I had been thinking what would be the most efficient way to take care of laundry in the case of an emergency. I am thinking here about months without electricity. That is what we are really preparing for. I would say even 1-2 years. Yes, things aren't looking good around us. So, when my husband said, " ok, what are our priorities". Of course after food and water, I thought, "laundry".
I was thinking of getting a washing board from the mexican store. My daughters would love it and feel like we are reenacting The little House on the Prairie time period. If the time comes, we pray it would also be a fun earning adventure for the family. That can be done easily if we are well prepared. But I had hesitated to get the wash board because it seems like a lot of time consuming work.
Therefore I am adopting the bucket plunger method.
Supplies Needed:
- 5-gallon bucket with lid (cut hole in middle of lid for plunger handle to fit through)
- Toilet plunger (brand-new, clean)
- Store in bucket:
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Stain remover/stain stick
- Vinegar (add 1/2 cup to rinse water) helps remove soap
- Rope (for clothes line)
- Clothes pins
To Use:
- Empty contents of bucket.
- Place water, small amount of detergent, and clothes in bucket.
- Move plunger up and down for a few minutes or until clothes are clean.
- Remove soapy clothes and ring them out.
- Dump out soapy water (on your garden or lawn.)
- Place soapy clothes in bucket and fill with clear, clean water.
- Add 1/2 cup vinegar to rinse water.
- Move plunger up and down to rinse clothing.
- Wring out clothes and hang to dry.
Conserve water - use rinse water for next load of laundry.
NOTE: You could store two 5-gallon buckets, stack one inside of the other. Use one bucket for the soapy water and the other for the rinse water. You may be able to wash and rinse a couple of batches of clothes without changing the soapy water depending on how dirty the clothes are.
As found on: http://pgward.org
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