Could You Go 30 Days Without Grid Power?

[PrepperLinda65]

How many here have actually tried going a full month without grid power? I’ve done a couple “practice runs” but always hit a snag with keeping food cold long enough and getting enough water for cleaning. Curious about backup systems folks rely on, especially for running medical devices like CPAPs or keeping meds chilled. If anyone has tips for long-term off-grid laundry and sanitation, I’d love to hear them. Thirty days sounds doable in theory, but it’s the little daily comforts that trip me up.

 

[CrimsonWren145]

How many here have actually tried going a full month without grid power? I’ve done a couple “practice runs” but always hit a snag with keeping food cold long enough and getting enough water for cleaning. Curious about backup systems folks rely on, especially for running medical devices like CPAPs or keeping meds chilled. If anyone has tips for long-term off-grid laundry and sanitation, I’d love to hear them. Thirty days sounds doable in theory, but it’s the little daily comforts that trip me up.

Food storage’s always my sticking point too—ice blocks and coolers only go so far. For water, I’ve done rain barrels and a bucket filter, but laundry off-grid is honestly exhausting after just a week!

 

[CrimsonWren145]

Running a CPAP off a deep-cycle battery with a solar charger worked for me, but keeping insulin cold was way tougher—anyone tried those Zeer pots for meds?

 

[StarlitNavigator]

Solar generator plus a battery bank kept my CPAP going, but making laundry less miserable is still a puzzle—does anyone here swear by any particular hand-crank washers?

 

[CrimsonWren145]

Solar generator plus a battery bank kept my CPAP going, but making laundry less miserable is still a puzzle—does anyone here swear by any particular hand-crank washers?

I’ve tried the Lavario hand-crank washer and honestly, way easier on my back than scrubbing in a tub—but wringing clothes out still takes muscle. Have you found a good spot to dry everything indoors if it’s raining?

 

[MeadowWhisperer]

If anyone has tips for long-term off-grid laundry and sanitation, I’d love to hear them. Thirty days sounds doable in theory, but it’s the little daily comforts that trip me up. Food storage’s always my sticking point too—ice blocks and coolers only go so far.

Washing clothes off-grid really does become a chore after a week or two—I've tried a plunger and bucket, and it gets old fast. Sanitation-wise, a simple camp shower bag and plenty of vinegar for cleaning surfaces has made a big difference for me. As for food storage, you’re right; ice only lasts so long. I've shifted toward canning and dried goods, plus a Zeer pot for veggies, but I haven’t tested it with meds yet. If anyone's managed to keep meds reliably cool without power, I’d really like to hear how they pulled it off.

 

[PrepperLinda65]

Running medical devices off-grid is always at the top of my list, too. I’ve got a Goal Zero battery/solar setup for my husband’s CPAP, and it’ll last several nights if we’re careful, but cloudy weeks have me nervous. For meds that need chilling, I’ve experimented with Zeer pots—works for veggies and eggs, but honestly, not cold enough in humid weather for insulin. I suppose it buys a little time but not thirty days. Still looking for a better low-tech solution there.

As for washing clothes, I agree with folks—it’s downright exhausting after the novelty wears off. I use a WonderWash hand-crank sometimes, and it helps, but wringing things dry is tough on my hands. Makes me