Do you live off the grid and are wondering about how best to wash your clothes without too much of a hassle? Then you need to get yourself an excellent off grid machine. Knowing the different options available to you when it comes to finding the best washing machine for off grid use is the first thing you need to do.
Start your research by exploring the available options. Compare the pros and cons of each machine you are considering before making a decision. Fortunately, it is easy to come up with a perfect solution for your needs. Based on the most recommended machines, below are some of the best machines to consider.
Living off the grid means that you do not have the luxury of unlimited power supply. Regardless of whether you are generating your own electricity or are using alternative means to power your appliances, ensuring no wastages happen is a crucial need. Finding the right appliances to match your needs is, therefore, one of the things you need to prioritize.
Top 5 Washing Machines for Off the Grid Users
Finding the best washing machine for off grid use is not rocket science. Below is a list of the best machines to consider if you want to find something functional and worth your money.
| Name | Details | Price |
| LG WM3997HWA Ventless 4.3 Cu. Ft. Capacity Steam Washer/Dryer | – 4.3 Cu. Ft. capacity – Full automatic – Steam and cold wash 14 wash cycles, 4 dry cycles, 5 temperatures | Check Price |
| Mini Portable Washing Machine, Kuppet 10lbs Compact Washing Machine | – 10 lbs total capacity – Spin dry – Simple operations with washer timer – 110V, 360W | Check Price |
| Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine | – 17.6 lbs – Electric – 300W max power draw – Wash timer, spin dry timer | Check Price |
| The Laundry Alternative – The Wonder Wash Compact Washing Machine | – 5lbs – Hand cranked | Check Price |
| The Laundry POD | – Manual hand spin | Check Price |
LG WM3997HWA Ventless Capacity Steam Washer/Dryer
This is one of the LG off grid washing machines you can count on. It is a pretty reliable off grid washing machine that works conveniently, offering the steam washer dryer combo that is energy efficient. You will especially love its large capacity and silent operation.
Households that need to get their laundry done faster will enjoy using this machine. Its washing cycles ensure that all clothes come out clean and perfect. However, it may need a bit of opening up, especially at the back vent, to help eliminate the dampness that sometimes causes the growth of molds and leaves a queer smell in the machine.
This is a big machine. Even though it will make work easier, you will need to size your power system well to run it without any hiccups
Features
- Direct drive motor
- Roller jets
- 4.3 Cu. Ft. Capacity
- Never rust Stainless Steel Drum
- Sense Clean cycle
Pros
- Allergy eliminating wash cycles
- Sanitary cycles
Con
- Dryer may take too long to dry
- Hot and damp air at the back vent
Mini Portable Washing Machine, Kuppet 10lbs Compact Washing Machine
The Mini Kuppet Machine is an excellent choice for people who need flexibility in terms of location since it works for apartments, dorms, camping sites, and much more. It is also considered one of the most energy-efficient washing machine choices for people with limited power supply. It is especially excellent for people with environmental concerns since the motor comes in environmentally friendly paint.
Features
- Stainless steel inner drum
- Blue clear lid making it possible to see and read the monitor
- UL certified power chord
- 10Lbs total capacity
- Total power of 360 watts
Pros
- Low noise
- Environmentally friendly
Cons
- May need to use a strong tray or place it on the counter
- The plastic hose may fail to hook up the sink or bathroom
Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine
The Giantext Portable mini washer is a reliable off-grid washing machine for home use. Its large capacity is especially attractive to medium-sized households. What’s more, you can always switch its location whenever you want to. The compact machine offers RV dwellers or any off-grid cabin dweller the functionality and versatility that they need at any time. It may require some babysitting for proper draining to happen, but it is still worth it.
Features
- Washing capacity of 10lbs
- 6lbs rated spinner dryer
- 300watts washing power
- 110 W spinner power
- Maximum water temperature of 54 degrees Celsius
Pros
- Comes with a removable lint remover
- Has the capacity to handle delicate items
Cons
- Small washing capacity for large households
- You have to wait on the water to drain completely
The Laundry Alternative – The Wonder Wash Compact Washing Machine
This extremely convenient Laundry Alternative washer is perfect for people who want a non-electric, hand handled option. It also works for people who want a quick fix for their washing needs. The fact that it is not electric makes it last longer and serve users better.
Features
- Portable and wireless
- Uses no electricity
- Has no motors or internal moving parts
- It is hand-powered
Pros
- Designed to last
- Cleans quickly
Cons
- May take a long time to dry clothes
- You can only wash so much at a time
The Laundry POD
The Laundry POD is one of the best washing machines for off grid use. It is loved for being portable, low on water use, and zero electricity use. This makes it a lifesaving machine for people who need to be on the move. This may be what you need to invest in if you have no water to spare and are working hard to ensure each drop matters.
Features
- Compact and lightweight, and portable since it is only 24lbs
- Manually operated system
- Uses no electricity
Pros
- It is easy to use
- Time and money-saving
Cons
- Not environmentally friendly
- Does small loads at once
Alternative Laundry Approaches
You do not have to rely on a laundry machine to run on solar power or electric power when you can actually do your laundry without machinery. If you are stuck or unable to buy a laundry machine for your off the grid use, then finding other alternative techniques to wash your laundry is highly recommended. Some of these measures include:
Hand Washing
Hand washing your clothes can be one of the most effective approaches to use when you are stuck. It involves the use of water in a bucket or tub and detergent. Fill your container or tub with water and add the detergent to prepare the water for a soak. Put your clothes in and let them soak for a few minutes; 30 minutes is preferred. Wash the clothes by scrubbing them by hand.
You can then rinse and hang them out to dry. Hand washing your clothes makes it possible for you to save on water and energy, especially if you are not going to use hot water for your wash. However, it is not as fast as machine wash and will definitely take more time in addition to wearing you out.
Using a bucket and plunger
A bucket and plunger are meant to mimic the working of a washing machine. You will need a large bucket with a lid and a plunger. Drill a hole on the lid and insert the plunger in the bucket through this hole. To wash, add in enough water and detergent before placing your clothes and lunging. After enough plunges, rinse the clothes and hang them out to dry.
This technique is effective and will also help you save more water, energy, and time. It is faster than the conventional hand-washing technique, and it significantly reduces the wear on clothes. Unfortunately, it can be cumbersome and tiring, especially if you have a lot of clothes that may need several rounds to wash.
Using a washboard
This practical cleaning hack was used in many villages before the introduction of washing machines. The washboard has rough surfaces where users scrub the dirty clothes on to remove the dirt. It was previously used in rivers with or without soap.
This is considered a form of hand washing that is easier because you do not have to use your hands to scrub off the dirt. It also helps conserve water and energy that would be used to run a machine. On the downside, you may have to be ready for the exercise that comes with the constant scrubbing because you will be spent by the time you are done washing a large load.
Washing clothes is one of the basic needs of any homestead. It does not matter if you have enough resources at your disposal or not. Clean clothes are necessary for a healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, there are a few tricks that can be applied to ensure your clothes are sparkling without using too much water or electricity, especially if you live off the grid.
Besides handwashing and using cleaning techniques that do not require any machinery, using a machine always works. The best washing machine for the off-grid is those that work for you. With the examples above, anyone can choose an option that works for their space and resources.
