February 4, 2007: Why, Arizona

We quickly grew tired of the 10-mile trip to Ajo to do the laundry. The weekly laundromat trip cost about $10, plus gas, time, etc. RV-style washers are expensive and consume too much power.

After much research and discussion, we ordered up a human-powered clothes washing system.

Wisemen Trading promptly shipped us all of the parts.
Bottom of one of two 15-gallon galvanized tubs. This nipple is where one of the drain hoses is attached.
All of the other bits:
Upper left: Agitating tool
Lower left: washtub stand legs
Upper right: Hand-wringer
Center: Washtub stand sides
Also included are 2 lengths of clear drain hose, casters, and all of the necessary nuts and bolts.
Only tools needed are a flathead screwdriver and 7/16" wrench.
Even without instructions, the washtub stand is easily assembled and looks great next to our solar clothes dryer! :o)
The agitator has fluted inner baffles to promote water circulation through the clothes.
The first agitating cycle is underway! The rinse water awaits in the adjascent tub. The wringer is clamped to the side of one of the tubs.
Doing "woman's work"...oh the humanity!
The wringer does an outstanding job of removing most of the water from the laundry. Here the wash is being wrung and sent directly to the rinse tub. After thorough rinsing, the laundry is passed through the wringer in the opposite direction into the drained "wash cycle" tub.
The solar dryer finishes the wash routine...leaving our laundry fresh and clean.