Works well for single family. We had no way of washing after Hurricane Michael except by hand for over a year. While, yes you DO need to pre-soak and scrub heavily soiled or stained clothes to get them clean, this little washer gets most of the everyday wear dirt out and is LOADS EASIER THAN HANDWASHING. My knuckles and wrists are thanking me for buying this! Recommend for camping, RV, Apartment, or hurricane preparedness.