Not Traditional Washing Machines: An Easy Solution From Amazon That Saves More Space

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In most American homes, traditional washing machines are standard fixtures. These appliances handle the brunt of the heavy lifting when it comes to getting clothes clean and are a household luxury that many wouldn't be willing to go without. However, as convenient as they are, there may come a time when having a standard clothes washer isn't in the cards. Whether your current washing machine is on its last leg, or you've moved to a small apartment or a tiny home, or you're giving off-grid living a go, an alternative solution might be necessary. Fortunately, you don't have to scrub garments in a sink. You can use a small hand-crank washing machine like the WonderWash Portable Mini Washing Machine on Amazon. This manual clothes washer is compact enough to fit on kitchen counters and requires no electricity.

The WonderWash is available in a retro design in five color options. Using it is easy: add the appropriate amount of water and detergent, secure the lid and handle, and crank for a couple of minutes. Afterward, water can be drained into a sink or bathtub. While this portable washing machine won't dry your clothes, the company does sell a ventless portable electric spin dryer. Alternatively, you can install a clothesline if you have the outdoor space or take advantage of these air drying alternatives that are perfect when you don't have a clothesline.

The washing machine has undergone many design iterations over the past two centuries, from hand-powered washboards to today's smart machines. However, the first hand-crank washing machine with a drum wasn't patented until 1851. Invented by James King, the design allowed users to fill the drum with soap and water, add garments, and then turn a crank to agitate clothes. The WonderWash Portable Mini Washing Machine gets clothes clean in a similar way. It features a pressurized drum that, when the hand crank is turned, agitates the clothes, allowing detergent to lift dirt and grease.

While a modern hand-crank machine like the WonderWash is an excellent space-saving solution, its compact design does mean it comes with a few clothes-washing limitations. First, and perhaps most obviously, it can't fit big loads (1.1 to 4.84 pounds). This means you may still have to hand-wash bulkier items. There are also dirty laundry items that could use an extra soak before washing. With those limitations in mind, a hand-crank washing machine could be a great addition, especially if you're trying to create a self-sufficient tiny home or simply lack the space for a standard option.