3 Simple Methods to Wash Clothes Without Running Water
3 Simple Methods to Wash Clothes
Without Running Water
Doing Laundry Without a Washing Machine
If the electricity is out or the pipes are broken, laundry will be a problem unless you have an alternative way of washing your clothes.
There are a few different methods that can get the job done. While other methods exist, here are some of the most popular choices. If you don't have a choice or would rather save your potable water for drinking, non-potable water is fine for cleaning clothes. Wear dishwashing-style rubber gloves while handling non-potable water and avoid touching your face while wearing them.
No City Water
Three types of methods can be used for cleaning clothes when using your washing machine is not an option: the bucket method, the bucket & plunger method, and the washboard method. Take a look at all three options below and choose the laundry kit best suited for you. Having this ready to go in storage will make your life a lot easier should the water delivery system be disrupted for any substantial amount of time.
Bucket Method
Unlike other methods, this technique relies entirely on hand scrubbing and manual agitation.
Items Needed
- 2.5 to 5-gallon bucket
- Rubber gloves
- Laundry soap
- Water
Directions
Step 1Add clothes, laundry soap, and water
- Place your clothes into a clean bucket and add only a fraction of the typical amount of detergent. Both liquid and powder work well.
- For best results, store fragrance-free and dye-free soap, as it works better on a broader range of clothing types.
- Fill your bucket with warm or cool water, depending on the fabric type, covering the clothes completely.
Step 2Wash with hands
- Agitate the clothes thoroughly, making sure the soapy water reaches all fabric areas.
- Once you’re done, let the garments soak for about 15 minutes.
- Dump the wash water in an appropriate disposal area – away from water sources.
Step 3 Rinse well
- Refill the bucket with clean rinse water and agitate the clothing to get the soap out.
- Dump the rinse water and repeat the process until the water runs clear.
- Gently press on each garment separately to remove as much water as possible. Avoid twisting or wringing, as this can stretch fabrics and cause damage.
Step 4Dry
- Hang clothes to air dry on a clothesline or lay flat in a well-ventilated area.
Bucket & Plunger Method
With this method, the plunger acts as the agitator, providing a more efficient wash while reducing strain on your hands and wrists.
Items Needed
- 5-gallon plastic paint bucket with a lid, either new or a well-cleaned one
- Toilet plunger (brand new)
- Power drill or sharp knife
- Rubber gloves
- Laundry soap
- Water
Directions
Step 1Drill or cut a hole in the lid
- In the center of the lid, cut a hole just large enough to fit the plunger handle with slight room for movement.
- Recommended equipment: A hole saw drill bit or a sharp utility knife.
- Wear protective gear while cutting.
Step 2Drill or cut hole in the plunger
- Create 10-12 small holes around the plunger itself. This allows for better water flow and makes the process easier.
Step 3Add your clothes, laundry soap, and water
- Fill the bucket about halfway with dirty clothes.
- Add a minimal amount of soap—too much detergent will make rinsing difficult.
- Pour in enough water to fully submerge the clothes.
Step 4Secure the lid and plunge away
- Close the lid tightly to reduce splashing.
- Grip the plunger handle and push/pull for several minutes to create agitation.
- Dispose of used water properly—if indoors, use a sink or drain; if outdoors, pour water away from clean water sources.
Step 5Rinse well
- Fill the bucket with clean rinse water and plunge again to remove soap.
- Repeat the rinse process until no soapy residue remains.
- Gently press excess water out of garments-avoid twisting or wringing, as this can stretch fabrics and cause undue stress to your clothes.
Step 6Dry
- Hang clothes to air dry on a clothesline or lay flat in a well-ventilated area.
Washboard Method
Before the advent of the washing machine, this was the primary way people washed clothes. Many parts of the world still rely on this method today. While there are modern replicas of traditional washboards available, there is one company remaining today that has been making them since 1895.
Items Needed
- Washboard
- Two buckets
- Rubber gloves
- Soap
- Water
Washboard Types
Materials
- Galvanized Steel
- Stainless Steel
Texture
- Wavy
- Spiral
Sizes
- Large
- Medium
- Small
- It's best to match the washboard size with the garment size being washed.
Helpful Tip
- Using a bucket that fits the size of your washboard can improve stability and ease of use.
Items Needed
- Washboard
- Two buckets
- Rubber gloves
- Soap
- Water
Directions
Step 1Add clothes, laundry soap, and water
- Fill one bucket with wash water and the other with rinse water, using the appropriate temperature for the washing bucket.
- Add a small amount of soap and mix well to create suds.
Step 2Wash clothes
- Place your washboard securely inside the washing bucket.
- If using bar soap, rub it directly against the washboard surface to create lather.
- Take each garment and rub it back and forth against the washboard to remove dirt.
- Once done, place the garment into the rinse bucket and repeat the process for all garments.
Step 3Rinse Well
- Gently press out excess soap from each garment by hand.
- Dump the soapy water, refill with fresh water, and rinse again until no soap residue remains.
- Gently press on each garment separately to remove excess water. Avoid twisting or wringing, as this can stretch fabrics and cause damage.
Step 4Dry
- Hang clothes to air dry on a clothesline or lay flat in a well-ventilated area.
No City Water
Pre-treatment of clothes
There are a few adjustments you may need to make for proper pre-treatment of clothes.
Step #1Read the label
- Separate clothes by color and temperature requirements.
- For most clothes, room-temperature water works well.
- If hot water is required, heat non-potable water carefully—do not boil.
- Most washing machines have a hot water setting of 130°F (54.4°C), while water boils at 212°F (100°C).
- Consider storing a thermometer to ensure the correct water temperature.
Step #2Pre-treat stains
- Use a stain remover, detergent, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda for spot treatments.
- For heavily soiled clothes, soak them in room-temperature water for a few hours or overnight before washing.