Off-grid washing machines are a popular choice for people who want to live entirely off the grid and be free from the electricity grid. They are necessary for anyone who spends most of their time in RVs or off-grid cabins. When choosing an off-grid washing machine, you'll need to look for one that uses little to no amount of power when working.
A solar-powered generator is one of the best ways to charge off-grid appliances, such as washing machines. Since most washing machines use 240V, you'll need to look for a generator that can supply the required wattage and voltage to maintain safety. Jackery Solar Generators are reliable and robust charging solutions that are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Key Takeaways
- An off-grid washing machine does not consume electricity from the utility grid.
- The off-the-grid washing machine either works using manual methods or alternative power sources like solar generators.
- Most off-grid washing machines work at 240V and require anywhere around 400-1400W of electricity per hour, depending on their size and capacity.
- There are different methods of washing clothes without electricity, such as pressure washers, tub/bucket methods, solar generators, and hand-washing clothes.
What Is an Off-Grid Washing Machine
An off-grid washing machine is a portable machine that does not use electricity from the utility grid to work. It is suitable for RVs, camping, off-grid homes, and other off-grid adventures. These washers and dryers are lightweight, easy to maintain, and more affordable than traditional washing machines.
Off-grid washing machines are necessary for people who often travel to remote locations, live off the grid, or simply prefer a minimalist lifestyle. Such machines range from small, manually operated units to large electric units with spin-dry functionalities and washing programs. They are also a great way to reduce dependence on the electricity grid and save money.
How to Use an Off-Grid Washing Machine
An off-the-grid washing machine uses manual or alternative power sources, such as hand cranks, foot pedals, or solar panels. Most electric washing machines have a water inlet similar to conventional machines, which allows you to fill the machine with water and then clean clothes.
If you have a non-electric washing machine, you can add the water manually. Then, you can add clothes and detergent to start the washing process. Remember, you will need to agitate them yourself, followed by draining and refilling for the rinse in manual washers. In electric models, you can select the wash options and duration for washing the clothes.
If you want to try your hands at off-grid laundry, here are some tips to follow:
- Zippers and buttons have a hard time passing through the wringer and can actually be broken down. One method to avoid this is by tying a thin sponge around either end.
- Watch clothing, hair, fingers, and other body parts near the winger.
- You can line-dry clothes whenever possible to prevent shrinkage of clothes and save energy.
A manual washing machine is extremely simple to use. All you need to do is fill up the machine with the clothes and add water. Then, you need to agitate by either manually cranking the handle to tumble the load or pushing the basket up and down for 2-5 minutes.
The soiling will be sufficiently mitigated after agitation. If the clothes are heavily soiled or stained, you may need a second washing cycle. You can add more water and a little more detergent and repeat the process. When rising, fill the washer with water without any detergent, agitate for a few minutes, and drain.
Living off the grid requires a reliable off-grid washing machine. Here, we will recommend some of the best washing machine options along with their pros and cons:
Giantex Full-Automatic Washing Machine
A fully automatic washing machine provides full control over water levels, washing functions, etc. Many modern washers have a child lock to lock all the functions and buttons. There is a sound whenever the lid is opened, which makes these machines ideal for homes with kids.
Pros
- A clear lid lets you monitor the water condition and washing progress.
- Auto balance features pause the washing cycle to redistribute the load even more evenly.
- It can auto-regulate the water intake during the washing cycles.
Cons
- You need a continuous power supply to operate these machines.
- It might not be suitable for large loads.
Wonder Wash Compact Washing Machine
If you are looking for a complete non-electric hand washer for clothes, you may consider the Wonder Wash Compact Washing Machine. It requires a slow crank to tumble the drum and agitate the clothes. It is one of the greenest options, using zero electricity and 90% less water than standard washers.
Pros
- The Wonder Wash Compact Washing Machine cleans clothes in just a few minutes.
- It is a fully non-electric washing machine.
- It is easy to use.
Cons
- It might not be suitable for large loads of laundry.
Lavario Portable Clothes Washer
The Lavario Portable Clothes Washer is another off-grid washing machine that uses a cloth basket held tightly in the water bucket. The Powerflow Technology push and pull strokes force water through the fabric to clean clothes quickly.
Pros
- The portable washer is ideal for boats, cabins, RVs, dorm rooms, and apartments.
- It uses minimal arm strength for maximum strength.
- It does not use any electricity.
Cons
- It accommodates fewer clothes in one cycle.
Off-Grid Washing Machine Power Consumption
On average, an off-the-grid washing machine draws anywhere around 400 to 1400W of electricity. The exact power consumption will depend on its size, capacity, and running time. While the small washing machines can be connected to the 120V outlet, most require 240V. Therefore, it is important to check the user manual to understand the wattage and voltage requirements of the washing machine. Here's a table revealing the wattages and power of off-grid washing machines:
|
Washing Machines |
Wattage |
Length of Time |
Solar Power Needed |
|
Small Size |
400W-600W |
1H |
400-600Wh |
|
Medium Size |
600W-800W |
45 Min |
450-600Wh |
|
Large Size |
800W-1400W |
30 Min |
400-700Wh |
When calculating the electricity needed by the off-grid washing machine and the costs required to charge it, you need first to check its wattage consumption. For example, if the washing machine consumes 800W of electricity per hour and operates 1 hour daily, the power needed will be equal to 800W*1H = 800Wh. This means the appliances require 800Wh per day and 24,000Wh per month.
If the average electricity rate in your living area is 16.68 cents per kWh, the monthly cost will be equal to $4.0. Living in an off-grid home might sound tempting, but it can be a major hassle. That's where investing in a reliable battery backup comes into the picture. Jackery Solar Generators are powerful and highly efficient solar-powered generators that can charge up to 99% of off-grid appliances, including washing machines.
How to Charge an Off-Grid Washing Machine
Solar generators can charge off-grid washing machines, offering energy independence in remote locations or when living in areas with frequent power outages. They operate using clean and renewable energy, making them ideal for charging most outdoor appliances. Jackery is a renowned solar brand manufacturer that offers highly efficient solar panels, solar generators, and portable power stations.
The Jackery Solar Generators are reliable solar-powered solutions that can charge up to 99% of off-grid appliances, such as washing machines. They do not emit a lot of noise or any toxic fumes, making them indoor-friendly. They have a foldable handle so you can move the generator anywhere you move and stay powered on the go. Here's one of the best solar generators for off-grid washing machines:
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit features a large capacity and operates at 240V, making it ideal for charging most sizes of off-grid washing machines. It combines a 2*Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station in parallel connection to increase the overall output and capacity.
The parallel operation increases the total number of AC/DC ports that charge up to 18 devices simultaneously. You can use the double kit to power 99% of off-grid appliances, such as washing machines, refrigerators, lights, etc., during long-term power outages, off-grid living, or RV living.
Appliances Running Time
- Small Washing Machine (400W) = 8.6H
- Medium Washing Machine (800W) = 4.3H
- Large Washing Machine (1400W) = 2.4H
Customer Review
"Working on a small build that still does not have power. This generator has been a great add to my tools and has power to run miter saws, table saw, and paint sprayer, all the while charging batteries for my power tools. Also nice to have it at night to run fans to keep us somewhat cool as we sleep on the property. Excellent product!" — Redge Hudson.
Off-Grid Washing Machine Buying Guide
There are different types of off-grid washing machines available. While some are non-electric, others require some source of energy to work. If you want to choose the best off-grid washing machine for your needs, here are some of the essential things to keep in mind:
Size
Size is an important consideration that many people face when buying an off-grid appliance. Electric units generally need a nook, closet, under-counter, or under-table space for them to live. A manual washer machine or a small non-electric washer can easily be stored even in the smallest broom closet.
Capacity
Generally, the capacity of the washing machine models is measured in pounds of dry laundry that can easily fit in the basket. You'll probably require a few pounds of laundry at one time for a single person or a couple. On the other hand, if you wash the clothes of more than one or two people, it's better to invest in a smaller unit.
Power
Many off-grid washing machines require electricity to operate. RVs or cabins might require economical solutions. You may need an energy-efficient off-grid washer if you have a small charging solution. On the other hand, those who have a large solar generator can consider larger washers.
Gravity or Pump Drain
You will also need to consider a water pump for easy draining of the water from the washer. If a water pump is not available, you might be able to run the drain hose and let gravity do the work. However, remember that models with a drain pump need electricity, so make sure to evaluate the power available before making a choice.
DIY An Off-Grid Washing Machine
With the right supplies, you can create a DIY off-grid washing machine that does not need electricity or running water. Some important things you would need for this particular project include a 5-gallon bucket with a plastic lid, drill, rubber plunger, hole saw bit, spade bit, drill bit, razor knife, bucket opener, and hammer. Once you've everything ready, consider following these steps to build an off-grid machine:
Step 1: Drill a Hole in the Bucket Lid & Plunger
The first step is to drill a hole in the middle of the bucket lid. It should be big enough so the plunger can fit through. You can use a spade bit, a sharp knife, or a hole saw bit to do this. Next, drill holes to prevent the plunger from sticking to the bucket's bottom and allow free water flow. This will make the agitating process more efficient.
Step 2: Get Washing
Next, add some laundry detergent to the small load and agitate well for several minutes. When the water turns grey, empty the bucket and wring the clothes. Since you will dump the water outside, it's a good idea to use a detergent that does not harm the environment or a biodegradable soap.
Step 3: Rinse Cycle
Place all the washed clothes back into the fresh, clean water bucket and agitate for several minutes to rinse out the suds. Wring out the water and hang clothes out to dry.
How to Wash Clothes Without Electricity
Washing clothes off the grid without electricity involves water, some soap, and agitation. Here are a few ways to wash clothes without electricity:
Pressure Washer
A pressure washer is just like a large jar. It works by putting clothes in the laundry, one or two gallons of water, and some soap. Then, put the lid on the top of the bucket. They come with some sort of stand, which means you move a lever back and forth to shake the jar and agitate the contents. If you have a dirty load, make sure to let it soak for a while before agitating.
Tub/Bucket Method
The method involves three 5-gallon buckets, with each having a single ½ inch to 1-inch hole drilled in the side near the bottom. You need to drill a series of small holes into the bottom of one bucket, and the second one should not have any holes. It starts working when you put clothes into a bucket with no holes and add water and soap. Agitate the clothes and then dump them into the bucket with the holes to drain the water.
Invest in Solar Generators
Sometimes, switching to traditional washing methods is not possible. In that case, you need a reliable off-grid solar generator that uses solar energy. Jackery Solar Generators are powerful and portable solar generators that can charge washing machines of different sizes for long hours.
Hand-Washing Clothes
One of the simple ways to do the laundry without electricity is by hand washing clothes. It's best to remove the stains from the clothes by pre-treating and then soaking the clothes in water for 10 minutes. Agitate the clothes until the dirt and stains are removed from the clothes.
Off Grid Washing Machine FAQs
What size solar generator do I need for my off-grid washing machine?
The size of a solar generator that suits the power needs of the off-grid washing machine will depend on the wattage consumption of the appliance and the number of hours you use it. For example, if you use an 800W washing machine and are charging it with the help of the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit, the working time will be calculated using the below formula:
Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh × 0.85 ÷ Operating Wattage of the Appliance = 4085.6Wh × 0.85 ÷ 800W = 4.3H
Note: 0.85 accounts for the power loss happening when charging the appliances.
Can a washing machine run on solar?
Yes, washing machines can be charged using solar generators. However, for a safer operation, you need to ensure the solar generator can supply the required wattage and 240 volts.
How do you run an empty-load washing machine?
You can select a normal cycle with warm water and let the washer run entirely from start to finish. Once the washing cycle is complete, you can use a soft cloth to dry around the door opening.
Can a washing machine run on an inverter?
Yes, many modern washing machines can be run on an inverter. Such machines have fewer moving parts with a variable motor.
Can you run a washing machine without water?
No, when water stops entering the washing machine or the drum, it automatically stops working before the washing cycle begins. While some old washing machines might work without water, it is not recommended, as running without water can harm the machine's integrity.
Final Thoughts
When practicing off-grid living, you would need to focus on investing in the appliances that use the least amount of power but get the job done. You should consider an off-grid washing machine that uses less energy to wash and dry clothes.
If you don't have access to power to charge appliances such as washing machines off the grid, you may consider investing in Jackery Solar Generators. These portable and powerful charging solutions use the sun's energy to charge 99% of off-grid appliances.
Are you wondering how to charge your washing machine off the grid? If yes, what methods do you have in mind? Let us know in the comments!
Leave a comment