yes they are quite bulky. another less bulky idea is the plunger washing machine but as far as i can see theres no way to spin dry with this.

i havent gone too far into the washing machine idea, it was a project for when i got back from the UK but we were thinking something along these lines:

http://www.homelessdave.com/hdwashingman.htm

if you want design plans and more insight there are lots of links on this website

https://we.riseup.net/yummyben/pedal-powered-washing-machine

i wonder who will have theirs made first, me or dave :D