Hand washing laundry: Make your own hand washer

Hand Washing My Laundry: Create Washing Apparatus: BUCKET WASHER

Using a bucket with a lid and a plunger (that I modified), hand washing enthusiasts worldwide (that don't want to spend $50-70+ on non-electric tools) can now wash their diaper inserts, socks and other non-delicate items much more thoroughly then before!

For some time now, I have been researching cloth diapering.  This cloth diaper research led me to researching alternative methods of washing laundry in order to save money and avoid skin irritants.  The alternative methods of washing laundry are what ultimately led me to pursuing the task of washing all of my laundry by hand. 

This is also how I discovered a way to wash laundry more thoroughly by hand.  Stomping laundry, as I did the first time, worked really well, and I still used this method this second time around, but I also added my new hand washing apparatus.

Since my last post, I have hand washed another load of laundry!

This time, I decided that I needed to create an apparatus that would allow me to wash things a little bit more thoroughly then just stomping.  I also purchased a second drying rack, because having just one rack inside and 6 feet of snow outside, didn't leave for many options of where to hang laundry around the apartment.  (I also only own one chair, so no chair backs to "lean on").  The overall experience went a lot better and thanks to this washer I made, I think that my clothes came out less stiff after they dried.

And so, I created the plunger/bucket apparatus, called a bucket washer, that I had read so much about and watched so many Youtube videos on.  

This link will take you to a very well made video about how someone else made their own bucket washer for washing diapers, specifically.

How to make a camp style Bucket Washer

*I didn't use a spade bit, as is used in this video, because I didn't have one, and I didn't want to spend the extra money.

I modified my plunger in order to try to recreate a similar device that I discovered a lot of people buying online for anywhere between $17-$30.  I wanted to try to make it for a cheaper price.  The only downside to the one that I made being that it can only be used for washing tough materials. I wouldn't recommend it on anything knitted, satin, silk, sheer, etc.  It worked really well on regular cotton clothing, socks, towels, jeans, and the like.

Here is a link to the original device that I am trying to replicate without actually buying:

Mobile washer

And another link to the Wonder Wash that so many recommended to me.

I think both of these devices are much cheaper then using a coin op. facility, if that is one's only option, and definitely cheaper then using a washer, if you don't already own one.

However, if you don't have the money to purchase the Wonder Wash and your planning on using a device like the Mobile washer, then you might want to try out this do it yourself method!

Supplies to make bucket washer and plunger that I made:

• 1 - 2  5 gal. buckets
• 1 - 2 matching lids for buckets
• I recommend the screw on/off lids for ease, but any will work as long as they are a snug fit.
• 1 - 2 heavy-duty plungers
• 1 12 - 18 volt wireless drill
• with the following bits:
• 1 inch spade bit (best for hole in bucket)
• 1/8 inch hex shank drill bit (for cutting wood, plastic, metal; best for plunger)
• 1 4.5 inch shower drain strainer
• 8 military strength cable ties (any color)

*I say 1-2 for some things, because it depends on the washing method you want to use later on in the future.  If you want one bucket for washing and one for rinsing, you can having one bucket soaking while you are working with the other one.  To start, you will most likely only need one bucket/lid/plunger set.

Why hand wash? 

For the answer to this question please see my other post: 

Hand washing my laundry: Day 1

Watch my "How to DIY" video !