WashingMachineFilter

September 11, 2008 4:38 AM

Should I buy a mini washing machine similar to these?

I'm thinking of buying a mini washing machine like the ones presented in the link due to space constraints, but I'm sceptical as to if it can replace a regular one.

Anyone have any experience using one? Any particular makes/models recomended in this category?

posted by ghost of a past number to home & garden (3 comments total)

I toyed with the idea a while back then I found out that I could do just as well with a 5 gallon bucket and a plunger. Just fill a bucket with soapy water throw in the clothes plunge away for a minute or two they rinse in the same fashion. Clean clothes and a daily workout. The real problem with those mini washers is the lack of a spin cycle. At least with a plunger method you can wring out a more significant amount of water so the clothes will dry quicker.
posted by any major dude at 6:12 AM on September 11, 2008 [2 favorites]

I used a hand-cranked small washer for years, with wife & child. Worked okay but got old, though much of that was due to bad body position, which isn't an issue here. 2nd the spin cycle note; you will lose time squeezing out water, and I ended up going to the laundromat to do sheets & heavy stuff. I can't tell the capacity on these, but if your needs are small it is a viable option.
posted by dragonsi55 at 10:07 AM on September 11, 2008

Capacity is around 3-5 kg, depending on the model. Sheets and such stuff will probably have to go out, or get hand-washed as per dude's suggestion. As for the squeezing, I would guess gravity+sunlight would probably do the trick whithout much wringing, as we get a fair amount of both around here.
posted by ghost of a past number at 10:30 AM on September 11, 2008