Product review (3 stars): Can't control the leak at the drain mechanism.
I really love the concept of this machine and had hoped it would be a simple fix for mini loads when I don't have a full load to wash.  I've only used this one day so far and have done the following 3 loads:  a load of about 6 of those white, cotton kitchen towels (I think they call them flour sack towels.), a load of 2 "camp" towels.  Mine are full size bath towels, but they are more like a chamy than a towel, so they soak up a lot of water. and the final load was a pair of leggings with an extra large tshirt and some underpants.  All the loads are WAY smaller than would fit in this tub.  I haven't had a chance to determine the maximum amount you would want to wash in this tub.  SO HERE IS THE BAD:  The bummer for me is that as soon as I start filling the basin with water, water starts dripping out of the bottom drain valve, even though I do not have the drain tube inserted.  Inside this valve there is a little "X" shaped thingy that pushes in as you insert the drain tube.  Pushing it in supposedly releases the seal and allows water to flow freely into the drain tube.  That part of the system does work as it should.  Unfortunately some water leaks out of that area even when the drain tube is not inserted.  This wouldn't be an issue if the drain valve was always in a downward position because I would just put a towel under the whole thing and call it good.  The towel would catch the water that leaks out.  The problem is when you spin the handle causing the tub to rotate round and round, water flies all over the room originating from the drain valve.  So far I have not found a way to avoid this.  I've double and triple and quadruple checked to make sure the plug is pushed down tight at the bottom of the inside of the barrel.  I've pushed and prodded the "X" shape mechanism hoping maybe it was just a fluke and didn't seal tight from the factory.  No luck.  I've got a phone message and an email into the company hoping they can offer me some words of wisdom.  I'll let you know how that turns out, if it turns out that I can fix the issue.  The number listed online at laundry-alternative.com is 888-813-9559 if you live in the U.S.  They are located in Los Angeles, CA and office hours are 9am - 5pm Pacific Time.  There is a spot at the bottom under "contact us" where you can get their phone number and/or send them an email.  If anyone has found a resolution for my problem, please reply to this review.  Otherwise, I will be forced to use this outdoors only as it is too hard to fit this into the bath tub, lean over, and try to turn the crank handle in the cramped space all while getting drenched. Thank you very much.  Aside from this one issue I LOVE this product.