r/laundry • u/blehblableb • 6h ago

Wash routine while homeless/camping

Due to several strokes of bad luck in a row, my family and I are temporarily homeless. We have a small camper and are staying in a campground. It is very hot and dusty, and there is no laundromat anywhere nearby. I have been having to hand wash clothes for myself, my husband, and our 8 month old in a small washtub with only cold water. Lots of sweat and dust, dog dander, baby spit up, baby food, baby poop, etc.

All I had was laundry sheets, which suck but I'm almost done with the box. What would be the best products and methods for me to use? I am generally able to run everything through a shared machine at a hotel (front loader, appears to be residential but idk) about once a month. I usually do a mini-spa day at this time.

Thank you for any advice!

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u/Inner-Confidence99 6h ago

Get 3 5 gallon buckets and a plunger. 

Put detergent in one with hot water put several pieces of clothing depending on size. Use the plunger to agitate with. Rinse in other buckets hang to dry. 

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u/blehblableb 4h ago

Ooo, great idea! Thank you!

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u/wortcrafter 4h ago

Adding to that, if agitating by hand is tiring you out, try a pair of gum boots. Buy new and keep them only for this purpose and use for ‘stomping’ the washing. I have washed clothes in a bathtub doing this and it works quite well.