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Description

Learn how to wash dirty clothes at camp without a washing machine.

https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/get-clean-without-a-machine/

Resources

Equipment
Buckets
String
Rope
Washing powder

Instructions

Prepare your washing station
1. Everyone should split into small teams and select a few items of their dirty clothing to wash.
2. Each team should separate the dirty clothes into piles by colour: whites, lights, brights, darks.
3. Each team needs two buckets per pile of clothes – one for washing and one for rinsing. Fill the buckets with warm water, so each is around three-quarters full. The water shouldn’t be too hot as it could burn your hands or shrink your clothes.
4. Add washing powder to one bucket for each pile of clothing. Follow the instructions on the packet to know how much to add. The other bucket for each pile should contain warm water only.
Start washing
1. Each team should split up further to work on all the piles of clothing at the same time. Submerge a pile into the bucket that contains washing powder.
2. Everyone should use their hands to move the clothes around, fully soaking them in the water. Don’t scrub, twist, or rub the clothes in the water, as this can damage them. Soak for two or three minutes, or until the clothes start to look clean. Don’t leave anything in for more than four minutes as this can lead to shrinkage.
3. Move the clothes into the bucket containing only warm water. Everyone should use their hands to move them around to help remove the washing powder. This bucket may need to be relled if the clothes are still soapy after a few minutes.
4. Hang the clothes out to dry. Use branches, bushes, clean surfaces or create a washing line using string or rope.
Reection
This activity helped you gain independence by showing you how to clean clothes without the help of a washing machine. Can you think of any scenarios when you would need to clean your clothes by hand? What are the main differences between

cleaning your clothes by hand and using a washing machine?
This activity was also about developing an essential life skill. Why is it important to know how to wash your clothes? What is important about being hygienic?
Change the level of challenge
Wash more or fewer items, depending on the ability of the group.
Make it accessible
This activity is designed to be done at camp. However, this badge requirement can be completed at home.

Tags

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Badge Links

• Home Help - Washing
• Skills - Other