Interesting product. For that amount of money, though, I’d get a pair of 5 gallon buckets (one for wash, one for rinse) and a brown rubber toilet plunger with a few 1-inch holes drilled in it as an agitator and use that instead. Store the laundry detergent, plunger, and related items in the stacked buckets when not in use. Plus, you get a lot of additional uses for the buckets than just laundry. Use a garbage bag as a liner and make a toilet out of one.
DOING BY BUCKET IS CLEANER THAN SQUICK BAG SQUISHING PLUS YOU CAN WRING AND LAY ITEMS ON RIM AND DO BIG HEAVIER THINGS AS WELL AND DUMP WATER SMOOTHER FASTER.. AND THAT W BEING A POTTY SPACE USEAGE , YUP BUT FOR BACKPACKERS YES BUT ID JUST USE A GARBAGE BAG THAT ENDS UP MY TOILET HELPER TOO OR DIRTY LAUNDRY PACKOUT OR WHATEV
I lived in a tent at a lake for six months once and took an old cooler put it in the back of my truck. Filled about a fourth of the way up with water and put my dirty clothes and detergent in and went to work every day.At lunch I wrung out the clothes put them back in the cooler and added clean water. When I got back to the lake I hung them up...Cheap and easy laundry and the motion of the truck on the dirt roads really got them clean...
Bob, and folks out there reading this, I learned this in college while studying textiles, laundering and dry cleaning ... you don't leave clothes in the water after you have scrubbed them. You can leave them in water for a while before you scrub them to allow soap and stain remover to work, but, after you scrub them, get them out and rinse them, because dirt can resettle back into your clothes!
The scrubba is a great option for backpacking, hiking and traveling light in general. I bet it wasn't designed with van life in mind. And it absolutely does hold water in completely...Bob left the air vent open and then turned it upside down. It's almost like he didn't read the instructions, as he didn't deflate it before "scrubbing." It works better than this video shows.
Totally! They work well. I have one. Compact and keeps all my laundry gear in one spot. Some clothes line, pegs and a compact towel to help get rid of excess water.
An old ice chest with a drain valve would work well. Use a plunger, a mild detergent and once finished, open the valve to drain. Repeat with clean water and the plunger again to rinse, then release the valve. Keep plunging the excess water from the clothes to flow out of the valve. Lastly, sit the chest up at an angle to let more water out, then hang to dry. Allow the ice chest to dry, then store your plunger, detergent and fabric softener inside. With the lid closed, It will keep everything dry until the next load.
I use my biggest dry bag and toss in one or two small, textured, rubber items. I've used dog toys, tennis balls, and muscle rollers, but the best one, by far, is using those blue, spikey laundry balls.
As I was going down through the comments that was my exact thought right there. Those blue spiky balls for the dryer and then the bag and let those do the agitating or pummeling for you.
Wash water was brown. Rinse water was clear. Tells me all I need to know. If you shower using the peppermint Dr. B"s, it'll keep you cool and peppermintty all day. Thanks Bob. Happy trails.
I dont know if you want to wash EVERYwhere with peppermint. It might have a bite. (After years of the mint im really tired of that specific bronner fragrance. Also almond. And lavender. ready for a new floral or fruity fragrance. Like Lemon-Tangerine. Vanilla. 😀
A lot of the comments mention buckets. That is a great alternative. But, the Scrubba washer seems like a great idea for volume-restricted living or extended backpacking.
Although the bucket approach mentioned below seems better for doing a lot, the dry bag will fit much better in my small Jeep setup. Thanks for the review - I'm going to try one!
One RV dweller put a small portable washing machine (17" x 17") in the small tub area in the bathroom. I'd give up galley space for one of those small portables - they work great, but they do take electricity and they do cost more for sure. Beats hunting for a laundromat.
@@karinhart489 , Most portable washers are between 260 to 300 watts, so a Jackery 240, which has only a 200 watt inverter would not power it. A Jackery 500 would not have a problem running it for about 2 hours, about 4 loads worth depending on how long your wash and rinse are.
Bob, you need to read the instructions that came with the scrubba. You had to much soap for the small amount of water. You need to expel the air and then use the nubs as a wash board. The little button seals the bag after you expel the air. Expelling the air allows you to use the nubs like a wash board!
His first use tho so we'll cut him a break. He's not the first to make that mistake and probably won't be the last. I've seen other reviewers do similar their first time
Seems like a lot of water. I use a plastic tub (like a wash basin) and do everything by hand. Bronners is the best. Been using it since the 70's. I get pretty dirty in the desert, as do my clothes, so the combo hand and clothes washing seems to really work. This looks good too, and I love the clothesline around the mirror trick!
I don't think you'd HAVE to use that much water for the wash cycle - that's just what the company recommends for a good result. I imagine you could experiment. I'd certainly try to use the minimum I could get away with if I didn't have free access to water (but I'd be unlikely to handwash even the smallest load if that weren't the case - water so v precious when car camping)
So, I’m a stay at home, frugal mom, grew up camping and a Cub Scout leader and Boy Scout committee member and a troop adult as needed….. lol my son also played and was involved in travel baseball. Trust me, I’ve managed to clean white baseball pants with my bar of Fels-Naphtha, in many places, the best… hotel bathtub!
The things you do for us, Bob! Thanks for the product review. You were great! A nice option if I had a couple of things that I absolutely needed to wash in between trips to the laundromat traveling in my truck camper.
Bob, I need to say, I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. My mom passed 31 yrs ago, and my dad last yr @ 94. I'm grateful that he's no longer suffering, but I miss him to the deaths of my soul. My prayers for you and your family are for peace, love, & God's blessings in your lives. LUCRETIA
A huge laundry tip I found is to spray Febreeze fabric spray (not the room deodorant spray) on clothes after each use, let dry, and then you can wear it again. This works on sweat soaked clothes as well in a pinch. Always hang tshirts on a hanger to dry and it goes much faster than a clothes line. Febreeze spray, combined with having ample clothes for weeks wear, lets you easily get by with 8 or even 6 trips to the laundromat per year. Use the 5-gallon bucket wash for socks and underwear since those tend to run out quicker than regular clothes (at least for me.)
Some people including myself have sensitivities to especially man-made chemicals. I wish more people understood and respected this issue. Febreze and dryer sheets are some of those sensitivities. I ask that people please remove their dryer sheets from dryers when they are done using dryers, so that I do not have to touch them and get the odors on my skin. I use unscented products, such as soaps, detergents, deodorants, and no perfumes. Even many products that look natural on their labels, have "fragrance" listed in their ingredients labels.
@Mark Conger No way. Use Lumé which has now come out w/a spray for sensitive skin that has no parabens & more but gets out residual musty odors. The Scrubba is the solution for backpackers mainly & minimalist van dwellers but the plunger method rocks just not w/Febreze. Many ppl are allergic to these kind of products.
Called fabric refresher. I used to use this as well, but only on items that weren't really "dirty", but had been worn for a short amount of time. I agree, don't use it if you're sensitive to chemicals, but if you're not, it's a good temp solution.
@@songlyon7795 - Febreze has an odor fighter. It’s not about the fragrance so much. If my clothes are soiled enough to smell I’m not wearing them again until washed.
Bob, I grew up in India doing laundry by hand under the age of 10 before we got washing machines in late 80s. Soaked clothes in a bucket of water and detergent, then took a hard bristled brush to scrub them on a flat surface, rinsed out then hung them up to dry. Really doing laundry is not difficult.
@@darrisnelson5223 Absolutely! We have been so far removed from the simplicity of completing everyday chores that we come up with all these contraptions to "simplify" them. Lol.
There is a little laundry tub that has a basket with it. You have to fill it from the tap but it has a drain. The crank is on top and you can spin it fast or slow. Works great and no electricity needed. It holds several items. I have even washed jeans. When not using it, you can store things inside of it.
Great lil gadget I agree but takes up more space than a lot of ppl have. But if you do have space (and water to spare) it can also be used to wash your veg
I use the Steinbeck/Rocinante method: a 5-gallon bucket with a Gamma lid, and some heavy duty bungee cords: “I put in two shirts, underwear, and socks, added hot water and detergent, and hung it by its rubber rope to the clothes pole, where it jigged and danced crazily all day.” -John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley This REALLY works, folks! The movement of your vehicle will work the dirt out of anything! Of course, you’ll still need a clear water rinse, but nothing agitates your clothes better than this, save a trip to the laundromat. Happy travels!
@@auntlynnonline6206 nice. do you attach to the floor with bungee too to get the spring down and to the sides too? how much water do you put in it? i imagine the optimum levels would be right about the top of the clothes in the bucket? do give it more splash impacts?
@@manp1039 Yes, I also hook it to the floor to keep it from going too crazy! lol. I usually wash socks and underwear this way, so no, I don’t fill it completely - maybe about 2/3. The Gamma lid keeps everything from splashing and making a mess. (It’s also way easier for me to open than a regular lid for a 5-gallon bucket.) I do go to the laundromat about every two weeks, though. I love the way nice freshly washed & dried clothes smell. ✨😃✨
I recall Bob interviewing a lady from Canada who pulled a fiberglass 19’ Escape trailer. She put her laundry 🧺 in a tub with lid that latched on that she put in the shower/wet bath & dirty clothes would get agitated clean as she drove down the road.
This looks like a solution for people with very little storage space or backpackers. Looks like you could use your dry bag in a pinch in this way. Thanks Bob for sharing as always! 💕
Such a small amount would be easier in a basin, using rubber gloves. Let sit in laundry detergent & borax for 15 mins before scrubbing. Always rinse at least twice. Borax helps soften clothes& clean easier.
Yes I swear by borax too. It's a water softener AND antibacterial/antifungal and more! I use it in conjunction with Dr Bronners and I don't get that build up of residue over time
Whether you use a bucket and plunger or this gadget, it's best to adjust your wardrobe so that you have mainly dry-fit clothes. These dry much faster than cotton. -Thanks for the interesting video!
Since we camp often and don't want to use limited vacation time looking for a laundromat, I was interested in this type of item for doing laundry, too. Instead of the scrubba, I purchased a 20L dry bag (with a clear window) and a small oval rubber wash board (to fit inside).
One of the van tours was a woman who did her laundry on-board by putting it into a bin of water, and she felt that the agitation while travelling got her clothes clean enough. I think putting the clothes and water into one of these , and then put the whole works into a bin (to catch any water that might leak) would ramp up the cleaning of such a system. Great video! Thanks for the demo and discussion! You are a treasure!
I love it! You are truly just a wonderful human being Bob. You continue to educate, give compassionate advice & change people’s lives for the betterment of all.
Thank you for bringing me your mistakes, sometimes I’m out in Slabs for a while and I get a 5 gallon bucket, a (clean only used for this) plunger, baking soda, a few drops of essential oil and a scrub brush for those tough or heavily soiled items.
I can see where this bag would be good for cleaning a few items of clothes at a time, but we will stick with the setup we have, 2 tubs, wringer, scrub board, plunger, quickset clothesline. We wash about once a week, and it is easy-peezy with the wringer. With our setup, we can wash towels, sheets, blankets, pillows, rugs, toys etc. We use the tubs, clothesline etc for other things. Can't abide a laundromat, hated it even before the plague. Have a good day, and Thanks for the video!
My grandmother had a washboard. She would make the soap too; especially during WWII when soap was rationed. They were originally made for scrubbing clothes. People sewed there own clothes then too. I saw a pedal powered washing machine in a museum. I guess it was considered a labor saving device in it's time.
Excellent Mr. Bob I love the knowledge you share to the people. I want to share and I hope you will make a video on it. It's called bokashi 5 gallon system for kitchen trash with an airlock lid traps food scrapes and smells inside the bucket. You can put meat,oil cheese, etc. Lock outs odors and knocks out the flys because you cut off the food source. The green waste fermentation white fungus will regeneration back to soil. This I hope will help be the solution to help us regenerates the waste problem. When complete be used for soil enhancement. Thank you for your gifts you receive from above. I have great respect for you my brother. Thank you Mr. Rodney.
I like your magnet screen Bob, so smart! And thanks for talking about laundry on the road. There was a lady that used a collapsible salad spinner to do her laundry that was pretty cool.
nice video, bob.. on the laundry chore.. it has to be done..thanks again for ur thoughts and insites, evaluations on nomad living. Gypsy J van/trailer.
The bag has a couple of advantages over a bucket: 1) From what I can tell, it requires less water for both wash and rinse; and 2) You don't slop anything around while you are agitating. For me, I get the best results if I let laundry soak for a couple of hours, so the bag would be good to seal up and let sit with minimal water consumption.
I'm a salad spinner guy myself, warm soapy water spin, to wet the clothes, then let them soak, then agitate again, check for stains rub out with a bar of soap if needed, START with white clothes first and save the water for the colored, and darks. Spin the soapy water out before you rinse, a little vinegar helps the rinse, pour the rinse water into another bowl to use later, but if the rinse water gets dirty change it! Hang your clothes while letting the next batch soak. Granted this takes more storage room, but nesting 2 similar shaped bowls with the salad machine saves space, and you conserve the water and the soap, so you don't need to pack or heat as much water.
I had an older relative in Norway who put their clothes in a bathtub, filled it with water and a little soap, and would then go barefoot in the tub and stomp around on the clothes. She then let the water out, filled it back up with clean water, stomped some more and let it sit, let the water back out, and then put the clothes in a bucket, took them outside and hung them up sopping wet. It didn't take much time to dry (either the sun or wind took care of it) and the clothes were clean. This is how she did laundry her whole life. The bucket and plunger combo sounds like a miniature version of that same thing and is likely what I would use if living the nomad life and staying relatively stationary at times.
Going back 50 years to when my children were small, we used a bucket method to wash clothes when traveling. Fill it with water, and a little soap add cloths and put the lid on. We kept it in the trunk, and just a little plunging when we found a place to camp, I just had to wring them out, rinse in clean water, and hang to dry. This was long before any of the items they have now were available. From button lamps to homemade ovens we were happy campers.
We use 2 of those plastic jugs you have to take outdoor showers. Drilled holes in one cap. Can heat water to perfect temp in the sun, or add hot boiled water to cold and mix. Outdoor showers feel so great!
To save money, a regular dry bag and the “nubbed” rubber balls you get for drying down clothing when you shake the bag. That way you have the nubbed balls when you hit the laundry mat. Dual purpose items always.
Laundry is easy. Helped my grandma on washday in the hills of Arkansas when I was about 14 in the '60's. Filled a big iron cauldron maybe 5+ gallons from rainwater barrels back of the old house. Used a couple of wash tubs one prewash with a rub board and the other a rinse tub, both filled with the rainwater. Built a good fire under the caldron and got the water near to boiling and used a old broom handle to sturr the clothes into the hot cauldron once pre washed and rubbed. Then rinsed in the rinse tub and hung on the close line and fence wire and thrown over some low brush. Worked wonderfully, but it was WORK. Was called wash day cause it took nearly all day... always done under the shade of trees. Great and useful memories.
Bucket yes. If you have space. 66 Bronco I lived in back in the '80's didn't, and unfortunately I had never seen a collapsable. Rubbermaid dishpan is pretty sloppy for laundry. If I was there again, I would definitely prefer the bag to the options.
Use an ice chest or bucket with secure lid place water soap and clothes in secure lid and drive around a bit doing errands at some point change to rinse water continue errands or time to go back to camp … wring and hang clothes to dry If not wanting to drive around just agitate container to clean clothes …
I wish I knew about this a month ago on our week and a half road trip. I would have had fewer clothes and a lighter, smaller duffel bag to haul around. This bag also folds into a teeny-weeny space. Excellent. Thank you.
Similar, but cheaper option would be a regular, sealable bag and adding those nubby, Downy, dryer balls (with/without vinegar or softener; or just empty) They agitate throughout the bag, not just when the clothes tub one side of the bag.
We use a large bucket 🪣 and a toilet plunger 🪠 for both laundry and personal hygiene. We’ve been utilizing this method (on and off) for circa 40 years and the plunger and the bucket cost about $25 together. We hang our freshly washed clothing on a sturdy clothes horse to dry. During the summer we dry it outside, and in wintertime we dry it overnight inside our RV. We happily use laundromats for washing bedding and pillows etc at the changing of the seasons. I don’t believe I’d trust a bag of water inside our RV and I certainly wouldn’t pay $55 for one!😱 Love and All Good Things, Jesse.🌹
I drove road trains all over Australia and there's 3 elements to that sort of work - you're always tired, hungry *and* dirty! So, I used to carry a 5 gallon bucket with a sealable lid with me everywhere I went. I'd put my dirty clothes in the bucket, throw in some cold water laundry detergent, seal the lid and drive off. The motion of a moving vehicle will wash your clothes for you. After about an hour, I'd stop, wring the wet clothes out, throw them back in the bucket in the bucket with some fresh water and drive off for the rinse cycle! Extra tip: If you're going to dry your clothes on a line, hang them up inside out. They won't fade quite so fast.
Hello again, I found the laundry bag, right now I live with someone but I am trying to learn to do things as if I am going to be in my own van. This is really neat!!!I can't wait to get my laundry bag, probably next month. I am sure it's going to work out.
It is cost effective. If laundry is your only run to a nearby town/city for this task . . . this Do-It-Yourself method is worth it. You save gas expense for driving as well as for the time to a laundry facility; which within the same amount of time you'll have this task done where you are recreationally parked. Besides, nothing is better than having the sun airdry & deodorize your laundry. A win-win!
I just got a scrubba and tried it out and am excited to do it on the road. Once a week I think will fit for me & my small minimalistic lifestyle I want! Thanks Bob!
I began watching your videos today. I'm terrible with names but knew your face. I'm on the 2nd video when it came to me, the movie "Nomad"!! Clearly I'm just beginning my research on the lifestyle that I so badly desire. Thank you for the content, it'll be very helpful. Sending love 💚!
P..S.s.. Bob. if I may add to your today's subject of " Laundry" and mention this to your viewers / fellow nomads.. There is a fabric softener called "Savitel* it's got a freshness guarantee of 30 days that I put on my wash with a squirts bottle. It can be found at the local . 99/dollar tree store etc as well as wally world.. It's so fabolous. It can also be used as a awesome fabric freshener instead of costly "febreeze"...there are other uses as well... it's great. Thanks for allowing me to share this information with your viewer's... ☮️
This would work really well for space saving, in addition to a portable toilet I saw on a different channel. If you're broke though, the two bucket method might work out well, as well as being able to be used for an emergency toilet. I have a Wonder Wash for use during a hurricane at home, but if I were traveling I might bring buckets instead since I don't have the budget for a chemical toilet. Plus I only have about a week's worth of clothes.
I also have used the bucket with a plunger, but now that I have a van camper I can't afford the space for a bucket. I have my own dry bags from kayaking that I use for laundry. I used a LARGE salad spinner to ring out the clothes before hanging up on a compact clothes hanger. Can leave it in the bag while you drive down the road.
This has been on my mind. I can't go to a laundromat because of all the fragrances - the chemicals in them make me sick. Little stuff, no problem, but sheets and towels - that's my worry. Thank you.
Was just reading another guy's post and he says he does his sheets in it. And if you have small towels (which a lot of vanlifers and car campers seem to prefer) it'd cope with them too
As usual Bob, outstanding video. But I'm with the over all consensus of the comments section, a 5 gallon bucket (with plunger, if you have space for it) is better, when you are a nomad or not. Plus if you are a nomad, you already have a 5 gallon bucket. You can't beat free (Versus paying at a laundromat, for small items you can wash yourself). As always, be smart and stay safe.
In the British military we used exactly the same technique, calling it a "dobie wash". We used to use normal large-sized dry-bags, and would after scrubbing would leave the bag to bake in the sun for an hour or so. After washing, we would save the water for flushing our toilets.
I think this is a neat product. However, I'm another fan of the Steinbeck/Rocinante method, like Aunt Lynn (who describes it below). Also, a mini scrub board and bucket worked well for my grandma and it's worked well for me!
Colapsable small tub with drain plug $16, portable small wash board $7 at Amazon. Tub can be used for dishes or other things and is collapsable. Wash board is 6” by 12” tiny but mighty, I use it all the time in a trailer I have in Baja, I’m exclusively on solar and this is easy.
I love my scrubba! I use it for 'emergencies' especially for my son. His clothes have been too small and he gets too dirty to hold out on washing. I also like the 'wringer' of rolling the bag up and letting wrung water drain.
I'm not on the road yet, but I have a bunch of hand wash stuff that I can't take to the laundry mat and my five gal bucket washes all my stuff just fine. But I can see how this would be awesome for backpackers or people in really tight spaces
A 5 Gallon Bucket with a lid, make a hole in the top for a plunger handle and push the plunger up and down. Easy solution
Multi purpose uses
That's method I use too...
Take the seat off a luggable loo as well.
Ahhh...another purpose to have and use a 5 gallon bucket...thanks!
That's how I do all my laundry except blankets (they don't fit).
Interesting product. For that amount of money, though, I’d get a pair of 5 gallon buckets (one for wash, one for rinse) and a brown rubber toilet plunger with a few 1-inch holes drilled in it as an agitator and use that instead. Store the laundry detergent, plunger, and related items in the stacked buckets when not in use. Plus, you get a lot of additional uses for the buckets than just laundry. Use a garbage bag as a liner and make a toilet out of one.
DOING BY BUCKET IS CLEANER THAN SQUICK BAG SQUISHING PLUS YOU CAN WRING AND LAY ITEMS ON RIM AND DO BIG HEAVIER THINGS AS WELL AND DUMP WATER SMOOTHER FASTER.. AND THAT W BEING A POTTY SPACE USEAGE , YUP BUT FOR BACKPACKERS YES BUT ID JUST USE A GARBAGE BAG THAT ENDS UP MY TOILET HELPER TOO OR DIRTY LAUNDRY PACKOUT OR WHATEV
@@youtoo2072 WHY are you shouting?
@@billshelton9147 Just turn your hearing aide down while reading.
@@youtoo2072 - my eyes hurt! Turn down the brightness.
And, what you described is way better and cheaper than $55. Be smart and stay safe.
A cool hack is to roll your clean, wet clothes in a towel before hanging to dry. They dry way faster🙂
I also twist the towel to get the most amount of water out.
This is true. I had to do that a few times.
@@songlyon7795 I'd rather have clean towels 😂
@@songlyon7795 fair but my feral feet are not much better
10:30 You’re a pioneer, Bob. And thoroughly human. We love ya for it.
I lived in a tent at a lake for six months once and took an old cooler put it in the back of my truck. Filled about a fourth of the way up with water and put my dirty clothes and detergent in and went to work every day.At lunch I wrung out the clothes put them back in the cooler and added clean water. When I got back to the lake I hung them up...Cheap and easy laundry and the motion of the truck on the dirt roads really got them clean...
Bob, and folks out there reading this, I learned this in college while studying textiles, laundering and dry cleaning ... you don't leave clothes in the water after you have scrubbed them. You can leave them in water for a while before you scrub them to allow soap and stain remover to work, but, after you scrub them, get them out and rinse them, because dirt can resettle back into your clothes!
if youre hiking, cycling etc.. its good to wash frequently and not let your sweaty clothes just sit around for a month
Rinse sweat out in a stream ,lake or waterfall
Easy peasy
Can brush teeth with Dr.Bonners too ! Peppermint is good.
Good point!
Agree 👍👍
Turn inside out and spray with vodka until you can wash em
The scrubba is a great option for backpacking, hiking and traveling light in general. I bet it wasn't designed with van life in mind. And it absolutely does hold water in completely...Bob left the air vent open and then turned it upside down. It's almost like he didn't read the instructions, as he didn't deflate it before "scrubbing." It works better than this video shows.
Yeah I watched a couple who say they've used it for years, leave it on the backseat soaking a load while driving and no leaks
Totally! They work well. I have one. Compact and keeps all my laundry gear in one spot. Some clothes line, pegs and a compact towel to help get rid of excess water.
An old ice chest with a drain valve would work well. Use a plunger, a mild detergent and once finished, open the valve to drain. Repeat with clean water and the plunger again to rinse, then release the valve. Keep plunging the excess water from the clothes to flow out of the valve. Lastly, sit the chest up at an angle to let more water out, then hang to dry. Allow the ice chest to dry, then store your plunger, detergent and fabric softener inside. With the lid closed, It will keep everything dry until the next load.
I use my biggest dry bag and toss in one or two small, textured, rubber items. I've used dog toys, tennis balls, and muscle rollers, but the best one, by far, is using those blue, spikey laundry balls.
As I was going down through the comments that was my exact thought right there. Those blue spiky balls for the dryer and then the bag and let those do the agitating or pummeling for you.
I love seeing you testing things out for us Bob.
You've given me some great ideas!
Thank you so much😀
Yes I own this bag it’s I use it as a shower also
Wash water was brown. Rinse water was clear. Tells me all I need to know.
If you shower using the peppermint Dr. B"s, it'll keep you cool and peppermintty all day.
Thanks Bob. Happy trails.
I dont know if you want to wash EVERYwhere with peppermint. It might have a bite. (After years of the mint im really tired of that specific bronner fragrance. Also almond. And lavender. ready for a new floral or fruity fragrance. Like Lemon-Tangerine. Vanilla. 😀
@@BlueSky-ff4oy I made that mistake once! LOL! Thanks for those suggestions. Lemon tangerine sounds fabulous.
@@BlueSky-ff4oy Does anyone know what scent Bob was using in this video??
@@kathygarner8897 I think maybe the tea tree oil because the label is dark orange. Citrus is a lighter orange....
@@DazzlingDanaOfficial Thanks- I've never seen that "flavor" before- or the citrus. I'm gonna try both. I usually use Lavender or Peppermint.
I have a little 2 gallon tub I got at the Dollar store that I use for bathing,washing dishes, etc.. After my bath I toss my clothes in and wash them.
A lot of the comments mention buckets. That is a great alternative. But, the Scrubba washer seems like a great idea for volume-restricted living or extended backpacking.
Although the bucket approach mentioned below seems better for doing a lot, the dry bag will fit much better in my small Jeep setup. Thanks for the review - I'm going to try one!
Check out the friendly swede collapsible bucket
I got a green $10 dry bag & $1 flexible cutting board with the same nubs on one side (4 anti-slide) worked the same as this $55 one.
✌️
I got a green $10 dry bag & $1 flexible cutting board with the same nubs on one side (4 anti-slide) worked the same as this $55 one.
✌️
One RV dweller put a small portable washing machine (17" x 17") in the small tub area in the bathroom. I'd give up galley space for one of those small portables - they work great, but they do take electricity and they do cost more for sure. Beats hunting for a laundromat.
There is a peddle pump one also
Wonder if they are low enough voltage to run off a Jackery 240 type power station?
@@karinhart489 That is an important question. I've only seen it run from an external source hook-up. I really appreciate it though.
@@karinhart489 , Most portable washers are between 260 to 300 watts, so a Jackery 240, which has only a 200 watt inverter would not power it. A Jackery 500 would not have a problem running it for about 2 hours, about 4 loads worth depending on how long your wash and rinse are.
That's a LOT of water you're planning to haul
Bob, you need to read the instructions that came with the scrubba. You had to much soap for the small amount of water. You need to expel the air and then use the nubs as a wash board. The little button seals the bag after you expel the air. Expelling the air allows you to use the nubs like a wash board!
His first use tho so we'll cut him a break. He's not the first to make that mistake and probably won't be the last. I've seen other reviewers do similar their first time
Thanks Bob you really simplify everything you do, not like other Vanlife channels with fancy editing.
Seems like a lot of water. I use a plastic tub (like a wash basin) and do everything by hand. Bronners is the best. Been using it since the 70's. I get pretty dirty in the desert, as do my clothes, so the combo hand and clothes washing seems to really work. This looks good too, and I love the clothesline around the mirror trick!
I was thinking about the water usage too. Two gallons every few days Yikes!
I don't think you'd HAVE to use that much water for the wash cycle - that's just what the company recommends for a good result. I imagine you could experiment. I'd certainly try to use the minimum I could get away with if I didn't have free access to water (but I'd be unlikely to handwash even the smallest load if that weren't the case - water so v precious when car camping)
Thanks, Bob, looks great.
This is a great idea. Super lightweight, excellent space saver for travel!
So, I’m a stay at home, frugal mom, grew up camping and a Cub Scout leader and Boy Scout committee member and a troop adult as needed….. lol my son also played and was involved in travel baseball. Trust me, I’ve managed to clean white baseball pants with my bar of Fels-Naphtha, in many places, the best… hotel bathtub!
The things you do for us, Bob! Thanks for the product review. You were great! A nice option if I had a couple of things that I absolutely needed to wash in between trips to the laundromat traveling in my truck camper.
Bob, I need to say, I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. My mom passed 31 yrs ago, and my dad last yr @ 94. I'm grateful that he's no longer suffering, but I miss him to the deaths of my soul. My prayers for you and your family are for peace, love, & God's blessings in your lives. LUCRETIA
I'm sorry 😔.
I love these types of vids they make you think
A huge laundry tip I found is to spray Febreeze fabric spray (not the room deodorant spray) on clothes after each use, let dry, and then you can wear it again. This works on sweat soaked clothes as well in a pinch. Always hang tshirts on a hanger to dry and it goes much faster than a clothes line.
Febreeze spray, combined with having ample clothes for weeks wear, lets you easily get by with 8 or even 6 trips to the laundromat per year. Use the 5-gallon bucket wash for socks and underwear since those tend to run out quicker than regular clothes (at least for me.)
Some people including myself have sensitivities to especially man-made chemicals. I wish more people understood and respected this issue. Febreze and dryer sheets are some of those sensitivities. I ask that people please remove their dryer sheets from dryers when they are done using dryers, so that I do not have to touch them and get the odors on my skin. I use unscented products, such as soaps, detergents, deodorants, and no perfumes. Even many products that look natural on their labels, have "fragrance" listed in their ingredients labels.
@Mark Conger No way. Use Lumé which has now come out w/a spray for sensitive skin that has no parabens & more but gets out residual musty odors.
The Scrubba is the solution for backpackers mainly & minimalist van dwellers but the plunger method rocks just not w/Febreze. Many ppl are allergic to these kind of products.
@@marirose19 - if you’re allergic obviously don’t use it.
Called fabric refresher. I used to use this as well, but only on items that weren't really "dirty", but had been worn for a short amount of time. I agree, don't use it if you're sensitive to chemicals, but if you're not, it's a good temp solution.
@@songlyon7795 - Febreze has an odor fighter. It’s not about the fragrance so much. If my clothes are soiled enough to smell I’m not wearing them again until washed.
Bob, I grew up in India doing laundry by hand under the age of 10 before we got washing machines in late 80s. Soaked clothes in a bucket of water and detergent, then took a hard bristled brush to scrub them on a flat surface, rinsed out then hung them up to dry. Really doing laundry is not difficult.
We are so spoiled… Living on the road can simplify life if we choose that perspective.
@@darrisnelson5223 Absolutely! We have been so far removed from the simplicity of completing everyday chores that we come up with all these contraptions to "simplify" them. Lol.
There is a little laundry tub that has a basket with it. You have to fill it from the tap but it has a drain. The crank is on top and you can spin it fast or slow. Works great and no electricity needed. It holds several items. I have even washed jeans. When not using it, you can store things inside of it.
Great lil gadget I agree but takes up more space than a lot of ppl have.
But if you do have space (and water to spare) it can also be used to wash your veg
Bob, your skills are gold!!
I use the Steinbeck/Rocinante method: a 5-gallon bucket with a Gamma lid, and some heavy duty bungee cords:
“I put in two shirts, underwear, and socks, added hot water and detergent, and hung it by its rubber rope to the clothes pole, where it jigged and danced crazily all day.” -John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley
This REALLY works, folks! The movement of your vehicle will work the dirt out of anything! Of course, you’ll still need a clear water rinse, but nothing agitates your clothes better than this, save a trip to the laundromat. Happy travels!
what are the bungee cords for?
@@manp1039 I suspend the bucket about 3” off the floor. It shakes the clothes clean! ✨👍🏻✨
@@auntlynnonline6206 nice. do you attach to the floor with bungee too to get the spring down and to the sides too? how much water do you put in it? i imagine the optimum levels would be right about the top of the clothes in the bucket? do give it more splash impacts?
@@manp1039 Yes, I also hook it to the floor to keep it from going too crazy! lol. I usually wash socks and underwear this way, so no, I don’t fill it completely - maybe about 2/3. The Gamma lid keeps everything from splashing and making a mess. (It’s also way easier for me to open than a regular lid for a 5-gallon bucket.) I do go to the laundromat about every two weeks, though. I love the way nice freshly washed & dried clothes smell. ✨😃✨
I recall Bob interviewing a lady from Canada who pulled a fiberglass 19’ Escape trailer. She put her laundry 🧺 in a tub with lid that latched on that she put in the shower/wet bath & dirty clothes would get agitated clean as she drove down the road.
This looks like a solution for people with very little storage space or backpackers. Looks like you could use your dry bag in a pinch in this way. Thanks Bob for sharing as always! 💕
Such a small amount would be easier in a basin, using rubber gloves. Let sit in laundry detergent & borax for 15 mins before scrubbing. Always rinse at least twice. Borax helps soften clothes& clean easier.
Yes I swear by borax too. It's a water softener AND antibacterial/antifungal and more!
I use it in conjunction with Dr Bronners and I don't get that build up of residue over time
Whether you use a bucket and plunger or this gadget, it's best to adjust your wardrobe so that you have mainly dry-fit clothes. These dry much faster than cotton. -Thanks for the interesting video!
Since we camp often and don't want to use limited vacation time looking for a laundromat, I was interested in this type of item for doing laundry, too. Instead of the scrubba, I purchased a 20L dry bag (with a clear window) and a small oval rubber wash board (to fit inside).
Another great down to earth and honest presentation, something as a consumer I appreciate.
One of the van tours was a woman who did her laundry on-board by putting it into a bin of water, and she felt that the agitation while travelling got her clothes clean enough. I think putting the clothes and water into one of these , and then put the whole works into a bin (to catch any water that might leak) would ramp up the cleaning of such a system.
Great video! Thanks for the demo and discussion! You are a treasure!
I have a smaller one,they are nice.could save soapy water for the next bag of clothes while rinsing
For that small amount of laundry it seems easier to wash these things by hand in a sink or a bucket.
I love it! You are truly just a wonderful human being Bob. You continue to educate, give compassionate advice & change people’s lives for the betterment of all.
Thank you for bringing me your mistakes, sometimes I’m out in Slabs for a while and I get a 5 gallon bucket, a (clean only used for this) plunger, baking soda, a few drops of essential oil and a scrub brush for those tough or heavily soiled items.
I can see where this bag would be good for cleaning a few items of clothes at a time, but we will stick with the setup we have, 2 tubs, wringer, scrub board, plunger, quickset clothesline. We wash about once a week, and it is easy-peezy with the wringer. With our setup, we can wash towels, sheets, blankets, pillows, rugs, toys etc. We use the tubs, clothesline etc for other things.
Can't abide a laundromat, hated it even before the plague.
Have a good day, and Thanks for the video!
My grandmother had a washboard. She would make the soap too; especially during WWII when soap was rationed.
They were originally made for scrubbing clothes.
People sewed there own clothes then too.
I saw a pedal powered washing machine in a museum. I guess it was considered a labor saving device in it's time.
Namaste getting there thnx for the videos they really help and inspire me to move my butt forward ty
Excellent Mr. Bob I love the knowledge you share to the people. I want to share and I hope you will make a video on it. It's called bokashi 5 gallon system for kitchen trash with an airlock lid traps food scrapes and smells inside the bucket. You can put meat,oil cheese, etc. Lock outs odors and knocks out the flys because you cut off the food source. The green waste fermentation white fungus will regeneration back to soil. This I hope will help be the solution to help us regenerates the waste problem. When complete be used for soil enhancement. Thank you for your gifts you receive from above. I have great respect for you my brother. Thank you Mr. Rodney.
I like your magnet screen Bob, so smart! And thanks for talking about laundry on the road. There was a lady that used a collapsible salad spinner to do her laundry that was pretty cool.
nice video, bob.. on the laundry chore.. it has to be done..thanks again for ur thoughts and insites, evaluations on nomad living.
Gypsy J van/trailer.
The bag has a couple of advantages over a bucket: 1) From what I can tell, it requires less water for both wash and rinse; and 2) You don't slop anything around while you are agitating. For me, I get the best results if I let laundry soak for a couple of hours, so the bag would be good to seal up and let sit with minimal water consumption.
Saw a couple who leave it on the backseat while driving and let the motion of the car do most of the agitation work
Awful lot of space saving with the bag than buckets and a plunger
Use a spin mob bucket to wash and spin dry the clothes. Fast, does more wash at once. Spins two or three at a time. Come out nearly dry.
Bob you are awesome!
Thank you for all you do ❤️
And i love your “Skill” 😉
You are so kind and helpful Bob. Thank you
I'm a salad spinner guy myself, warm soapy water spin, to wet the clothes, then let them soak, then agitate again, check for stains rub out with a bar of soap if needed, START with white clothes first and save the water for the colored, and darks. Spin the soapy water out before you rinse, a little vinegar helps the rinse, pour the rinse water into another bowl to use later, but if the rinse water gets dirty change it! Hang your clothes while letting the next batch soak. Granted this takes more storage room, but nesting 2 similar shaped bowls with the salad machine saves space, and you conserve the water and the soap, so you don't need to pack or heat as much water.
Great ideas! Especially with the drought in the western US.
I could see using this bag for most items if one didn't have a bucket or tub. I would still end up at the laundry matt for bedding and Demin items.
Yes I see this as an interim method only - keeping me in clean undies
I had an older relative in Norway who put their clothes in a bathtub, filled it with water and a little soap, and would then go barefoot in the tub and stomp around on the clothes. She then let the water out, filled it back up with clean water, stomped some more and let it sit, let the water back out, and then put the clothes in a bucket, took them outside and hung them up sopping wet. It didn't take much time to dry (either the sun or wind took care of it) and the clothes were clean. This is how she did laundry her whole life. The bucket and plunger combo sounds like a miniature version of that same thing and is likely what I would use if living the nomad life and staying relatively stationary at times.
Going back 50 years to when my children were small, we used a bucket
method to wash clothes when traveling. Fill it with water, and a little soap add cloths and put the lid on. We kept it in the trunk, and just a little plunging when we found a place to camp, I just had to wring them out, rinse in clean water, and hang to dry. This was long before any of the items they have now were available. From button lamps to homemade ovens we were happy campers.
You can also use sturdy totes and storage bins in place of five-gallon buckets. They nest well, store well, and are multipurpose.
Nice to have on hand to use if you just don't feel like breaking camp and going to the laundromat, especially if you have a really sweet camping spot.
We use 2 of those plastic jugs you have to take outdoor showers. Drilled holes in one cap. Can heat water to perfect temp in the sun, or add hot boiled water to cold and mix. Outdoor showers feel so great!
@Lori D Like that Idea
I love going to the laundromat especially if I've been away from ppl for a while. It gives me the opportunity to people watch and converse with ppl.
To save money, a regular dry bag and the “nubbed” rubber balls you get for drying down clothing when you shake the bag. That way you have the nubbed balls when you hit the laundry mat. Dual purpose items always.
Laundry is easy. Helped my grandma on washday in the hills of Arkansas when I was about 14 in the '60's. Filled a big iron cauldron maybe 5+ gallons from rainwater barrels back of the old house. Used a couple of wash tubs one prewash with a rub board and the other a rinse tub, both filled with the rainwater. Built a good fire under the caldron and got the water near to boiling and used a old broom handle to sturr the clothes into the hot cauldron once pre washed and rubbed. Then rinsed in the rinse tub and hung on the close line and fence wire and thrown over some low brush. Worked wonderfully, but it was WORK. Was called wash day cause it took nearly all day... always done under the shade of trees. Great and useful memories.
Really neat memory.
I'm all about better ideas but this is a fail to me. Nothing beats a 5 gallon bucket and your hands doing the swishing.
i agree. i have used a bucket & my hands for months while traveling. works great
Easier & less expensive for sure.
Bucket yes. If you have space. 66 Bronco I lived in back in the '80's didn't, and unfortunately I had never seen a collapsable. Rubbermaid dishpan is pretty sloppy for laundry. If I was there again, I would definitely prefer the bag to the options.
Yep..i found a couple of Igloo 5 gal coolers ( with tops) in the dumpster years ago and i still ise them!!!!... 🐦
Cruised on our sail boat for 2 years.......sure would have liked to have this wash bag then! Looks great.
great info and demonstration
Use an ice chest or bucket with secure lid place water soap and clothes in secure lid and drive around a bit doing errands at some point change to rinse water continue errands or time to go back to camp … wring and hang clothes to dry
If not wanting to drive around just agitate container to clean clothes …
Very cool and convenient! I’m gonna have to get myself one , thanks Bob .
I wish I knew about this a month ago on our week and a half road trip. I would have had fewer clothes and a lighter, smaller duffel bag to haul around. This bag also folds into a teeny-weeny space. Excellent. Thank you.
Love dr bronners. Been using for 44 yrs.! Wash dishes, wash clothes, body wash & shampooing 👍 thank you for sharing this video ☺️🌈☮️🙏
Similar, but cheaper option would be a regular, sealable bag and adding those nubby, Downy, dryer balls (with/without vinegar or softener; or just empty) They agitate throughout the bag, not just when the clothes tub one side of the bag.
We use a large bucket 🪣 and a toilet plunger 🪠 for both laundry and personal hygiene. We’ve been utilizing this method (on and off) for circa 40 years and the plunger and the bucket cost about $25 together.
We hang our freshly washed clothing on a sturdy clothes horse to dry. During the summer we dry it outside, and in wintertime we dry it overnight inside our RV.
We happily use laundromats for washing bedding and pillows etc at the changing of the seasons.
I don’t believe I’d trust a bag of water inside our RV and I certainly wouldn’t pay $55 for one!😱
Love and All Good Things,
Jesse.🌹
I drove road trains all over Australia and there's 3 elements to that sort of work - you're always tired, hungry *and* dirty! So, I used to carry a 5 gallon bucket with a sealable lid with me everywhere I went. I'd put my dirty clothes in the bucket, throw in some cold water laundry detergent, seal the lid and drive off. The motion of a moving vehicle will wash your clothes for you. After about an hour, I'd stop, wring the wet clothes out, throw them back in the bucket in the bucket with some fresh water and drive off for the rinse cycle! Extra tip: If you're going to dry your clothes on a line, hang them up inside out. They won't fade quite so fast.
Hello again, I found the laundry bag, right now I live with someone but I am trying to learn to do things as if I am going to be in my own van. This is really neat!!!I can't wait to get my laundry bag, probably next month. I am sure it's going to work out.
Today, I received my scuba bag, can't wait to try it out.
Thank you for sharing! Be safe and well! Have a wonderful day! See you next time!😃❤👍
1st. I agree with you about doing once a month...Getttter Done
Interesting. Thanks, Bob.
It is cost effective. If laundry is your only run to a nearby town/city for this task . . . this Do-It-Yourself method is worth it. You save gas expense for driving as well as for the time to a laundry facility; which within the same amount of time you'll have this task done where you are recreationally parked. Besides, nothing is better than having the sun airdry & deodorize your laundry. A win-win!
truth
I just got a scrubba and tried it out and am excited to do it on the road. Once a week I think will fit for me & my small minimalistic lifestyle I want! Thanks Bob!
Love the clothesline ! 😊
I think a collapsible bucket would work better cheaper still easy to store. What if you put a hole in bag?
Duct tape!
I began watching your videos today. I'm terrible with names but knew your face. I'm on the 2nd video when it came to me, the movie "Nomad"!! Clearly I'm just beginning my research on the lifestyle that I so badly desire. Thank you for the content, it'll be very helpful. Sending love 💚!
P..S.s.. Bob. if I may add to your today's subject of " Laundry" and mention this to your viewers / fellow nomads.. There is a fabric softener called "Savitel* it's got a freshness guarantee of 30 days that I put on my wash with a squirts bottle. It can be found at the local . 99/dollar tree store etc as well as wally world.. It's so fabolous. It can also be used as a awesome fabric freshener instead of costly "febreeze"...there are other uses as well... it's great. Thanks for allowing me to share this information with your viewer's... ☮️
A flat scrub board stores easily. Can be used in the river w Dr Bonner. Or a collapsible bucket. It worked for granny and it is simple to store.
This would work really well for space saving, in addition to a portable toilet I saw on a different channel. If you're broke though, the two bucket method might work out well, as well as being able to be used for an emergency toilet. I have a Wonder Wash for use during a hurricane at home, but if I were traveling I might bring buckets instead since I don't have the budget for a chemical toilet.
Plus I only have about a week's worth of clothes.
Looks great idea
I don't use a towel while travelling just use a washer/ flannel and squeeze out water
This will be great for when I go back to SE Asia. Thanks, Bob!
I also have used the bucket with a plunger, but now that I have a van camper I can't afford the space for a bucket. I have my own dry bags from kayaking that I use for laundry. I used a LARGE salad spinner to ring out the clothes before hanging up on a compact clothes hanger. Can leave it in the bag while you drive down the road.
This has been on my mind. I can't go to a laundromat because of all the fragrances - the chemicals in them make me sick. Little stuff, no problem, but sheets and towels - that's my worry. Thank you.
Was just reading another guy's post and he says he does his sheets in it.
And if you have small towels (which a lot of vanlifers and car campers seem to prefer) it'd cope with them too
As usual Bob, outstanding video. But I'm with the over all consensus of the comments section, a 5 gallon bucket (with plunger, if you have space for it) is better, when you are a nomad or not. Plus if you are a nomad, you already have a 5 gallon bucket. You can't beat free (Versus paying at a laundromat, for small items you can wash yourself). As always, be smart and stay safe.
In the British military we used exactly the same technique, calling it a "dobie wash". We used to use normal large-sized dry-bags, and would after scrubbing would leave the bag to bake in the sun for an hour or so. After washing, we would save the water for flushing our toilets.
Thank you for this video. Great information.
It's coming from Amazon, I know it will work for me, Thanks again!!!!
I am excited to tell you that I am going to have my new laundry bag, I should say my portable laundry bag, and I can't wait to try it out!!
put yer clothes in a bucket and stomp them around in the suds for 5 min. then rinse em.
I've done that in a bath tub with our pillows
Seems like a lot of water for so few clothes, just my thoughts. Love you Bob!!
Nifty wash bag, thanks for reviewing it Bob. Can you invent a roof top drying rack too? Seems to me travelling wind would dry things even quicker 😂 👍
I think this is a neat product. However, I'm another fan of the Steinbeck/Rocinante method, like Aunt Lynn (who describes it below). Also, a mini scrub board and bucket worked well for my grandma and it's worked well for me!
Colapsable small tub with drain plug $16, portable small wash board $7 at Amazon. Tub can be used for dishes or other things and is collapsable. Wash board is 6” by 12” tiny but mighty, I use it all the time in a trailer I have in Baja, I’m exclusively on solar and this is easy.
I love my scrubba! I use it for 'emergencies' especially for my son. His clothes have been too small and he gets too dirty to hold out on washing. I also like the 'wringer' of rolling the bag up and letting wrung water drain.
I'm not on the road yet, but I have a bunch of hand wash stuff that I can't take to the laundry mat and my five gal bucket washes all my stuff just fine. But I can see how this would be awesome for backpackers or people in really tight spaces