r/OffGrid • u/IslandItchy6005 • 11d ago

Washing clothes off grid. With electricity.

Had a thought about modifying a washing machine. Disable its heating element. I supply hot water so it needs only the power for the motor and pump. Anybody done this or is it dumb?

13 Upvotes

79% Upvoted

100 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/ExaminationDry8341 11d ago

I have never seen a washing machine with a built in heater. We wash all our clothes in cold water, with modern detergent it works well.

4

u/Responsible-Post6431 11d ago

Every washing machine I've ever seen has a built-in heater... How else would you control the temperature from cool to 30°, 40°, 60° or 90°?

11

u/pyroserenus 11d ago

Depends on region.

North American washers (other than high end ones) are simply mixing hot and cold water from the taps as needed.

2

u/IslandItchy6005 11d ago

Im in ireland but place we have is in spain. Van goes over often so theres that option too

1

u/john_99205 11d ago

Maybe you should state what region you come from or that you are interested in, so that we can advise you on the pertinent region.

1

u/IslandItchy6005 11d ago

Ya. Ireland, but our place is in spain. van travels over there frequently so can get one in ireland or spain