Knowing how to make a washing machine can seriously make or break you in a survival situation.
Most preppers underestimate the importance of doing laundry once SHTF. However, this can be one of the most crucial practices in an emergency.
I mean, think of it – if an EMP occurs, the TV will be shot, the fridge will be off, and all other electrical devices will be rendered useless. Therefore, you’re going to need to keep your clothes smelling fresh and keep bacteria, mildew and germs from making a home in your clothing.
Luckily, it’s much easier than many preppers think to make a washing machine. In fact, if you do it right, the whole project will cost about $5 or less to get it done (although many of the thriftiest preppers will manage to do it for free).
I’m serious, you’re going to be so incredibly grateful once you’ve learned…
How To Make A Washing Machine For Emergencies
1 – The Single Bucket Washer
This is one of the simplest ways to learn how to make a washing machine. This method is seriously easy to do – all you’ll need is a 5 gallon bucket, a plunger, a drill, a marker, and a bucket opener.
First, place the handle end of the plunger onto the center of the bucket lid, and trace the circumference of the handle tip. Then, drill a hole into the center of the circle, making the hole a little larger than the circle you just drew. This is where the plunger will fit.
Second, drill multiple holes (about 16) into the base of the plunger. This will allow water to sift through, while still allowing it to press down your clothes.
Third, add your dirty clothes to the inside of the bucket, and fill it with water and detergent so that the bucket is about 3/4 full.
Place the plunger into the bucket, and push the tip of the handle through the hole in the lid. Seal the lid tightly over the bucket, and then move the plunger up and down, side to side, and in circles to ensure all the clothes get equally washed.
Move the plunger for about 10 minutes, or until the clothes inside appear clean.
Once the clothes are clean, lift the lid, dump out the water, and replace it with clean water. This is your “rinse” cycle. Move the plunger for a few minutes again to ensure all the remaining soap and dirt rinse off the clothes.
Repeat the process of rinsing and re-filling until your clothes are completely clean. Line dry the clothing, and you’re done!
If you’re a visual learner (like me) you’ll appreciate the short instructional video below:
2 – The Double Bucket Washer
This is an add-on to the previous method. However, you can use this with a plunger (the same one you used in #1) or without.
For this, you’ll need to keep your existing supplies, and add an extra 2.5 gallon bucket to the mix.
Drill holes all over the sides and bottom of the 2.5 gallon bucket. Then, slip this bucket inside the 5 gallon bucket. Add the clothes and water to the inner bucket, seal the lid, and use the plunging method, just as in #1.
The inner bucket is nice to have, as it drains the water for you.
If you don’t have a plunger (or don’t want to use it), you can also choose to shake, roll, or otherwise move the sealed bucket around in order to clean/rinse the clothes effectively.
Again, tutorial videos help with clarity. That’s why I’ve included the one below to show you how to make your very own Double Bucket Washer:
Like I said, knowing how to make a washing machine will make your life a whole lot easier (and keep you a whole lot healthier) once SHTF. And, with this knowledge, you can feel confident in cleaning your own clothes easily and effectively if an EMP occurs.
Set up your Single or Double Bucket Washer today to get ready for a crisis! Remember: Prepare Now, Survive Later!
