Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Murphey's Preparedness

     Well first of all I'm glad I'm prepared. Sunday night I had the privilege of finding out that my washer broke. I usually don't do laundry on Sundays, however since my husband works the night shift he starts a little before midnight. I had such a busy Saturday that I looked over doing his work clothes. The washer did a good job up until the rinse cycle and then... kaput. I think I busted the belt, as I can still hear the motor humming. We'll have to see. What could I do? Would he have his work clothes on time? Thanks to preparedness the answer was yes. Several years ago I had purchased a Rapid Washer from Lehmans Non-Electric and an antique (vintage?) wringer in excellent useable condition off of Ebay. After a good rinse in a bucket in the tub and a squeeze through the wringer I threw them in the dryer to be done just in time.
     A lot of time when we and others discuss preparedness the assumed reasoning is to be prepared for the big stuff- loss of an income, natural disaster, economic collapse, nuclear bombs, EMP's etc. But as the quote on my home page says:
 
Preparedness, when properly pursued, 
is a way of life,
not a sudden, spectacular program.
 
     As the Bible tells us, its the little foxes that spoil the vines. Being prepared when a major appliance goes out doesn't sound like the breathtaking situations we prepare ourselves for, but they do occur, and when we least expect, or can afford them. Preparing for these things in small ways can keep a situation from becoming critical. You don't have to spend big bucks on fancy equipment- grab a couple extra toilet plungers from the dollar store and a couple free icing buckets from the local bakery. A length of cordage scrounged from the garage (provided its grease free) and your problem is solved for under $5. 
     I have really been debating for the last year if I would benefit from a Wonder Wash. I have seen many stellar reviews about them, and several reviews that say they are garbage. What have you heard, do you have one of your own? I have wanted one for several years, but then after reading reviews I must admit I'm a bit skeptical.
     In case you want to brush up on your hand washing knowledge and skills, here is a good reference page on the art of washing clothes by hand HERE. Until next time, I hope you appreciate your electric machines. My back knows I sure do!
 
--Jamie

2 comments:

  1. I have a Wonder Wash, and in my opinion how much good it will do you depends largely on your situation. I live in an apartment, so one round in the washing machine costs $1.50 (I hang dry everything to avoid paying the same again to dry it). The WW has saved me tons of money by allowing me to whip off small loads of work shirts, underwear, etc. as needed. It's much easier on one's hands and much more efficient in terms of soap usage than hand-washing things in the sink. Spinning items dry also gets a lot more water out than hand-wringing, a bonus if you're hang drying it.

    That said, the WW is not equipped to handle heavy/big items like jeans or bed sheets. They're unwieldy to turn and don't spin out as well.

    Filling the barrel with water can be tedious if you don't have a shower head or sink faucet that extends. You will also do best if you can place the WW on a flat surface even with your drain (sink or tub) for emptying the barrel. Otherwise, you put a lot of extra wear and tear on yourself and the washer.

    Hope that helps a little! :0)

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is some good info- in fact I got to thinking about the problem of the good vs. bad reviews and I think I've figgured something out. I'd like to test something for the next month and I'll report back to you all about it if it works like I think it should.

    ReplyDelete