and it used a fraction of the Watts a regular washer would have.

[@williamhudson4938]

A butter churn takes up way less room and would probably work as well. It wouldn't hold a weeks worth of clothes, but if used regularly it could keep up with demand. I also like the idea someone posited about a couple of 5 gallon buckets.

[@ATravelingAddictSolo]

I have the wonder wash. It's not too big and I'll just store my dirty clothes in it until it's got enough to wash. It doesn't use that much water as this one does. I like the hand spinner on it then I just hang them out to dry.

[@MA-ky2ur]

One way to save on water, would be to take to the washed clothes out put in another empty bucket, then put another dirty load in the used water wash and dump, then put clean water, and rinse, squeeze all the water hang them , repeat then you have now washed two loads with 10 gallons because you used the same water for both loads for the washing with the detergent and then you rinse it with the same clean water and then you can hang them up so there we go

[@GinTemoshawsky]

I do this all the time, makes the water usage so much less per load.

[@cinderella5006]

This would be better in an apartment, I’m always on the lookout for things like this for my sister but with her disabilities I think this would be more than she could handle. Thanks for the review Bob.

[@linebrunelle1004]

look into Midea apartment size washer. I love mine. hope you and your sister find it helpful

[@jazziered142]

I got a small apartment Haier washing machine that hooks up to my kitchens faucet, fully automatic. It's great.

[@thetwooldpeeps3528]

@@jazziered142 thanks but I’m in the USA

[@jazziered142]

@@thetwooldpeeps3528 I'm in Salt Lake City Utah. I found it on the Walmart app. They delivered it to my door.

[@yoshisquid3749]

We just like to see you do the laundry. 😄

[@MaxMiniTV]

I like going to the laundromat when I'm in a new place - you meet the most interesting people there! I love all the ideas people are giving int the comments for modifying this or DIYing.

[@mhayes6864]

That’s really a big item! Love the concept! If I had a choice, I’d go with the plastic scrub board and a collapsible bucket. Pluses on all of them is that you get the exercise!

[@cindythecatwoman1601]

You didn't have to go to the gym back in the old days. You got enough exercise doing housework.

[@mhayes6864]

@@cindythecatwoman1601 yes! From sun-up to sundown!

[@BlueSky-ff4oy]

If the work yoy do gets yr clothes very dirty you might need the scrubboard, but for sweat and dust it is hardly necessary... maybe for some items. :)

[@charlaville7658]

Hi Bob - I call you 'Yoda Bob' now because you're so wise LOL. Everything I know about being a Nomad, I learnt from you. I don't know what I would've done without all your amazing videos. Thank you so much. I was thinking though (because I'm from one of the driest places in Australia) that if you drain the rinse water with the manual washing machine on the table, you can fill the jerry can back up with that same water. Label the jerry can rinse water. Next time you wash, reuse that rinse water to do the dirty washing - then just only use your clean water for the final rinse. That way you get two uses out of your rinse water. It can be costly running into town to get more water. The rinse water can also be reused for washing a pet & then just use clean water to rinse them off.

[@catherinemichael3893]

Here in Australia water is used 2 or 3 times when camping. Example clothes washing light to dark, so more than 1 load, =feet washing=fireside water. Rince water becomes tomorrows wash water and repeat cycle.

[@jabez571]

Changing your clothes every 2-3 days is much to frequent. I usually change mine when I change the battery in my smoke detector.

[@phoenixtimesmetro]

Bob looking like a relaxed 🎅 . Happy Holidays! 😊

[@cuddlesanddaisy]

I wonder if you could put the water in, then use it to do a sponge bath before washing clothes in it. Sort of double duty. Or, since the rinse water was clean, use that water for a sponge bath. Especially if you use Dr. Bronners.

[@lynnef3297]

A good review, actually doing a load of your own laundry. 👍 Very helpful. I wouldn't use this traveling for the same reasons you mentioned, but I can see where it could work in other places. Thanks!

[@qhazwel]

I like the 5 gallon bucket and a plunger idea.

[@XfireKeenmike]

This video inspired me Bob. I would enjoy using my foot or feet or a hand to agitate the clothes in a bucket. And to squeeze water from wet clothes I would use a janitorial mop bucket wringer.

[@mamametascookingadventures1069]

Thank Bob ! Great demo video . I think with a van I will just stick to the Folding dish pan with plunger with the holes drilled in the plunger for agitating the clothes.?I can wash 2 items at a time until the whole load is done not using a lot of water until the whole laundry is done .Then do the same with the rinse water. The trick is to wash the dirtiest clothes last. The dirtiest clothes would be the ones I would soak more but the plunger seems to really get the dirt out.

[@overcomeinone8371]

I think it would be handy if your somewhere really remote for a long duration and don't want to drive back to amenities in a town. Good job Bob. God bless y'all.

[@geriroush8004]

I've been using one of these in my apartment for a while now. I set it in my bathtub and fill it 2/3 of the way up to the top to allow plenty of water to force the clothes thru. I will re-use the water for 2-3 small loads, and then repeat with the rinse water. The perforated basket tends to float up while soaking, I use a bungee cord to hold it down under the water. I pull the basket up and turn it slightly, so it sits up on top and the water drips out (I found pressing the clothes between the perforated basket and second bucket was next to useless) I have purchased the accessories (a hose I can attach to the faucet, and a spigot attaches to the drain hole) and they are worth it, but can easily be home made. I also have a portable clothes spinner to get as much water out as possible, but a wringer would be nice, (and no electricity needed) I just keep the unit stashed in my bathtub between uses. It's awesome for delicates, does a fairly good job for a small load of regular clothes (I have a scrub board for stains). If I have a lot of laundry though, I just go down to the laundromat. I agree, if you're in an RV or something it's going to take a bit of space. I purchased directly from the company, the accessories are more expensive on Amazon.

[@glenchilada]

Basically a giant golf ball washer. Wild! It's probably not for me, but it's certainly neat.

[@nemaro100]

The clear rinsing water you can use it for a second load. Also you can save more water washing the less dirty first and still using the water for more dirty and so on. That way you can wash few loads with the same water.

[@clubmike2910]

Bob, you got that Robinson Crusoe look going on. Awesome just plain awesome.

[@kate4biglittlevoices]

The ambulance is a game changer

[@BILLOFRIGHTSDANGER]

Hubby and I absolutely LOVE your BEST OF shows!

[@cwhyharris7473]

Pre-soaking is a really good way to help the detergent work. My washing machine has a pre-soak dial on it I use it all the time. As long as they're in water it doesn't matter if I have to wait till lunch is over

[@g-r-a-e-m-e-]

True. When I had no washing machine I found that an overnight soak did most of the work. I finished it off by hand.

[@chrismallard3857]

Bob you are an inspiration. I cannot begin to convey the weight of the good you do for nomads. I have referred many brand new people to you as I know when they seek advice talking to you they will be in good hands. Again thank you for being you you are all nomads friend

[@linebrunelle1004]

I don't wear heavy clothes like jeans and live in a small van, so I just use a small wash basin.

[@MelissaThompson432]

The best travel washer I ever saw was about 20 years ago. I was at a state park and randomly met a young family in a truck camper about the size of your rig. They had made a back bumper mount for a 5 gallon bucket, and they filled it up with laundry, water, and bio-safe detergent, and the shaking of the truck as they drove did the agitating. Whenever they stopped, they drained the water, filled it with rinse water, and let it go again. We met at the creek and I suspect they were there to have bath day in the "free water"....

[@shirleylaracuente8021]

good when there is not enough water great and its good excercise for the arms

[@alyssacal2585]

You can use the spin mop bucket it spins your clothes by pressing with your foot. Of course small items tshirts whatever fits.

[@gregoryhunt1142]

WOW ! Hand washing and pull ups !

[@Tipperary757]

It's big! I used to use a restaurant-size plastic mayonaise jar for small things. And shake to agitate.

[@shelleynobleart]

Wonderful video! I never would have thought about using a bungee to tension any cord! Thank you.

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

It rains a lot were I reside, so one possibility is...soak cloths in hot soapy water for half an hour or longer, then hang out in the rain to rinse. Hopefully after two hours the rain will stop, the wind will pick up and dry's the cloths, if not, blame the weather forecaster 😆

[@wayneanderson8034]

For 6 years I did my laundry washing in a home depot bucket. The key is to agitate the clothes enough to make sure everything is fully soaked with detergent, then let it soak about 6 hours. They then need to be rinsed. It doesnt take a lot of rinsing, but it is necessary. I have upgraded my income to where I can now afford the laundromat every 10 days. But bucket washing works when there is no electricity or running water.

[@justmona9647]

I always appreciate your honesty Bob! You may be able to store it in your ambulance but I don't think I'll be able to store it in my regular sized van. Thank you again so much for your honest opinion.

[@janetlynne8712]

Thanks for the review. I would have probably wanted one until I seen how heavy those clothes were. I broke my back in October 2021. Lifting any of it could have caused me to become paralyzed. Even one try. Thank you again and bless you Bob.

[@me-xf5mx]

Long time to do a small amount of clothes. Laundromat months worth in large washer and dried...way I would go. Thanks for sharing.

[@ScottyInHawaii]

Howzit from Hawaii Only positive vibes here!

[@Truth1561]

I had to handwash last year after a flood. I was lucky to have a brilliant Thomas spin dryer. What I did was spin the clothes before washing then to get as much soap out as possible, then rinse and spin again. Worked a treat and saved a lot of water. Without the spindryer I would have wrung the clutter out before rinsing.

[@mamamia5556]

Cool for van life & tiny homes 👍👍👍

[@elizabethgellatly8330]

Hi Bob! I have watched this before and as I watched it this time, I thought maybe a solution for the tall handle could be using some pvc piping - so I would cut the handle off short on each side, drill holes in both 'stubs' from the cutting, and drill a matching hole in the USHAPED pvc piping that will fit over the stubs on either side.... If a person wanted to still use the whole original handle, the pvc piping could just be a section that connects at the cut area on both sides. Drill holes for bolts to connect everything-(yes, they can be plastic bolts to prevent rusting or just take them out each time to dry out), and that makes the handle as stable as before it was cut. I think that would make it fit better into some storage place no matter what kind of rig a person has. Just a thought. Love your videos! ( I am a part-time car camper myself- RAV 4) HA! As I read the comments after mine, I see that a lot of people have even better ideas! Why spend over a hundred dollars then modify it when you can use two cheap buckets from Homie Depot ? Love people's ideas!

[@cherylcrozier-garcia8862]

That bucket would also be a great ice cooler for canned or bottled drinks. I'd even use it for warming bathing water in camp. Fill it in the morning. Dip out a warm field wash and shampoo.

[@tinabrooks3045]

I have a funnel like plunger with small holes in it, with a long handle. You don't have to lift the clothes the up every time just, the stick handle when washing the clothes. I have a larger deep wide plastic bucket. The spin dryer can dry the clothes and no time, depending how windy or sunny it is that day. The spin dryer is a litter smaller than the portable washing machine you show on this video. I had mines for five years. I live in apt. I bought top load, front load and small electric and hand crack washers but always came back to this method The spin dryer is electric but can be hook up to portable generator. I'm not living van life yet but, still think of ways to make things easier. when I'm ready. Just want to share my ideas. I got the plunger from Amazon cost $20 - $25 and spin dryer was $150.00

[@zanesutherland406]

Interesting idea. Looks like it be better if you were stationary living and hard normal access to water.

[@davidg.johnson7208]

Lots of water that could have been used for boondocking. But if your boondocking near water, you could used an extra RV 12- volt water pump and a hose to fill the washing unit. Is using a washboard at a mountain stream or lake illegal? Also glad to see Bob is using a biodegradable, non-toxic laundry detergent so it does not poisoning the area where you pour out the dirty water.

[@007who]

Stinebeck, in Travels with Charley, used a 5 gallon bucket that agitated his clothes as he traveled I liked that idea.

[@deborahelliott3826]

I have the 300 watt washer with spinner basket. I will never use a different style. This is the best for a single person.

[@minnesotafolk8722]

I'd get a salad spinner for wringing out socks and undies..

[@donnamount151]

Dollar store clithes pins...and I wash daily because I have an old big dog who has a bladder problem and I love her a "LOT" !!!!!!

[@nmr6988]

What ingenious devices for washing clothes! Thank you Bob for bringing them to us!

[@mildredwebster2822]

This sure wd of come in handy when my son was young and I live in a mobile home.

[@errata101]

If you have a disciplined routine, your clothes, etc (of help is also properly fabricated materials for quick wash/dry ease) can be washed every other day or so. There are some pretty easy ways to keep your daily stuff cleaned and stowed away with minimul water/storage consumption, even in Ultra Stealth Mode.

[@jacklynmellott4984]

I do mine with a wash board in my shower and hang them outside you could use a small tote outside too it's so easy

[@rockingredpoppy9119]

I like the little Wonderwash hand crank washer. Smaller and uses less water.

[@vanessahenry7238]

One of the reasons why I love Jeans on the road, you can wear them 2-4 wears before washing - pending they do not smell or dirty! Same with sweat shirts and sweat pants.

[@kathleenhuff3059]

A 5 gallon bucket and a "Chinese Maytag" works just fine..we at the racetracks dealing with horse laundry have been using this forever..lol

[@inspiredbyanalog1249]

I love it for my jeans.

[@eatingwithsylvia9339]

Nice I don't have time for this gadget but definitely nice to have.

[@mayinnlin1879]

Thank you so very much for sharing Bob! 👍❤️

[@francismcclaughry3794]

it looks neat I always thought of rule king buchet and a big toilet plunger

[@gen2-x364]

Depending on where one is remotely. You could get three telescopic poles or one depending where you attach a waterproof tarp 5'x7' or so and a few 5 gallon buckets. lower the tarp to drain off rain water into a bucket. A portable rain catchment system provided you get rain in your area.

[@CallieCatCuddles]

It's like churning butter! But with laundry, soaking is vital to allow the soil time to release from the fibers and to save on your energy. To remove ALL of the soap or detergent from the clothes, add vinegar to the final rinse. It'll keep your clothes from getting dingy as well as softening them.

[@deweydeese3699]

I agree with you....it seems to be a lot easier to just go to the laundry mat.