If you’ve ever thought about being a little kinder to the environment, you’ve probably considered cutting down on plastic use, conserving water, or riding a bike instead of driving. But here’s one more idea you might not have thought of: how you wash your clothes.
Washing machines are convenient—there’s no doubt about that. Yet, they use significant amounts of water and electricity with every cycle. That’s why some eco-conscious people are turning back to basics: washing their clothes by hand every once in a while. Hand washing allows you to be more mindful about the water you use, and it saves energy because you’re not plugging in a big appliance.
Of course, let’s be honest—hand washing clothes the traditional way isn’t exactly fun. It’s time-consuming, can be hard on your hands, and after a long day of work, scrubbing shirts in a bucket isn’t anyone’s idea of relaxation.
That’s where hand-powered laundry machines come in. These clever little devices mimic the cleaning power of an electric washer, but they use no electricity and much less water. With minimal effort—usually just a simple crank or push mechanism—you can wash your clothes quickly, effectively, and without the guilt of wasting resources. The best part? They’re far more affordable than full-sized electric machines, making them accessible to almost anyone.
Laundry expert Jawad Ahmed, a merchant at The Home Depot, explains that you don’t have to lower your expectations just because the machine is smaller or portable. Speaking to The Spruce, he said:
“Using a portable washing machine doesn’t have to mean compromising. With just a smaller load capacity, a compact washer can penetrate deep into fabrics to eliminate dirt and odors, saving you water and energy with the same outstanding cleaning performance as a regular-sized washer.”
Beyond their eco-friendly benefits, these machines come with another big advantage: portability. They’re compact, lightweight, and easy to store. Living in a small apartment? No problem. Going camping or traveling in an RV? Take it with you. When you’re not using it, you can tuck it away in a closet or under the sink.
For people who want to live more sustainably but don’t want to give up modern conveniences entirely, this can be a perfect middle ground. Imagine lowering your utility bills, reducing your environmental footprint, and still enjoying fresh, clean clothes—all with a machine that doesn’t even need to be plugged in.
Would you give it a try? Maybe it’s not about replacing your big washer completely, but about finding a rhythm—using your hand laundry machine for smaller loads, delicate fabrics, or just when you want to cut down on your energy use. Every small choice adds up, and this could be one of the simplest ways to make a difference for both the planet and your pocket.
