5 Answers

Some tips here

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=521048

Try washing your colored clothes in cold water,with the appropiate cold water detergent and always make sure you have full loads to wash. Presoak extremely soiled clothing in a bucket.

Follow the directions that came with the machine. Do not use too little or too much soap. Use cold water only...........

Now this has got me thinking...hmm...well, perhaps when the neighbors are out for the day you could run an extension cord over to their outdoor plug-in and then maybe hook up a hose to the outdoor tap and do laundry out on the driveway on sunny days only (of course) and DO NOT GET CAUGHT as I suspect this practice may be highly illegal...but then again...hmm..

Unplug it and use a washboard in the galvanized washtub.  use the washer as a folding table.