An Irish Washer Woman

I did laundry for the first time on the boat this weekend.  It was quite a different experience from what I was used to.  It took me back to the days of helping Grandma use the wringer washer in  the cellar (FYI cellars have dirt floors, basements have concrete) when I was a kid.  It is a little more advanced, but the same principles apply.

My little two tub washer sits inside the shower when in use.  The tub on the left does the washing.  The tub on the right spins the excess water out of the clothes prior to hanging them up to dry (and it really does a good job.)

First, we run an extension cord from the plug down the hall to the bathroom to plug herself in.  Then you fill the washer side with water using the shower or the sink and a small hose.  After adding A LITTLE detergent you then put in 1.5 kg of clothing (3pounds) and turn the knob to allow the washer to agitate for 15 minutes (on some clothing this step is repeated to give a full 30 minutes of agitation).  You then adjust the hose and drain the wash water from the bin.  When done, you readjust the hose and fill the washer again and agitate again to rinse.  Repeat the draining step.  Now, take items from the washer and put into the right side bin and spin out the water for 5 minutes per load (it takes two to three spinning loads per washing load.)  You can now hang those clothes to dry on the temporary drying racks set up all over.  Repeat as necessary.

It does a good job.  It is energy efficient.  It it practical on a small boat.  It is NOT fast.  I guess you can't have it all.  :)