tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post717910032439629192..comments2023-03-06T13:00:30.665-06:00Comments on Off Grid On The Cheap: Redneck Washing Machine and DIY Laundry SoapWrethaOffGridhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04941116263529261885noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-45374395953898460902011-12-24T09:15:08.150-06:002011-12-24T09:15:08.150-06:00You know you are getting older when you forget to ...You know you are getting older when you forget to sign in, type a long missive, preview and it asks you to sign in, and then you are back to white screen again!<br />I'll be 73 in March and my wife will be 67 in March. I am about same health wise and my wife is in good health except for having a bout with a malignant melanoma. Had it removed, underwent radiation treatment and will start new Yervoy treatment ILO chemo. Yervoy gives melanoma patients about 40% survivability rate to 2% for chemo.<br />After Yervoy treatment is over, I am taking her to SF to see our son and daughter-in-law. Won't stay too long maybe a week.<br />Still love reading your blogs and reread some more often. Of course you can see we still live in same location.TexasManhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03877947173326291855noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-19505124834847031082011-12-11T04:31:25.565-06:002011-12-11T04:31:25.565-06:00Blue Angel, I believe PB used a hole saw to make t...<b>Blue Angel</b>, I believe PB used a hole saw to make the holes, the holes are about the size of a quarter, not sure how the pill bottle stays in the hole, I think it's just a pressure fit, I don't remember there being any sort of glue or epoxy to make it stay, I'll have to ask PB about it... the handle is easy, it's just an extension handle originally for a paint roller, it screws into the plunger.<br /><br />Thanks for writing, I'll ask PB about the things I couldn't answer, check back later, I'll post it here.<br /><br />I need to post some updates, I don't use the 5 gallon bucket anymore, it just wasn't large enough to do much more than a few socks, or a single shirt, I have an upgraded method, I'll write about it here soon.<br /><br />WrethaWrethaOffGridhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04941116263529261885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-48744785011865005002011-12-03T23:46:54.774-06:002011-12-03T23:46:54.774-06:00Ingenious! And cheap, so I love it even more. I wa...Ingenious! And cheap, so I love it even more. I was trying to put together a hand washing setup, but the plastic laundry plungers looked chintzy to me, and the metal one they sell at Lehman's was expensive. Going to modify a toilet plunger now. <br /><br />Technical questions: How did PB put the holes in the plunger? (I'm inclined to try a small hole saw but I'm not sure how it'll handle the rubber.) How it the pill bottle plunger stuck to the lid, epoxy? And finally, how did you make the extra tall handle? I'm sure the shorter one will work fine, but I've got hip problems and not bending over to work it would be awesome.<br /><br />I've been making my own laundry soap for years (allergies), and if you unwrap the soap and store it somewhere air can get to it for a month or so, it's easier to grate. <br /><br />Still working on the wringer problem myself. <br /><br />Just found your blog, thank you so much for posting this!Blue Angelhttp://profile.yahoo.com/AKEANLN7ZKLL22CN44GHDZAL3E/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-34659504113138301792011-09-05T22:24:37.861-05:002011-09-05T22:24:37.861-05:00I use that detergent, and I love it. I don't ...I use that detergent, and I love it. I don't have a food processor, I just grate my soap, usually Kirk's, with my cheese grater, on the finest side. I always feel like my clothes are clean, and they don't smell strongly of perfumes. I will try your washing "machine," since I am moving next month and won't have one anymore! I just found your blog today, and I like what I am seeing. Keep it up!Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06762587658582085098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-41320675000179286442011-01-23T14:36:22.047-06:002011-01-23T14:36:22.047-06:00I just found your blog from another blogger, &...I just found your blog from another blogger, & I'm definitely going to make your "washing machine". I've been making my own laundry detergent & fabric softner for about 6 months now after a lot of internet research.I combine 1/4 c castile soap with 1c washing soda, add 1 c baking soda, & slowly add 1 c white vinegar. It foams a lot at this point & I have to let it set uncovered & stir it often over the next couple of days for it to finally reach a good powder consistency without lumps. I've even used vinegar as a fabric softner in the rinse (worked pretty well), but now make fabric softner from 1-1/2 c cheap hair conditioner & 2 c white vinegar in 4 c water that works well. I love making my own cleaners - cheaper, handy, & better!!Glenda Lainehttp://www.casitaescapes.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-21481128819083460792010-11-08T03:42:00.229-06:002010-11-08T03:42:00.229-06:00Great information here! I enjoy reading your posts...Great information here! I enjoy reading your posts.Karoline Ghttp://www.galvanizedplanters.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-10696920916582149902010-09-02T09:02:18.890-05:002010-09-02T09:02:18.890-05:00Way to be creative! You're going to be an AWES...Way to be creative! You're going to be an AWESOME resource for me. Keep on Surviving!<br /><br />http://TheSurvivalMama.blogspot.com<br />@TheSurvivalMamajenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01290655745851708046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-813510661443104202010-08-16T03:59:59.122-05:002010-08-16T03:59:59.122-05:00Wow that is a really great idea for doing laundry....Wow that is a really great idea for doing laundry. That is one of the major things I over looked when deciding to live off the grid. Keep up the good work.<br /><br />http://www.offgridhipster.comOff Grid Hipsterhttp://www.offgridhipster.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-32608582547845666862010-08-10T23:22:48.827-05:002010-08-10T23:22:48.827-05:00Great post... we had a summer cabin growing up tha...Great post... we had a summer cabin growing up that is where my homestead is now... the old wood stove had resevoir on it with a pipe to an old "rocker" washer... then a hand wringer. My mom just used to keep us in bathingsuits all summer to avoid it! When I got interested in off grid living I found the rocker in the old barn... have been on the lookout for a hand wringer.... thanks for the info...Survival Chichttp://www.survivalist.zzn.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-40607209250756288562010-07-13T12:49:48.261-05:002010-07-13T12:49:48.261-05:00Hi Sissy, I have only used the dry powder, I have ...Hi <b>Sissy</b>, I have only used the dry powder, I have no experience with making it into a liquid. I remember reading other people who do turn it into a liquid that it takes quite a bit of water, it does tend to get lumpy and I remember reading about it wanting to separate, I read that you have to use a whisk and stir stir stir... I haven't heard about any other solutions though... <br /><br />I prefer using the powder, it seems to take a lot more effort to make it into a liquid, and it takes up a lot more room, plus all the problems of it getting lumpy and separating... sorry I don't have any other answer for you.WrethaOffGridhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04941116263529261885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-23372334443579173292010-07-13T12:22:26.772-05:002010-07-13T12:22:26.772-05:00I made laundry soap sometime ago, liquifying it. D...I made laundry soap sometime ago, liquifying it. Disappointed as it is lumpy and also separates, the bulk floating to the top. I am extremely pleased with the smell of my clothes. Super pleased. Got any idea what I did wrong, causing the lumpiness?Caddiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07575600935524610154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-22585475093121167042010-07-12T11:42:58.484-05:002010-07-12T11:42:58.484-05:00:) Thanks, I always like to give credit where cred...:) Thanks, I always like to give credit where credit is due and such. I haven't caught up with you on your other blog yet I am reading from the beginning and I am still in 2008. <br /><br />Thanks for all the encouragement I know I have issues with worrying about what I want to write, I hope its not as bad after I finish basic training. <br /><br />~~ShilmeRae Hensleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05551525491027526757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-79536768320083177662010-07-11T22:26:02.977-05:002010-07-11T22:26:02.977-05:00Hello Shilme, welcome, I'm happy that you are ...Hello <b>Shilme</b>, welcome, I'm happy that you are reading my stuff. Absolutely, you can write about your experiences with your machine, you don't need my permission :) go ahead and write. <br /><br />Feel free to enter my contest on my other blog, even though you don't have much on your blog, you started it before the contest, so it's OK. If you have more content to add, then add it, don't worry about writer's block, use your positive intent to overcome your worry about writer's block, instead of worrying about it, just DO IT, try saying this:<br /><br /><b>I am a writer<br />My thoughts and words flow freely<br />I am calm<br />I am happy<br />I am centered</b><br /><br />Say this everyday, out loud, as often as you can, write it down and tape it to your mirror, tape it to the 'fridge, anywhere where you will see it often.WrethaOffGridhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04941116263529261885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-32410267538589366572010-07-11T22:00:08.635-05:002010-07-11T22:00:08.635-05:00Hi I just started reading your blog, both this one...Hi I just started reading your blog, both this one and your other one I really like reading about everything you guys have done.<br /><br />I just made one of those, not near as well im not very handy but I'm learning.<br /><br />I have just started a blog (i write posts a few weeks before I post them in case I have writers block) I was wondering if you would be offended if I posted my own experiences making this "machine" i will of course link back to you, but I wont post it without your permission as I stole the idea from you. :) <br /><br />~~ShilmeRae Hensleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05551525491027526757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-30889141174277188862010-05-23T12:29:55.968-05:002010-05-23T12:29:55.968-05:00I LOVE this post! I have often thought about how t...I LOVE this post! I have often thought about how to do these things while living off grid. It is our hope to be off grid and completely independent one day. <br /><br />Hubby says that he would build a small windmill that would turn a crank that would turn the washing machine, or a round treadmill for the dogs or donkey/horse to turn. This set up could be used for a lot of things, not just a washer.<br /><br />I have been doing research into making my own laundry soap lately. Your post comes at a good time. I am going to do it. I make my own bar soap which I cook to a gel before molding. I may add water at that stage and blend in the soda and Borax then too. I want a liquid/gel. I am surprised that you don't make your own bar soap. It is so easy.<br /><br />Can this gel be used in a dishwasher? (lol) I know that is probably generating a laugh. I am considering off grid living and have a dishwasher. I would never buy one and have been without one before, but it came with the house and saves me so much time, so I use it (even though it leaks).<br /><br />Time is always my enemy in the thawed season! <br /><br />I don't blame you for not using your neighbors washer/dryer. I would also not do so. I like being very independent and do not want to inconvenience anyone and accept help reluctantly. I don't even ask hubby for help unless I have no choice.<br /><br />Great post!Sheryl at Providence Northhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07127223943390691667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-21062807484149797942010-05-14T17:00:05.328-05:002010-05-14T17:00:05.328-05:00I LOVE your bucket washer. It is so cool!
I use ...I LOVE your bucket washer. It is so cool!<br /><br />I use homemade laundry soap - the same recipe you use, except that I made mine liquid, because I wanted to try it that way, and I like it. It's actually more of a gel than a liquid, though ;).<br /><br />I still use my electric washing machine, which is silly, because I have both a wonder wash and an old fashioned wringer, made specifically for wringing clothes, but the electric washer is in my house and so it's <i>convenient</i>. That said, there's an electric dryer, too, but I haven't used it in a year or two ;).Wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04642417312794814066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-51347825851859799792010-05-03T10:21:21.906-05:002010-05-03T10:21:21.906-05:00Wow, what a fantastic invention! I remember my gra...Wow, what a fantastic invention! I remember my grandmother doing laundry by hand, and I've always wondered if we'll eventually go back to doing things this way after peak oil. I'm anxious to see how you and your partner come up with a clothes wringer!Kim from Milwaukeenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-11628826540770675002010-05-01T08:18:54.139-05:002010-05-01T08:18:54.139-05:00Brings back memories! My mother used a scrub board...Brings back memories! My mother used a scrub board and wash pan. Then came the fancy new washing machine that was on legs and had nice roller attached so as you rolled the clothes thru the water went back into the tub. We (the kids) would get to turn the roller while another one put the clothes thru. And of course, all clothes went on lines to dry. (Same lines we hung the chickens on to drain.)<br />I do not remember if my mother bar bar soap and grated it or was able to purchase it already powdered. I do remember adding borax and always bluing. (also worked on white dogs when giving them a bath if they had stains...trick was not using so much they were then blue!)<br />Another one of those things for my survival/preparedness kit when there is no electricity. My wife has already converted to washing small loads every day. Now to see if I can convert her to your bucket/plunger system.TexasManhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03877947173326291855noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-75113015022235532562010-04-28T19:12:29.250-05:002010-04-28T19:12:29.250-05:00Thanks for the info I will be looking for it next ...Thanks for the info I will be looking for it next time I go out of town. <br />When grating Pink Zote soap I use my grater with the small holes and grate it by hand. I must have gotten an old bar because it was dry the first time. The one I just grated was moist like you said. I have not had any problems with it not dissolving though and I love the smell.Tara@JustDevineStylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14778488764717093618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-67890095818008099262010-04-28T13:27:23.347-05:002010-04-28T13:27:23.347-05:00Tara, how do you grate the pink Zote soap? I have ...<b>Tara</b>, how do you grate the pink Zote soap? I have found it to be too moist to grate, I have used the white Zote soap with no problem, it's drier and easier to grate. <br /><br />I found the bluing in the laundry aisle of the store, check WalMart, check your local grocery store, even though it's a very old product (been around for a long time), it's still a popular laundry item. I'm sure you will not have to look hard or long for it. I'll even bet you have walked past it dozens of times without even realizing it.WrethaOffGridhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04941116263529261885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-53501174908910707152010-04-28T10:49:39.217-05:002010-04-28T10:49:39.217-05:00I make my own laundry soap using Pink Zote soap. ...I make my own laundry soap using Pink Zote soap. I really love it! I am super excited about this washing machine you made. I will be showing my hubby and want one in my emergency supplies. Where do you buy the bluing? never heard of it before. Sounds like a good idea. Thanks for sharing.Tara@JustDevineStylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14778488764717093618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-80220782746630250302010-04-24T22:02:28.507-05:002010-04-24T22:02:28.507-05:00Mine isn't on the fritz, it's under a tarp...Mine isn't on the fritz, it's under a tarp outside the skycastle, LOL! I just did another load of wash clothes, hand towels and socks, they are dripping outside as I type, they'll be dry in the morning, this works great as long as you do small loads.WrethaOffGridhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04941116263529261885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253419592568915737.post-78010459402661679042010-04-24T21:59:22.309-05:002010-04-24T21:59:22.309-05:00I love it, I need to do that as a back up my machi...I love it, I need to do that as a back up my machine is always on the fritz.craftycountrymommahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17664331872009084004noreply@blogger.com