A while ago we took delivery of one of those wonder wash manual washing devices which completes our clothes washing by hand set-up. I’ve been washing by hand with some launderette visits for a while now and with literally no enthusiasm or space to put a replacement washing machine it’s become an accepted way of life.
The wonder wash is aimed at those who need an alternative to a washing machine or need a portable camping solution that requires no electricity for washing. You fill it with washing liquid (or washing balls if you believe that hype), water and clothes, screw down the top which pressurises the contents (and intensifies the washing action) and attach a handle to turn the drum over for up to two minutes.Release the pressure, attach the drain arm (I just drain into the sink from the lid, it’s quicker). Repeat with more water to rinse a few times. The spin dryer takes care of the wringing to an extent that only minor airing is then required after this process.
It sounds basic but it seems to work well for us and is saving on the electricity and water bills so I can thoroughly recommend this if you’re looking for an alternative way to wash your clothes.
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I don’t know where we’d be without our monthly trip to the launderette. (Out having fun, I suppose.)
It’s a bus ride from home but is a very good launderette where it is rare to find a machine out of order whereas our local launderette (conveniently next to a cafe where we can get breakfast or go for tea while the washing is churning round and round) is a disaster. Shame.
Tigger does have a small washing machine buried in one of the many heaps in the Other Room (or “Walk-in Wardrobe”, as we like to call it) but we never use it. For one thing, there’s nowhere to hang things though trips to the launderette do sometimes result in damp garments hooked to picture frames and other ad hoc hanging-places.
Going to the launderette is one of those experiences that make you feel good – not the launderette session itself but the knowledge that you won’t have to do this again for several weeks…
I tried ordering the from the site with debit card from walmart it was visa order. I place it threw and I knew it had money on since was prepaid. The guy said he could not process because of a problem. I so i order somewhere eles. I also send several emails in regards the debit card order and got rude email back. So order from the As Seen On TV guys and happy with that one.
Hey thanks for posting this. The only person we know who has a wonder wash doesn’t like it so we were hesitant to order it, but now perhaps we will.
No probs. We still have no powered washing machine. Works great for us with only needing to use a launderette onece in a while for very big sheets & duvets. It works best with either handwash specific powder, liquid and/or eco cleaning tablets and spheres.Some things need to be left to soak prior to spinning under pressure but we don’t find it any great hassle.
Rosemarie – the as seen on TV one uses electricity, and is TOTALLY different – part of what’s so appealing (to ME) about the wonder wash is that you don’t need electricity to run it.
I’m considering a wonder wash, but haven’t ordered yet – I have a friend who got one and loves it!
I had a wonderwasher, hand cranked version. I liked the no power use option, but what I didn’t like was the fact that it was hard to operate. You spin the plastic handle by hand and the machine not only rocked around insecurely on a surface, but the plastic flexed, making me feel like I were constantly going to break it. The drain design was totally inadequate and took forever and you still hand to hand squeeze the water from your clothes when you were done washing. The pressure fit lid also had a habit of not staying in place and was frustrating to try to secure. I got the feeling the designers designed it, but didn’t put it to any real practical tests. I found it easier to just wash clothes in the sink, instead of using this machine.
Hello Matthew-thanks for commenting. I think there are two identical models out there. One is solidly built to last whilst the other is sourced from China and known to have weaknesses especially with the lid mechanism.I think which model is used has a huge impact on long term satisfaction for the user.I never used the drain spout provided with mine as it took too long so would just tip the unit directly into the sink from its position on the draining board. Admittedly there’s nothing revolutionary about hand washing. Many have reported that using a large bucket with a plunger gives equally good results. It’s what works for you that counts.
Do people find it really rinses off the soap well? I am considering buying this for my apartment so I can switch to cloth diapering but my concern is soapy residue on the diapers which could irritate baby’s tush.
Anyone out there using it for diapers?
Many thanks!
Coco
Hi Coco-I can only speak from my own experience. You do need less detergent than with more automated washing methods. As long as you allow for a longer soaking for stubborn stains, several clean water rinses and the addition of a good spin dryer then the results are great. Overuse of detergent can be a pain to rinse out so it’s remembering that less is more is the key to this one I feel.
The model shown is the wonder clean, not the Wonder Wash. The Wonder Wash is a quality unit, the wonder clean not so. See http://www.green-trust.org/wordpress/2009/02/08/non-electric-clothes-washing/ for the real one.
I use a plunger and a 5 gallon pail, or even the mini tub in my camper.