Why I Switched to Handwashing Laundry (Family of 7)

I didn't plan to handwash laundry for a family of 7.

I'm not living off-grid. I'm not trying to be quirky.

I just got tired.

Tired of the bills.

Tired of the noise.

Tired of the washer breaking down.

Tired of constantly feeling behind on something that never ends.

So, I started handwashing clothes, just a few things here and there at first, and then......I didn't stop.

Because weirdly enough?

It worked.

It helped.

And it saved me money. A lot of money.

The moment everything shifted

Our washer that was only a year old was constantly acting up. Either the washer wouldn't drain or just shut off halfway.

And don't get me started on my dyer and how it only half-dries everything and leaves that damp funk that makes you question all of life.

The repair bills were stacking. The electric bill? Gross. And the time it took to fix and rewash everything was robbing me of hours I could've been spending literally anywhere else.

So I grabbed some basin. Some soap. And decided to try handwashing a load.

Just one.

It was quiet.

Peaceful, even.

No loud machine. No waiting. No hoping it actually finished the spin cycle this time.

I hung them outside to dry, and the next day? Fresh. Clean. Done! and best of all they actually smelled cleaned!!!

Why I keep handwashing (Even now)

Once I started, I realized handwashing gave me something I didn't know I was missing.

I have control of what's clean, what's dry, what needs to be done, no more guessing.

No more constant rumble of machines. Just soapy water and a breeze.

I started seeing real change in our electric bill. We have our own supply of water, so we don't have a water bill but not having to start the dryer back up to dry clothes for the 4th time in the row has put money back in our budget.

I noticed how the clothes aren't getting damaged, especially with the delicate stuff or the kid's soft pajamas and my favorite graphic tees.

No more missed stains!!! or that weird dryer smell. When I wash it, I know it's done right.

But wait! A family of seven?

Yep. I get that a lot!

"It's impossible" "How do you have time to do anything else?" "How the heck do you handwash for even people?"

And here's the truth.... I don't do it all at once.

I don't try to be superwoman with a washboard and 42 pairs of jeans soaking in a bathtub. I've learned how to simply the entire routine.

Here's how I make it work (without losing my mind)

I sort by urgency, not just color.

If someone's out of clean undies, that goes first. Pajamas next. Everday basics before special outfits. I don't play the "laundry perfection" game"

I batch small loads daily

It's not overwhelming if it becomes part of my rhythm. Like morning coffee. I can knock out a couple loads while listening to a podcast or watching the kids play outside.

I use a washboard and a big tank + my hands

It's easier, faster, and gentler. I fill it up with warm water, add my mix of detergent, let it soak for 10-15 minutes, start scrubbing, rinse and wring I bought a Calliger Wringer (hand cranked) to ring out all my clothes and it was such a great investment!

I hang dry everything

Outside in good weather. Inside near a fan when it' gloomy. Bonus tip My house smells like fresh air and lavender, not burning lint trap.

I skip the folding guilt

Listen.....with five kids? If the clothes are clean and, in their bins, we've won. Folded is a bonus, not a requirement.

How it saves me real money

Lower electric bill

No more service calls or parts replacements.

No dryer sheets or laundry softener expenses

No re-washing clothes that didn't "feel" clean

It adds up. And it's been one of the few routines that actually feels doable, sustainable, and peaceful in a house this full of life.

What it's taught me

Honestly? It's just laundry.

Handwashing has become this weird little anchor in my day. It slows me down in the best way. It gives me time to think, breathe, or just.....exist.

And in a house where someone always needs something. It's become this sacred, quiet space where I can take care of something and feel like I finished it.

The slower way isn't aways the harder way

I'm not saying you have to give up your washer and dryer forever.

But if you're overwhelmed, burned out, or just looking for a way to simplify something that feels chaotic. Maybe try it. One load. One moment of peace.

Because somethings the "old way" is actually the softest, calmest, coziest way forward.