It is amazing how useful these 5 gallon plastic buckets can be in an off grid solution. If you follow this blog, you know we have covered a lot of projects that use them such as the diy plastic bucket solar cooker and the diy plastic bucket mouse trap. For most people this diy plastic bucket washing machine, will probably be a life saver.
This a an affordable and super easy way to wash your clothes when you do not have access to a washing machine. To dry your clothes, you will have to hang the out on a line or this diy bicycle wheel clothes line. When you are selecting your buckets for this project, make sure that they are both the same shape and size.
You should be able to fit one bucket into the other easily, without any difficulties.
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Here’s What You’ll Need:
- 5 gallon plastic buckets
- plunger
- 1/8″ drill bit
- hand held drill
- wooden blocks
- water
- detergent
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1.
Drill holes in one of the buckets, all the way around
and the in bottom too. Try not to drill them too close.
Step 2.
The bucket with the holes, will be placed into the other
one without the holes when in use.
Step 3.
Drill holes into the plunger as well, this will play the
part of your agitator in your washing machine.
Step 4.
Drill a larger hole in the middle of one of the lids, that
allows the plunger handle to fit through it.
How Does It Work? Put your clothes, water and detergent into the the bucket with holes. Slip that bucket into the one without holes. Just move the plunger up and down to wash your clothes for about 10 minutes. Rinse and throw the water away to get rid of the soapy water at least two times.
To drain the water simply lift the bucket out, and sit it down on two wooden blocks. Most of the water will drain out. To get the rest out take the other bucket and slip it into the one with your clothes. Then you just sit on it to press the water out of your clothes.
You can watch the video below on a cheap & easy diy washing machine…
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