Take the plunge and wash your laundry manually.

Power out? Getting sniffy? Laundry must be done. You can make an impromptu washer/agitator using a bucket, a modified plunger and a technique that’s similar to churning butter.

The trick is to use the (brand new!) plunger as an agitator. Punch several holes around the rubber bottom so that the water can move through as you move it up and down and swish it around in the water.

The most basic method is to toss your dirty clothes into the bathtub and wash them there. This is less efficient, however, and uses unnecessary precious water. If you had the foresight to fill it before the power went out, you may also be using your bathtub as a water reservoir. This is particularly crucial if you’re on a higher floor of an apartment or condo.

Take a sturdy bucket. One with a lid is ideal, to minimize splashing. Cut a hole in the top that accommodates the plunger handle. Add clothing, water and soap. Put in the plunger, plop on the lid and have at it.

To take it one step further, add a separator at the bottom of the pail for the dirt to settle into. You could use a metal cooling grid, or improvise your own.

Alternately, you could put one bucket with holes punched in it inside the other, as per the instructional video below.

You can pour the dirty water into the toilet in order to flush it.

DIY Bucket Washer For Handwashing Cloth Diapers! + Washing Demo