« on: March
28, 2012, 11:32:20 AM »
I didn't see a post on laundry. I would think this would be a big
concern in an emergency situation. I have been doing some research. I believe
that you may not have access to a laundromat in this type of situation. You
also may not be able to use your own or you may not own one. Have you given
thought to this subject? I would be most concerned, not with washing, but
wringing! That does a number on your hands. I saw a video on youtube where one
prepper suggested using a mop bucket and wringer. Your thoughts?
« Reply #1 on: March
28, 2012, 12:11:55 PM »
Not really a biggie for me. In a situation where survival was your
main concern, I don't think laundry would be much of an issue. Everybody would
stink due to the fact washing wouldn't be done as often and eventually
everybody would get used to the horrible smells. It'd just be something
different.
« Reply #2 on: March
28, 2012, 05:28:58 PM »
I would probably have a wash bucket and a rinse bucket, squeeze
out as much as possible and hang them on the clothes line. I don't think people
will be really concerned about having perfectly washed clothes. If there is no
water then that will be a problem (I would hate to use water for drinking to
wash clothes).
« Reply #3 on: March
29, 2012, 12:21:31 AM »
I would probably have a wash bucket and a rinse bucket, squeeze
out as much as possible and hang them on the clothes line. I don't think people
will be really concerned about having perfectly washed clothes. If there is no
water then that will be a problem (I would hate to use water for drinking to
wash clothes).
If I was faced with the situation of drinking water or washing my clothes, I'd have to say hell to the no to washing clothes. It would be a thing of the past for me and I'd try to wash them in dirty water or water not suitable for drinking any longer.
« Reply #4 on: March
29, 2012, 04:53:16 AM »
I believe laundry is an important part of survival... The mental
part of remembering that you are a civilized human being and not an
animal. I would likely go with a group down to the bank of a river and
every few days get the laundry together and have a small rotating team take
care of the laundry. Wringing out clothes doesn't have to be done so hard
that it gives you carpal tunnel, just get the excess water out then either use
clotheslines for drying, or lay them on top of rocks. Of course for this
to work, you have to have a decent campsite with the right natural resources
(rocks), but a little bit of exploration will go a long way in this
circumstance.
« Reply #5 on: March
29, 2012, 05:11:53 AM »
I believe laundry is an important part of survival... The mental
part of remembering that you are a civilized human being and not an animal.
I would likely go with a group down to the bank of a river and every few days
get the laundry together and have a small rotating team take care of the
laundry. Wringing out clothes doesn't have to be done so hard that it
gives you carpal tunnel, just get the excess water out then either use
clotheslines for drying, or lay them on top of rocks. Of course for this
to work, you have to have a decent campsite with the right natural resources
(rocks), but a little bit of exploration will go a long way in this
circumstance.
That's a good point but it's mental. And we can adapt to anything, so we could even go like our counterparts and forget about clothes altogether. We'd adapt and survive without them.
« Reply #6 on: March
29, 2012, 11:41:37 AM »
I would put laundry down on the bottom of the priority list. I
think there are bigger concerns to deal with before laundry. I'm sure it would
have to be done once in awhile but I would probably combine it with bathing
duites and wash my clothes at the same time.
« Reply #7 on: March
29, 2012, 12:39:35 PM »
In case of life and death, I don't think laundry would be your main
concern. You can always wash your clothes in some water when you get a chance
to do so.
« Reply #8 on: March
29, 2012, 12:49:51 PM »
I'm planning on going Pioneer style. About four sets of
durable cloths, washed once a week. Two wash, two wear. Rotate and
repeat. 
Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
« Reply #9 on: March
29, 2012, 01:04:48 PM »
The mop wringer is a good idea.
I'm really not too concerned with it. I would mostly focus on not getting dirty if possible so they'd need to be washed rather infrequently. And if I'm out in the wild, I have no problem washing in a stream and leaving them to dry on their own. I really think laundry would be one of my least concerns.
I'm really not too concerned with it. I would mostly focus on not getting dirty if possible so they'd need to be washed rather infrequently. And if I'm out in the wild, I have no problem washing in a stream and leaving them to dry on their own. I really think laundry would be one of my least concerns.
« Reply #10 on: March
29, 2012, 02:55:22 PM »
I did laundry by hand for a whole summer when my machines were
broken and yes the wringing is the hardest part. I have to admit that my
forearms were starting to look pretty good! However in an emergency, the
water will be for drinking and cooking first and laundry will be somewhere down
the list. I am guessing that I would have people multi-task and combine
bathing with laundry so as not to waste water in any form. Just a
thought. I do like the mop wringer, towels and jeans, and blankets can be
a real bear to wring out!
« Reply #11 on: March
29, 2012, 03:05:50 PM »
I would probably have a wash bucket and a rinse bucket, squeeze
out as much as possible and hang them on the clothes line. I don't think people
will be really concerned about having perfectly washed clothes. If there is no
water then that will be a problem (I would hate to use water for drinking to
wash clothes).
I would likely do the same, but depending on what I had been doing
in my clothes recently I might also add a boil bucket
to be sure that any harmful germs or bacteria in my clothing were dead. If
proper hygiene and laundry aren't available this could be an important step in
maintaining your health, especially if healthcare services and medications are
not readily available.
« Reply #12 on: March
29, 2012, 10:00:08 PM »
I really haven't put that much thought into it, however I don't
think it would be too much of a big deal for me. I would probably make a
way to find two buckets; one with soap in it and one with plain water. I
would probably let the clothes soak in one of the buckets for a while and then
rinse by dunking them in the clean water. Then, I would hang them out to
dry.
I would most likely go 2-3 days before changing or washing my clothing since it would probably be very time consuming. I would have my husband and oldest child wash their own clothes and I would do mine and my youngest daughter's clothing.
I would most likely go 2-3 days before changing or washing my clothing since it would probably be very time consuming. I would have my husband and oldest child wash their own clothes and I would do mine and my youngest daughter's clothing.
« Reply #13 on: March
30, 2012, 09:40:01 AM »
Laundry will be important to those who find appearance important.
I hear that brown water from boiling acorns can be used for detergent as it is tannic acid and using a plunger can act as the agitator. A rolling pin and towel can be used as the wringer. Wringing by hand will definitely sore the hands and wrists.
I hear that brown water from boiling acorns can be used for detergent as it is tannic acid and using a plunger can act as the agitator. A rolling pin and towel can be used as the wringer. Wringing by hand will definitely sore the hands and wrists.
« Reply #14 on: March
30, 2012, 10:48:42 AM »
I think it is easy to dismiss the laundry idea now because we have
access to anything and everything. I share your concern as to what to do when
the emergency situation is upon us because I want some clean clothes every once
in a while too. I think the bucket and wringer could be a good idea if
you are stationary. I would not haul that around if I was on the move. I then
would rely on hand wringing. We sure are creatures liking comfort items.Some of
the items will be sorely missed.
No comments:
Post a Comment