Washing clothing while at sea ? - Page 2

Southern Star · 08-07-2008, 15:28

The Wonderwash actually works quite well, but you should use fresh water for both the wash and rinse stages. In addition, the wash cycle takes very little effort/time. If you are in a marina with a laundromat, or in an area with locals prepared to do laundry at a reasonable rate, that is obviously the way to go. But if you prefer anchoring in relatively isolated areas or are on a relatively lengthy offshore passage, they are very hard to beat. Yes they take up a bit of space, but they use no electricity and are very light - perfect, for example, on a catamaran.

Brad

Brad

Roy M · 08-07-2008, 16:38

I'll probably end up with a Wonderwash and a hefty stainless steel wringer, unless I can find someone with the Splendide. Would you consider flying a special identifier flag (besides the accompanying drying laundry)?

mikereed100 · 14-07-2008, 11:17

I tried a Wonder Wash but soon lost interest and went back to buckets. It worked ok but was small and didn't seem to save me any water which was the reason I got it. Buckets or tubs are really easy and simple and have multiple uses. A wringer would be really nice as that is the aspect of laundry that I don't like most

Reality Check · 14-07-2008, 11:34

Like many have stated... use less clothing

That you do have to use, can be sea washed and fresh rinse a number of times with out any significant noticeable effects from salt. Take advantage of shore side facilities as often as possible.

I cruise in the West Indies most of the time and I may wash aboard 2 to 3 times some shorts, t's a towel or two but when I get to a shore side laundry I make good use of them as really fresh clothing is always nice to have in high heat, high humidity locations like those I prefer to sail in... also allows for significant reduction in what you need to have on... when anything.

bobnlesley · 14-07-2008, 11:51

We've found that washing clothes in salt water, as noted previously is a non-starter for anything other than my grungiest 'engine'bay' trousers and tee-shirt.

We (well Lesley) do all our washing in a bucket, which works fine in the sunny climate of the Mediterranean. To save effort we've perfected a technique: -
Fill Large bucket 1/2-2/3 full of fresh water
Add cold water washing liquid (widely available in the Med - don't know about in the USA)
Add dirty clothing
Sit the whole lot on the quarter (Port for predominantly red clothing, starboard if they're green) and tie bucket to the pushpit
Go Sailing
The wave action will agitate/clean the clothing and all it needs is to be rinsed out on arrival.

14-07-2008, 11:34	#19
Reality Check Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Now counting double digit days until my return to da islands. Boat: s/v Reality Check 36' Bene Posts: 208	Like many have stated... use less clothing That you do have to use, can be sea washed and fresh rinse a number of times with out any significant noticeable effects from salt. Take advantage of shore side facilities as often as possible. I cruise in the West Indies most of the time and I may wash aboard 2 to 3 times some shorts, t's a towel or two but when I get to a shore side laundry I make good use of them as really fresh clothing is always nice to have in high heat, high humidity locations like those I prefer to sail in... also allows for significant reduction in what you need to have on... when anything. __________________ I prefer a sailboat to a motorboat, and it is my belief that boat sailing is a finer, more difficult, and sturdier art than running a motor. --- Jack London

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08-07-2008, 15:28	#16
Southern Star Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Belleville, Ontario, Canada; Playa Zaragoza, Isla de Margarita Boat: 1994 Solaris Sunstream 40 'Estrella del Sur' Posts: 610	The Wonderwash actually works quite well, but you should use fresh water for both the wash and rinse stages. In addition, the wash cycle takes very little effort/time. If you are in a marina with a laundromat, or in an area with locals prepared to do laundry at a reasonable rate, that is obviously the way to go. But if you prefer anchoring in relatively isolated areas or are on a relatively lengthy offshore passage, they are very hard to beat. Yes they take up a bit of space, but they use no electricity and are very light - perfect, for example, on a catamaran. Brad Brad

08-07-2008, 16:38	#17
Roy M Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Southwestern Yacht Club, San Diego, CA Boat: Searunner 40 trimaran Posts: 412 Images: 4	I'll probably end up with a Wonderwash and a hefty stainless steel wringer, unless I can find someone with the Splendide. Would you consider flying a special identifier flag (besides the accompanying drying laundry)?

14-07-2008, 11:17	#18
mikereed100 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Santa Barbara Boat: Catalina 30, 45' Catamaran rebuild in Thailand Posts: 313	I tried a Wonder Wash but soon lost interest and went back to buckets. It worked ok but was small and didn't seem to save me any water which was the reason I got it. Buckets or tubs are really easy and simple and have multiple uses. A wringer would be really nice as that is the aspect of laundry that I don't like most

14-07-2008, 11:51	#20
bobnlesley Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Boat: Albin Vega - 27 feet Posts: 23	We've found that washing clothes in salt water, as noted previously is a non-starter for anything other than my grungiest 'engine'bay' trousers and tee-shirt. We (well Lesley) do all our washing in a bucket, which works fine in the sunny climate of the Mediterranean. To save effort we've perfected a technique: - Fill Large bucket 1/2-2/3 full of fresh water Add cold water washing liquid (widely available in the Med - don't know about in the USA) Add dirty clothing Sit the whole lot on the quarter (Port for predominantly red clothing, starboard if they're green) and tie bucket to the pushpit Go Sailing The wave action will agitate/clean the clothing and all it needs is to be rinsed out on arrival.