Off-grid Laundry haul...

We went to the huge flea market, near home, today. They hold it 3x/ year; the first weekend of May, July, and October, near a local cave. I've been hunting for what seems forever, for a wringer, but they're too expensive, new, and the ones I've found used, were always either beyond repair, or crazy- expensive. This one was $40, is in mechanically solid and works smoothly, and only needs new roller covers. Those plungers, new plastic, is about $30+s&h. The metal ones are usually at least$5 more. I probably could have found the plunger cheaper -$20, no s&h - even at another booth, at the flea - but this one was the one in the best shape.

Nice!

I was just discussing laundry with my wife, we were talking about when we switch over to 100% off grid. She has a difficult time keeping up with the laundry as it is, our four sons seem to run through clothes at a crazy rate.

When I was younger and my family lived off-grid we didn't wear more than a couple pairs of pants or shirts a week, we had to haul the water from the creek by hand; And either wash it by hand or crank a generator!

We still have to figure out that issue ourselves, as people tend to frown on dirty little boys when you go into town..

Put 'em to work, lol. I mean, obviously, at their level. As soon as they have the manual dexterity to fold a washcloth(usually 18mos - to 3ish), mine were helping. Granted, only the youngest one washed more than a couple items at a time, by hand, but any chores they can do can help you and make them understand how things work - including how families work. 😉

Ben House wrote:
our four sons seem to run through clothes at a crazy rate.
..

I suspect this is the reason small boys always used to wear shorts rather than long trousers. Grubby and grazed knees wash and heal more easily than trouser legs.

Ben said, "We still have to figure out that issue ourselves, as people tend to frown on dirty little boys when you go into town.

Keep a set of clean clothes just for them to wear to town, maybe keep them in your closet to ensure they will be available when you go to town.

Back in the old days' many people only had two or three changes of clothes if that many.

Some cowboys may have had only one outfit that they washed in the river fully clothed. Though I don't really know.

When I was very young I heard too many people discuss the Great Depression. Three Sets of clothes seemed to be the norm:  one to wear, one to wash, and Sunday best.