Washing Clothes and Washing Machines

[Talbot]

Having a washing machine and dryer if you have the water and power, does make things a bit easier. However, what washing powder do you use, and do you get hassle for all the soap bubbles

[speciald@ocens.]

We have a Spledide - the unvented model. It washes fine but heats not dries the cloths. It also uses alot of water in the dry cycle. The vented model probably uses less water

[jackiepitts]

We have the vented model. It uses what seems to be a ton of water so I only use it when we are at a dock and near a hose
You need to purchase low sudsing soap for these machines.

[Tom Spohn]

We take the Wonder Wash with us on longer trips. Cleans extremely well, but no dryer. We just string the laundry on the lifelines when the sun is out.

Portable Washing Machine, Compact, Small, Mini,Clothes Washer

[virginia boy]

That Wonder Wash reminds me of a hand-crank ice cream maker my parents bought when I was a kid of about seven, living in Germany. My brother and sister and I all cranked our little hearts out until our arms were jelly and in the end we were rewarded for our efforts with one lousy miniscule bowl of half mush ice cream. I'm not sure if I've a point to make but Wonder Wash looks suspiciously like that ice cream machine.

[clausont]

Originally Posted by virginia boy

That Wonder Wash reminds me of a hand-crank ice cream maker my parents bought when I was a kid of about seven, living in Germany. My brother and sister and I all cranked our little hearts out until our arms were jelly and in the end we were rewarded for our efforts with one lousy miniscule bowl of half mush ice cream. I'm not sure if I've a point to make but Wonder Wash looks suspiciously like that ice cream machine.

We were given a WonderWash by a couple that had just returned fro cruising. They liked it quite well but we have not used it yet. As for the Hand Crank ice cream makerhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/14982841@N00/3842935898, we have on of those too - we loaded it one day while at anchor and our five kids took turns cranking the handle for a while - laughing and giggling all the while - and when it was ready, we ate so much ice cream that even the kids said that they didn't want anymore
Sail Week on Flickr - Photo Sharing!.

[s/v Jedi]

The Splendide vented is the one for use on a boat (unvented means using fresh water in drying cycle... like all of your fresh water!). It uses just a couple of amps during washing, a little more during spinning and the full 13A outlet capacity during drying (but it is a simple 120V unit). For hot washing, it needs hot water input, like from the water heater. It has hot & cold water inputs and mixes for the right temperature (no internal heating element for water).

We use any soap we find but use less than most American washers need.

cheers,
Nick.

[bobfnbw]

I like the new spendide model. Looks good. Couldn't figure out how to get it aboard though.
Sure it will fit thru the companionway, but then who wants a washer dry in the salon?

Figured it out today.

I will remove the bulkhead in the galley and the refirigeration box and put it in the aft head, converting half to more galley space (a extra 18" or so ! yeah... ) and just go with one head. No other way short of taking the whole thing apart to get it in there....
Wife is happy.
Figure it takes over 4 years to pay for itself vrs paying at the marina, but if you take it out to a cleaner, a lot less.
I would only use the vented model.

[MeckDC]

We just got rid of our washing machine and bought a wonder wash. Works well, doesn't use much water and only takes about 5 minutes. For really dirty stuff, like rags and husbands shorts after working on the engine, I put them in a laundry bag and drag it behind the boat for a while first. Make sure to reinforce the bag with nylon webbing first or you may loose your stuff. By the way if anyone wants a 220 volt washing machine ours works great and it's FREE, you pay the shipping or pick it up.

I have been trying to insulate the Wonder wash so it can be used to make Rum Punch as well.

[Hurricane Harry]

I let the locals wash clothes when I arrive to a new port. They probably need the income plus you always get invited and meet new people.

/Harry

[s/v Jedi]

Harry,

We used to do that until we found out the reason why we felt strange wearing the washed clothes... they used salt water only plus put rust stains in etc.

We're very happy with our Splendide vented model.

cheers,
Nick.

[Québec 1]

When no one else can do the laundry or there are no marina or town services available we use:

1. A bucket
2. Water (clean, fresh)
3. Soap (what ever kind is around)
Soak for a half hour then wash

I sometimes use a rock for the really dirty stuff!
Q1

[bobfnbw]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Harry,

We used to do that until we found out the reason why we felt strange wearing the washed clothes... they used salt water only plus put rust stains in etc.

We're very happy with our Splendide vented model.

cheers,
Nick.

Nick how do you vent your splendide ?
And how do you drain it, into a sump or just overboard ? d

[Rvrratt]

I just ordered the Wonder Wash. I will be using it here in the M.E. and then ship it back to the USA to use on the Sailboat...hope it works as advertised!

[YOGAO]

Originally Posted by Rvrratt

I just ordered the Wonder Wash. I will be using it here in the M.E. and then ship it back to the USA to use on the Sailboat...hope it works as advertised!

Yes, the WW does indeed work. The key, as they advertise, is HOT water!

On a more practical note, we have had to acquire spares over time - particularly the lid and the handle. We have also had to reinforce the spindle holes on the legs. Don't overload it and try to turn it consistently but not vigorously. I actually avoid using the handle now and turn the drum directly with my hands.

Fair Winds,
Mike