Does anyone have experience using a super pressure wash machine (found in Jade Mtn catalog)? I am looking for inexpensive, efficient, and easy ways to clean laundry in our future off the grid home. In particular, I am looking for alternative ways to clean cloth baby diapers, so I do not want a system that I have to get my hands dirty, you know what I mean? Also, we will not have any running water, to keep that in mind. Thanks for any info in advance!

Julie Gauss

-- Julie Gauss (mtnmagicherbs@qwest.net), October 08, 2001

Answers

Julie we purchased one for Y2K, we also used it on our dry run weekend, and it actually works quite well. I did the ultimate test with my husband work t-shirt which are 100% cotton, and without perfumed laundry soaps a bear to get smelling clean. Doubtfull at the teaspoon of soap placed in it, it did get it very clean and smelling wonderful. This mid summer we were without electricity, once again, and I had to get my son's uniform washed, I pulled the Super Wash out, and even though it was 17 year old boy sweaty, polyester it worked great.

Though we originally purchased this from Leamans, these are found in all the catalogs now, Harbor Frieght, Northwoods or something like that and are 1/2 the price we paid, but of course :)

Very honestly for cloth diapers the old fashion boil on the stove is the best! Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), October 08, 2001.

I was lucky to pick one up after y2k for about $10. I love it. We are on a well and water usage gets tight Aug/Sept. I use it for hand washables, or when I have a small load that needs to get clean soon.

-- Kelly in Ky. (ksaderholm@yahoo.com), October 08, 2001.

Dear Julie While we are not living off-grid yet we have just purchased our homestead. I "practiced" all last summer to make sure that hand-powered washing was feasible for 2 people. I own a pressure washer and a hand wringer, glass washboard and a "thingie" Lehman's calls "our good handwasher". This thingie looks like a plunger with a metal end piece. The pressure washer seems like a nice idea, but is only time efficient if you are only washing a few items. You have to fill it with wash water, wash, then empty it and fill with rinse water. It does do a nice job, however. My advice to you as a mom who has had to hand-wash diapers from time to time, is not to worry about "touching anything". The messy diapers need to have the solid stuff removed and be pre-soaked in soap or borax and water. Five gallon buckets with lids are invaluable here. Do not waste precious cash on flimsy store-bought diaper buckets! A really good pair of rubber gloves will make you feel better about where your hands are and if the detergent is strong it will protect them. Vicki is quite right about just boiling them on the stove. My sister and I did this once. Very clean diapers, but a strange aroma in the house! You might also consider keeping a few disposables for "emergencies" since there is no running water. I confess the only time we had to do diapers under these conditions there was enough snow in the yard to melt for washing. This was in an urban situation, believe it or not! Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions. I'll be glad to answer. I have a lot of experience with doing things the least expensive way!

-- Ann K (ann1956ann@hotmail.com), October 09, 2001.

Hi there,

If you're using the pressure washer, you may also be interested in a wringer with basin attached and drain hose?

I just won this on ebay for someone who I thought was going to take it (he asked me to get wringers). I really can't afford an extra one, as I just got a used wringer for myself.

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1303386546

If you know anyone, I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks, L.

-- L. (none@nospam.com), December 11, 2001.

Hi there,

If you're using the pressure washer, you may also be interested in a wringer with basin attached and drain hose?

I just recently tried ebay in search of wringers (upon suggestion of someone on this list, I believe) and got a used one for myself, then won another one for someone else who I thought was going to take it (he asked me to get wringers for him). I really can't afford an extra one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1303386546

If you know anyone, I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks, L.

-- L. (alternatives11@hotmail.com), December 11, 2001.

i really need a wringer with basin and hose...actually, just the wringer, but really badly..can you email me more information on this, and how much you want for it, etc? thanks....

-- allison dietze (a11is0n@yahoo.com), December 12, 2001.

Hi Allison,

Tried to email a few times. Just want to make sure that I'm not typing your email incorrectly. About the wringer, it's 31.50 + shipping. Check out link above, should take you there (cut and paste it).

Let me know by email or post here.

Season's greetings to everyone!

-L

-- L (alternatives11@hotmail.com), December 24, 2001.