Have you ever found yourself on the road, living the RV lifestyle, only to realize that your clothes are piling up, and there’s no laundromat in sight? Perhaps your RV is too snug for a full-sized washing machine, or maybe you’re an avid boondocker, aiming to live off-grid as much as possible.

Whatever your reason, washing clothes by hand is a viable, economical, and satisfying alternative. You might think it’s a daunting task, but fear not! With modern conveniences like the Wonder Wash and a touch of good old-fashioned manual labor, you’ll find the process smooth.

Setting Up Your Hand Laundry Station

Whether you’re at a campsite or in a park, setting up your hand laundry station can be easy. Find a picnic table near an electrical outlet and water source. Hot water works best, but cold will do too.

Concerned about greywater disposal? It’s best to collect used water in a bucket and dispose of it properly.

Worried about RV parks’ policies? Try washing and spinning in the shower, setting up a drying rack between the dinette seats for drying.

Washing Your Clothes With a Wonder Wash

Here’s how you can have your clothes sparkling clean with a Wonder Wash:

  1. Pre-Treat Stains: Treat them as you usually would.
  2. Load Your Laundry: Fill the drum up to three-quarters full.
  3. Add Detergent: Just a tablespoon is enough. More will create extra suds.
  4. Fill with Water: Enough to cover your clothes. Hot is best, but cold works too.
  5. Rotate: Pressurize the drum and spin for about a minute.
  6. Rinse: Drain, rinse, and repeat, or use fresh water in a basin.

For white items, a touch of bleach in the rinse water followed by another rinse may be beneficial.

Drying Clothes With a Spin Dryer

Wringing out heavy laundry can be challenging. Here’s how to do it with a spin dryer:

  • Set It Up: On a flat surface, with the drain hose pointed right.
  • Load Your Damp Clothes: Don’t over-pack.
  • Insert Stabilizer: Then close the lid.
  • Set the Timer: Up to 5 minutes, depending on dampness.
  • Monitor: Ensure it doesn’t tumble or spray water wrongly.
  • Remove and Shake: Gently fluff your clothes.
  • Hang to Dry: A line or drying rack will do. A radiant heater can help in damp conditions.

Conclusion

Washing laundry by hand in an RV isn’t just about saving money or space; it’s about practicality and self-sufficiency on the road. With tools like the Wonder Wash and spin dryer, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your clothes clean and fresh, no matter where your travels take you. You’ll find that what once seemed a laborious task can actually be a simple and rewarding experience. Enjoy the freedom of clean clothes, wherever the road leads you.

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