Q: What is the best detergent for off-grid laundry?

Look for biodegradable, plant-based detergents like Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds or biodegradable laundry sheets. Avoid harsh chemicals if you plan to reuse your graywater for irrigation.

Q: Can I use a portable electric washer on solar power?

Most compact electric washers pull between 200 and 500 watts . Ensure your solar array and battery bank (typically at least 200Ah of Lithium) can handle the discharge and that your inverter is sized correctly.

Q: How do I get the "musty" smell out of hand-washed clothes?

If clothes smell after drying, it’s usually due to biofilm or slow drying times. Add a half-cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle. It’s a natural disinfectant and fabric softener that is safe for graywater systems. Related : Learn how your water filters might be deceiving you and leaving behind biofilm and bacteria.

Question 1

What is the best detergent for off-grid laundry?

Accepted Answer

Look for biodegradable, plant-based detergents like Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds or biodegradable laundry sheets. Avoid harsh chemicals if you plan to reuse your graywater for irrigation.

Question 2

How do I prevent mold when drying clothes inside an RV?

Accepted Answer

Ensure adequate ventilation. Open a roof vent and run a small fan. If humidity is high, consider a small dehumidifier or wait for a sunny day to wash large items.

Question 3

Can I use a portable electric washer on solar power?

Accepted Answer

Most compact electric washers pull between 200 and 500 watts. Ensure your solar array and battery bank (typically at least 200Ah of Lithium) can handle the discharge and that your inverter is sized correctly.

Question 4

How do I get the "musty" smell out of hand-washed clothes?

Accepted Answer

If clothes smell after drying, it’s usually due to biofilm or slow drying times. Add a half-cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle. It’s a natural disinfectant and fabric softener that is safe for graywater systems.

Related: Learn how your water filters might be deceiving you and leaving behind biofilm and bacteria.

Question 5

Where can I legally dump my laundry graywater?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary by location. Generally, you should never dump directly into a water source. Use a "blue boy" portable tank to transport it to a dump station, or scatter it (broadcast) 200 feet away from camp and water if local regulations permit.

Question 6

Is a "Scrubba" wash bag or a 5-gallon bucket better?

Accepted Answer

The Scrubba bag is great for minimalist hikers, but for RVers, a 5-gallon bucket and a "breathing" plunger (mobile washer) are much more effective for heavy items like towels and jeans.

Question 7

How do I dry clothes in freezing temperatures?

Accepted Answer

If you are wintering off-grid, hang a temporary line near your diesel heater vent or wood stove. Ensure you crack a vent to allow the evaporating moisture to escape, or you'll end up with the moldy hat situation mentioned above.

Off grid living

How to wash clothes, towels, and blankets while living off-grid — The RV life

Water challenges off-grid camping — The RV life

The dirty reality of off-grid living: Managing dust, dogs, and water scarcity

Living off grid in an RV: The cold reality of winter storms

How to deal with bears living off-grid/RV living

How to coexist with coyotes and wolves off-grid/RV living

Dealing with mice and rats living off-grid or in an RV

How to deal with snakes living off-grid or in the RV life

Winter is coming — er has arrived