Laundry

Laundry Techniques for low resource usage environments

• Simplest (no power) 5 Gal bucket + http://www.amazon.com/Rapid-Washer-Manual-Washing-Machine/dp/B002QUAPSO/ref=sr_1_8?s=appliances&ie=UTF8&qid=1342772895&sr=1-8&keywords=washing+machine <---- can be made with 3d printer

• No Power (better): http://www.amazon.com/The-Laundry-Alternative-Wonderwash-SpinDryer/dp/B002C8HR9A (or build your own sturdier better design). This device will clean cotton quickly without agitation because it uses pressure to force the detergent into the fabric using a sealed vessel and hand pump. This is the same principle the above plunger device works on. It is quicker with warm water, though warm water is not required.

• Bicycle powered laundry: http://greenbuildingelements.com/2007/05/30/weekly-diy-pedal-powered-clothes-washer/ , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le85KjalzwM

• Efficient commercial front-loading, or European style top loading models, used with line drying.

• Drying for these methods: Before line drying use a centrifugal dryer http://www.amazon.com/Centrifugal-Clothes-Portable-Spin-Dryer/dp/B002GEDBIG/ref=cm_cr_dp_asin_lnk - This is an extremely easy device to manufacture, and assists in the process. It consumes a lower amount of power as it has no heating element. It can also be powered manually or with a bicycle.

See also: Soapnuts