The washing.

[BGD]

Brian Kirby - 2008-01-10 12:18 PM

Thanks, one and all, for the responses.  The flare container sounds good.  I'll have to go and investigate those.

Detergent remains a bit of a puzzle.  I assume it needs to be a cold wash type, and ideally a liquid?

I'm assuming we'll continue using sites, so access to rinse water etc not a problem.  I'm also assuming it will generally be nice and sunny, so drying ditto.  Has to be some optimism, doesn't there?  :-)

Hi Brian - a little tip about detergent from someone who spent a bit of time working in the industry.Despite all you hear to the contrary in the adverts, and all the differnces quoted between products.......in truth, there aren't any. None. (At least none that make any practical difference).The ONLY active ingredient in ANY brand of domestic detergent is a surfactant....a complex chemical mix that bonds with loose particles in water and reduces their ability to re-stick to fibres one they've been freed from those fibres by mechanical action in the water (sloshing about, turning over and over, or rubbing).Almost ALL of the myriad brands of washing powders come off exactly the same Unilever production lines - and they simply add different "Bulkers" (non-active water soluable particles) to get the different poncy smells and also to make it look as though you are getting more fro your money. These bulking agents do absolutely nothing in practice, except as their name suggests, bulk out the product in the box so you think you are getting a lot of active washing powder.Exactly the same is true of ALL liquid detergents. Almost all come off the same production line, and are simply packaged differently, after having slightly differnt coluring agants and chemical scents agaents added, depending on brand.There is utterly no difference (in an active chemical sense) between "Dark wash" and "white wash" detergents. None. Only advertising spin.The ONLY things that actually differentiate any brand of domestic detergent are:A. Wether it contains a de-foaming agent (use this type in closed, automatic washing mashines to stop the foaming action "bubbling" the water all over the floor.B. Whichever poncy smell you dilike the least.Now, those of you who buy these products (almost exclusively females according to Unilever retail research), will have perceptions about brand loyalty, and perceptions about varying levels of performance between the various brands on the shelf. But in fact they are nothing more than perception. There is no scientific difference between them at all in terms of active chemical ingedients or performance. It's only the surfactant that does the "washing out" of dirt etc. This fact does not stop people being fiercely brand-loyal of course....which is why Unilver boxes/bottles the same stuff from the same lines under dozens of different brand names withing the UK and elsewhere throughout the world.So basically, put/pour whichever brand you like into your bucket (so long as it's got de-foaming agent in it), and way you go.

[Randonneur]

Well you live and lear

 

Thanks for the tip.

 

Sylvia

[Randonneur]

Sorry, it should have read "live and learn", fingers going astray today.

 

Sylvia

[Guest Tracker]

Smalls can be washed and rinsed in the sink and hung up in the shower where they dry whilst on the road.

 

We find it just as easy to go on a site and use the laundrette and drier as and when required for bigger things and bedding.

 

Takes a while but saves faffing about and beats a smelly van!

[maggyd]

michele - 2008-01-12 1:49 PM

 

Wonder Wash Manual Washing Machine (351191)

 

 

A hand operated (just crank the handle) washing machine that will wash 4lbs of washing under pressure (you have to shout at it).

 

RRP: £40

Listen 'ere!

Megastore Price: £34.99 (€51.01)

 

 

Sunncamp Portable Washing Machine (CG1000)

 

 

A mains powered portable washing machine which is ideal for camping, caravanning, studio flats, holiday homes, etc. Washes and spins up to 1.5kg of clothes (dry weight) using 15 minute washing timer. Can be filled using the inlet hose or directly with jug (drink the cider first). Complete with drain hose. CE approved.

 

RRP: £60

Cored!

Megastore Price: £49.99 (€72.88)

 

Sorry brian forgot about the sheets .

 

these are from the outdoor megagstore.

 

 

If you want to know anything ask the experts!! what Michelle doesnt know she will find out. :-D

[Randonneur]

This one is in Argos but it is the same as the Suncamp one that Michele posted.

 

Portable Washing Machine. 0198558 £59.99

 

Mains powered.

 

Washes up to 1.5kg of clothes (dry weight).

 

 

 

 

[Brian Kirby]

Well, thank you both.  But you see, these are machines: they are powered.  They lack the simplicity of the bucket wash I was enquiring about, where the work is done by the motion of the van (but is it?), though doubtless someone else will find the information valuable.

Thanks again.