Washing Clothes: Mechanical vs Lazy Processes

[tgt]

What's the difference between washing clothes in a washing machine and

Filling the tub with water, clothes and powder. Soak it for an hour or so. Drain then repeat again.

Or other lazy, non mechanical process? If so what process?

Assuming clothes that aren't too dirty and with no special treatment like delicate material or colours or anything.

With the method I described, if I used hot water compared to only using cold water in a washing machine, would it turn out better then the washing machine?

 

[cristo]

What's the difference between washing clothes in a washing machine and

Filling the tub with water, clothes and powder. Soak it for an hour or so. Drain then repeat again.

Not much difference really, other than it being a lot easier to just throw the clothes in a washing machine than to spend time hand-washing. I find it hard work to get the soap out (you need to rinse the clothes quite a few times) but I only really handwash when I've got, say, one white shirt to wash, or something like that.

With the method I described, if I used hot water compared to only using cold water in a washing machine, would it turn out better then the washing machine?

Washing machines don't use cold water (unless you put the setting to "cold"). They have different settings and different temperatures for each setting.

 

[VashtiMaiden]

We don't use the washing machine even though we have.

 

[BobG]

What's the difference between washing clothes in a washing machine and

Filling the tub with water, clothes and powder. Soak it for an hour or so. Drain then repeat again.

Or other lazy, non mechanical process? If so what process?

Assuming clothes that aren't too dirty and with no special treatment like delicate material or colours or anything.

With the method I described, if I used hot water compared to only using cold water in a washing machine, would it turn out better then the washing machine?

You'll never get your clothes clean just getting them wet. You need a washboard and then you, "Plunge, and scrub! Plunge, and scrub! Plunge, and scrub!" Haven't you ever seen the movie "Far and Away"? They give directions.

 

[tgt]

Not much difference really, other than it being a lot easier to just throw the clothes in a washing machine than to spend time hand-washing. I find it hard work to get the soap out (you need to rinse the clothes quite a few times) but I only really handwash when I've got, say, one white shirt to wash, or something like that.

I wasn't even thinking of rubbing the clothes. Just let them float in soap water. But rinsing them would need some labour?

Washing machines don't use cold water (unless you put the setting to "cold"). They have different settings and different temperatures for each setting.

I know. I was just assuming it to make the comarison.

 

[tgt]

We don't use the washing machine even though we have.

why not?

 

[tgt]

You'll never get your clothes clean just getting them wet. You need a washboard and then you, "Plunge, and scrub! Plunge, and scrub! Plunge, and scrub!" Haven't you ever seen the movie "Far and Away"? They give directions.

So soaking them in soap water don't work? Why not? What if it's only sweat and no dirt or anything like that?

 

[VashtiMaiden]

why not?

The washing machine is not good at washing clothes! My hands does.

 

[hypatia]

I wash some things by hand, but everyday stuff goes into the machine, which is much faster/easier.

 

[Moonbear]

So soaking them in soap water don't work? Why not? What if it's only sweat and no dirt or anything like that?

You're not doing anything to actually get the dirt out. The washing machine agitates to perform this function. You'd have to pretty vigorously stir your clothes to really do a good job, which is really a lot easier if you're just washing them one at a time. The washing machine let's you do them all at once instead of one item at a time.

 

[Schrodinger's Dog]

What's the difference between washing clothes in a washing machine and

Filling the tub with water, clothes and powder. Soak it for an hour or so. Drain then repeat again.

Or other lazy, non mechanical process? If so what process?

Assuming clothes that aren't too dirty and with no special treatment like delicate material or colours or anything.

With the method I described, if I used hot water compared to only using cold water in a washing machine, would it turn out better then the washing machine?

Nothing except the washing machine will generally make a better job of it, unless your willing to stir the clothes around a bit occasionally, making the same sort of noises your washing machine makes.

However that said if you have delicates silks, satins and woollens of extreme delicacy it can short of dry cleaning be the only way to wash them.

 

[hypatia]

My granny had a copper wash pot, and a giant stick to stir the wash with. It was labor intensive.

 

[wolram]

I do not have a washing machine so i either take my clothes to moms to wash or i put them in the bath and stomp them, i put my dripping wet shirts on clothes hangers to dry outside
so i do not need to iron them.
I find this is a good way to soften toe nails and makes them much easier to cut.

 

[ShawnD]

What's the difference between washing clothes in a washing machine and

Filling the tub with water, clothes and powder. Soak it for an hour or so. Drain then repeat again.

Nothing really. With the exception of scrubbing, that's exactly how clothes were washed before the creation of washing machines. I know quite a few people who wash their clothes in the bath tub because it saves a significant amount of money since apartments generally do not have washing machines. You can either pay $5 to wash your clothes, or you can stop being a lazy ******* and just do it in the tub.

 

[Schrodinger's Dog]

Your washing machine can consume up to 25% of your electrical consumption for your house. Your TV by comparison is much less, less even than your Kettle or percolator. By comparison light bulbs barely register.

 

[BobG]

So soaking them in soap water don't work? Why not? What if it's only sweat and no dirt or anything like that?

You're not doing anything to actually get the dirt out. The washing machine agitates to perform this function. You'd have to pretty vigorously stir your clothes to really do a good job, which is really a lot easier if you're just washing them one at a time. The washing machine let's you do them all at once instead of one item at a time.

The soap will do less for you than plunging and scrubbing. Soap does break down a lot of types of dirt and grease, making it easier to be washed out by the agitation of the water, but the agitation of the water through the clothes is much more important.

 

[ShawnD]

Soap does break down a lot of types of dirt and grease, making it easier to be washed out by the agitation of the water, but the agitation of the water through the clothes is much more important.

Which begs the question of why you had grease on your pants to begin with.

 

[tgt]

So if no scrubbing then washing machine is a must?

 

[Evo]

A washing machine is not a "must", it is a convenient, quick and effective way to clean clothes.

If you watch people in some third world countries washing clothes in the river, they beat the clothes with rocks.

As Bob said a washboard (a board with ridges) was used for a long time to scrub clothes on to get rid of dirt. You would then put the soapy clothes through a ringer to squeeze as much soapy water out as possible before you start to rinse, then run the rinsed clothes through the ringer again to get as much water out as possible so that they dry quicker.

Hot water is good for greasy stains, but can actually cause some stains to "set" and become permanent. Hot water also causes clothes to fade faster.

Some delicate "hand washables" call for only gentle squeezing in warm soapy water, and no wringing or pulling.

In other words, read the clothing labels that tell you how to launder each item.

 

[Moonbear]

Which begs the question of why you had grease on your pants to begin with.

Not really...being anything from a sloppy eater of fried food to a car mechanic is going to get grease on your clothes.

 

[tgt]

A separate but related and more specific question, how would you wash a sleeping bag? It says not to wash in a washing machine.

 

[cristo]

A separate but related and more specific question, how would you wash a sleeping bag? It says not to wash in a washing machine.

What do the washing instructions say to do?

 

[lisab]

I use a liner in my sleeping bag. It's like a sheet - easily washable, so I don't have to wash the bag so often.

 

[Schrodinger's Dog]

A washing machine is not a "must", it is a convenient, quick and effective way to clean clothes.

I used to the say the same about a dishwasher, until I got one, minimum wage immigrant, couldn't do without the staff, one does value ones free time.

I don't think many people are going to spend their time washing by hand when they can either, pop down to the local launderette or use a washing machine. They may not be essential but they are indispensable once you've got one.

Next you'll be saying TV is not a must, and then I will really have to say steady on!

 

[tgt]

What do the washing instructions say to do?

It just says warm hand wash. So just a bit of rubbing?

 

[awvvu]

If God meant for man to count higher than 1,048,575 he would have given him more fingers and toes.

Offtopic, but what does this quote mean exactly? Why that number specifically?

 

[russ_watters]

It's binary.

 

[Danger]

Not really...being anything from a sloppy eater of fried food to a car mechanic is going to get grease on your clothes.

Yeah, but Bob's is on the inside. Leftovers, perhaps?

 

[Noone]

Well to cut the drain time out of the whole pic, you would have to place each piece folded on top of one another then put into a box that press'es them, then shoots water and soup through them back and forth over and over again till all the dirt is gone, wouldn't need to spin, just flushes out all the dirt and germ's, until the water quality is fair, then it stop's. And then blows hot air into it, then steam's it, and they come out with no wrinkly's dirt, or germ's. It would look like a Big box. and in side would be a lot of small hole's that suck and blow jets of water and soup, and then hole's that only open when its time to dry and steam.

All you would have to do is fold them before puting them in.

Or we can just pick from hand washing, scrub board, or a washing mach, to do it.
there isn't much things that can replace the effectiveness of a washing mach.

 

[lisab]

Yeah, but Bob's is on the inside. Leftovers, perhaps?

Wouldn't that make it a leftunder?

 

[Moonbear]

Well to cut the drain time out of the whole pic, you would have to place each piece folded on top of one another then put into a box that press'es them, then shoots water and soup through them back and forth over and over again till all the dirt is gone, wouldn't need to spin, just flushes out all the dirt and germ's, until the water quality is fair, then it stop's. And then blows hot air into it, then steam's it, and they come out with no wrinkly's dirt, or germ's. It would look like a Big box. and in side would be a lot of small hole's that suck and blow jets of water and soup, and then hole's that only open when its time to dry and steam.

All you would have to do is fold them before puting them in.

Or we can just pick from hand washing, scrub board, or a washing mach, to do it.
there isn't much things that can replace the effectiveness of a washing mach.

I really think washing with soup would be counter-productive, but maybe it would hide the grease stains.

 

[Danger]

Wouldn't that make it a leftunder?

Drat! I got caught on a language issue.
Words is my life; now what's I going to do...?

 

[elephantorz]

You'll never get your clothes clean just getting them wet. You need a washboard and then you, "Plunge, and scrub! Plunge, and scrub! Plunge, and scrub!" Haven't you ever seen the movie "Far and Away"? They give directions.

I will just like to say that this made me laugh outloud.

And I agree, I wouldn't think that clothes get clean without a little friction between the fibers, you know, when it makes foam.

Rabbid clothes!

 

[Noone]

I really think washing with soup would be counter-productive, but maybe it would hide the grease stains.

>.< i hope you knew what i meant by the word soup x.X it's soap, yes it wouldn't take much to see that my spelling isn't like everyone els'es, i tend to type in a format of sounding things out, like instead of typen ew, i would type eu, instead of SEGA i would type Sayga, but now that i think of it soap wouldn't be needed, only for smell and disafectant
____________________________
The pen is mighty'er than the sword. My sword is mighty'er than my pen. (sword would be my speaking abillity)(pen would be my spelling in typing and in letter's...) There are to meany word's that i can't really use on the internet due to the fact i would have to spell them...well difrent. The reason why is because i don't type or wright english very well...
I only speak english, and i do such beyond the grace of a poet :S

-=(Communication's)=-See a miss spelt word? if you know it's miss spelt why bother fixing it when you know what it mean's allready? :P Yes but it would be nice, to have a washing mac, that steam's and clean's your things without spinning them around -.- people buy things because there difrent and everyone els doesn't have one :) but i like things that are more effective and take less time to carry out there atended function's. Hence what a tool is made for. wow..talking about this has made me feel dirty...ty

 

[Moonbear]

>.< i hope you knew what i meant by the word soup x.X it's soap,

Of course, which is why it created such a funny image for me that I had to comment on it, thinking about squeezing soup through one's clothes.

 

[tgt]

You'll never get your clothes clean just getting them wet. You need a washboard and then you, "Plunge, and scrub! Plunge, and scrub! Plunge, and scrub!" Haven't you ever seen the movie "Far and Away"? They give directions.

Is that how you would wash a sleeping bag as well? But scrub with what? Just rub the material against each other?

 

[Moonbear]

Is that how you would wash a sleeping bag as well? But scrub with what? Just rub the material against each other?

I'd just take it to a cleaners if it can't be thrown in a washing machine. Let them figure it out. I have tossed sleeping bags into the washer (but also do as someone mentioned above of using a sheet or thin blanket as a liner...I fold a sheet in half, sew the bottom edge where your feet will go, and then sew up along half of the long side...creates a nice pocket to slide into and if you are a restless sleeper, like I am when sleeping on hard ground, the liner doesn't unwrap) and then the dryer. The hardest part of handwashing something of that size will be adequately wringing it out so it'll dry. Though, if it can be handwashed, I can't see why it can't be machine washed on a delicate cycle at least...depending on the fabric and lining, it might need to be dry cleaned.

 

[tgt]

I'd just take it to a cleaners if it can't be thrown in a washing machine. Let them figure it out. I have tossed sleeping bags into the washer (but also do as someone mentioned above of using a sheet or thin blanket as a liner...I fold a sheet in half, sew the bottom edge where your feet will go, and then sew up along half of the long side...creates a nice pocket to slide into and if you are a restless sleeper, like I am when sleeping on hard ground, the liner doesn't unwrap) and then the dryer. The hardest part of handwashing something of that size will be adequately wringing it out so it'll dry. Though, if it can be handwashed, I can't see why it can't be machine washed on a delicate cycle at least...depending on the fabric and lining, it might need to be dry cleaned.

Does dry clean give the best results? What other cleaning methods are there?

 

[Schrodinger's Dog]

Does dry clean give the best results? What other cleaning methods are there?

Servants. Or the students favourite, hanging it out of the window a few days so it can air. But I think dry cleaning is the best as it's a professional service. Also hanging your clothes on the line in a heavy rain shower is quite good. Not that I do that obviously.

 

[Moonbear]

Does dry clean give the best results? What other cleaning methods are there?

If it says to dry clean, dry cleaning gives the best results. If it doesn't say to dry clean, then it might not. Professional cleaners can also do wet cleaning on large items if you can't do it at home...as was pointed out before...DO WHAT THE LABEL SAYS. Or if you're still under 30, call your mom.

 

[tgt]

If it says to dry clean, dry cleaning gives the best results. If it doesn't say to dry clean, then it might not. Professional cleaners can also do wet cleaning on large items if you can't do it at home...as was pointed out before...DO WHAT THE LABEL SAYS. Or if you're still under 30, call your mom.

Unfortunately it says to hand wash. They probably don't do hand wash anymore in shops?

 

[Schrodinger's Dog]

Unfortunately it says to hand wash. They probably don't do hand wash anymore in shops?

If it's one item wash it in the sink with some soap powder. Make sure the water is comfortable to wash in and heat shouldn't be an issue. Leave it to soak for a few hours, and mash it around occasionally and it should be fine. If your really lazy like me get your maid to do it.

 

[tgt]

If it's one item wash it in the sink with some soap powder. Make sure the water is comfortable to wash in and heat shouldn't be an issue. Leave it to soak for a few hours, and mash it around occasionally and it should be fine. If your really lazy like me get your maid to do it.

Why dosen't this method work for 10 items say?

 

[Schrodinger's Dog]

Why dosen't this method work for 10 items say?

It does, you'll just need a bath instead. It sounded to me though like you just wanted to wash 1 item.

 

[tgt]

It does, you'll just need a bath instead. It sounded to me though like you just wanted to wash 1 item.

I orginally asked washing a basket of clothes whether the method you described worked. Everyone else said no. You seem to agree? Have you tried it?

Then the sleeping bag question came up as I really need to wash it, it hasn't been washed for a decade?

 

[Schrodinger's Dog]

I orginally asked washing a basket of clothes whether the method you described worked. Everyone else said no. You seem to agree? Have you tried it?

Then the sleeping bag question came up as I really need to wash it, it hasn't been washed for a decade?

Yes I have tried it and yes it works. If people say that washing your clothes by hand doesn't work then they are wrong, simple as that. It might not be as good as using a washing machine but it will get your clothes clean or at the least much cleaner.

I'd be careful about washing a sleeping bag, it can be done - I've washed a quilt before - but the amount of water in it makes it a pain to carry, make sure you wring it out thoroughly, or it will take ages to dry. Give it a long soaking as well and top it up with hot water occasionally.

 

[tgt]

Yes I have tried it and yes it works. If people say that washing your clothes by hand doesn't work then they are wrong, simple as that.

I think you were referring to just soaking the clothes in soap water for an hour or so. Does this exclude all forms of rubbing and doing physical labour on it?

 

[Schrodinger's Dog]

I think you were referring to just soaking the clothes in soap water for an hour or so. Does this exclude all forms of rubbing and doing physical labour on it?

I don't think I said that you shouldn't put a bit of physical effort into it. The method I use is to give it a good pummelling, go off for a while then do the same again, repeat until your happy it's clean. You can of course spend half an hour giving your clothes a good beating until they are clean, but if time isn't a factor I prefer to just let nature take it's course, up to a point.

 

[tgt]

If it's one item wash it in the sink with some soap powder. Make sure the water is comfortable to wash in and heat shouldn't be an issue. Leave it to soak for a few hours, and mash it around occasionally and it should be fine. If your really lazy like me get your maid to do it.

oh, okay, here is your quote. You did say mash it a bit. So just knock it a bit? A few swirls?

 

[Schrodinger's Dog]

oh, okay, here is your quote. You did say mash it a bit. So just knock it a bit? A few swirls?

Yeah give it a good wring and then put it back in the water and bash it around a bit and then come back later. Add a bit of hot water every now and then, should do the trick.