A Cheap and Easy DIY Washing Machine. Spin Cycle Included!

[ramseydeavilla]

You can replace the short stick with a taller stick on the plunger so that way you can plunge standing up & not hurt your back bending over.

[Padraig]

I just made this setup and have one recommendation: after drilling the holes from the outside of the bucket there are sharp edges, I went in with a small knife and carved them down so they wouldn't tear up the thinner fabrics. 
Two days later: I would also recommend sanding/stripping the decals from the strainer bucket. After two washes, they started peeling off

[DuhMasto]

To everyone who's never drilled holes in plastic before: After you get the bit all the way through, flip the motor into reverse and run it while you're pulling out the bit, this will clean up the plastic burrs CONSIDERABLY. Maybe not 100%, but afterward you can always turn a larger bit on the inside, just in your hand, to chamfer the hole.

[donaldriedy]

Wife and I used this, while stationed in Germany, forty + years ago. Worked then, and will work when we start to RV full time, April 2015

[grmpEqweer]

Ooh. The last time I had no washer I just filled the tub, added detergent, "treaded the grapes" on my clothing for a while, drained, rinsed via the shower head, treaded again to remove moisture.
That worked.
But this might work better.👍

[rindys]

I love the squash cycle. That is brilliant!

[marie-everousseau]

I made it yesterday because I was sick of begging people to borrow their washing machine. It totally rocks and I should have done it ages ago!

[yourekittenme.]

I’ve been wanting to make something like this but couldn’t figure out the “spin” cycle. This is genius! Thank you.

[kwson]

Soaking for 15-30 min in hot or warm water also helps loosen the dirt/soil and reduces plunging to 3 to 5 min too.Thanks for the drilling idea :)

[PurplePixieEater]

I did lol when you said, "and a plunger.... hopefully a new one."

[d.conley]

I think the bucket inside of the bucket pressure ringer is a simple yet awesome innovative idea.  Thanks for sharing with us.

[joecope]

Add a little bit of vinegar to the rinse water to get all the soap out of the clothing. ;-)

[joewoodchuck]

I love the double bucket arrangement. The spin cycle is a fantastic bonus.

[joemann]

for a stronger spin cycle, i think you could make like a swing (with two ropes instead of one. ) it will lift the bucket a bit, and take a little more force to wind up but once it starts spinning, it will spin much stronger because gravity.

its a neat idea. i might try it. doesnt look very expensive at all.

[doloresofcourse]

I've watched dozens of these type of washing videos. Yours is the most original rinse and spin cycles!

[szbyzan]

Don't forget a vinegar rinse. Vinegar will dissolve any residual soap. Should not hurt your lawn either as it will be diluted.

[enfpgrrrl]

I like the idea of sitting on the bucket to squeeze excess moisture from wet clothes!

I made a video using a potato masher and a juice container to plunge and agitate underwear and also used bucket to try out washing jogging pants. Quite effortless in terms of force needed and good water agitation to clean, but....

I needed a better next step to getting the water out as I have fibromaylgia and cannot heavily squeeze wet fabrics out for very long. Thanks for your video! :)

[carmenlorenzo]

I think I'll do this tomorrow, I'm tired of spending money at the laundromat!

[kathymonnin]

I am retired and I have have used a laundry stopper since I was preschool. My grandmother did her delicates and I supposedly helped. When my mother passed I got it and used it till it fell apart.

[melindalancaster]

love this idea my washing machine just went out probably in the timer possibly an easy fix but the more stuff breaks down the more I'm wanting to live off the grid.