How to Wash Clothes Without a Washer

Washing machine broken? No worries. Scrub out frustrations with clothing the old-fashioned way, using a washboard.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dirty clothes
• Handwashing laundry detergent
• Large bin or bucket of water or large sink
• Washboard

How to Wash Clothes with a Washboard

1. Fill the bucket, bin, or sink with warm water for darker clothing, cool water for lighter clothing. Add one capful of handwashing detergent per gallon of water used, mixing it into the water.

2. Put the washboard inside the tub directly in front of you.

3. Choose your first article of clothing. Always start with the lightest colors and work your way down to the darkest colors. Put the clothing into the soapy water to get wet.

4. Start rubbing the item up and down on the ridged part of the washboard. Plunge it back into the water and keep rotating it to scrub all areas.

5. When the clothing item is clean, rinse it in clear water.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a few extra drops of soap on stubborn stains. Rub those areas together before using the washboard.
• To soften clothing, add vinegar or baking soda to rinse water.
• Scrubbing action on a washboard could harm delicate clothing.