Ah, the sink method. So brave. So risky. If you hand-wash, you must boil the water first. Let it cool, then scrub.
Otherwise, you’re rubbing advisory-contaminated water directly into your delicates. That’s the laundry equivalent of licking a doorknob in flu season.
Pro tip: Use a basin and gloves. Your hands are not washing machines. Treat them with respect.
The Great Gray Water Debate
Will washing clothes use up your safe drinking water? Yes. But gray water (from the washer) isn’t for drinking. It’s for plants or toilets.
If you’re on a well, check your advisory. Some boil notices are just for consumption. Washing might be totally fine.
But if in doubt, assume the water is naughty. Don’t let your toddler drink from the washing machine hose. (You laugh, but someone has tried.)
