Hand washed Laundry

How easy is it to hand wash your own laundry. It is easier said than done. It takes a lot of physical labor, but it is worth the effort and the time. It will also save you a few bucks at the laundry mat and/or on your energy bill if you hand wash clothes consistently.

Here is how to hand wash your own laundry with simple supplies that are easily purchased at the local household supply store. All you will need is a good bathtub to assist in draining water

What you will need:
An 18 gallon tote or tub of some sort
A plunger
Rubber gloves
Laundry detergent and softener
(optional) a wringer -- This makes doing the laundry by hand easier

Step 1:
Fill the 18 gallon tote with water 1/2 way and add the laundry detergent. Add enough detergent according to the size of the load

Step 2:
Add the clothes and let soak for 15 minutes

Step 3:
Stomp the clothes with the plunger for 10 minutes. If you don't have a plunger you can use your feet and stomp on the clothes.

Step 4:
Drain the soapy water and add cool water. Add softener. Stomp on the clothes for 5 minutes.

Step 5:
Drain the water again. Add more cool water. Stomp the clothes for 5 minutes. Repeat Step 5 once and drain the water.

Step 6:
Wring out the clothes. If you are hand wringing the clothes it can be very difficult and time consuming. Also, it may be best to let the clothes hang for a while before bringing to the dryer in order to cut down on the number of cycles that the clothes will need to go through the dry cycle. I would suggest getting a good wringer for this purpose if you have the financial capability.

Step 7: Dry the clothes, on a line or in a dryer and enjoy softer clothes that last longer than machine washed clothing.