Laundry Machine
By Sarah Sexton
27.04.21
I am the engine, the driving force behind the laundry, armed with magic, strategies, and daily experience.
Prepare to be amazed! The history of laundry is fascinating. Laundry has been around as long as clothes have. Even furs and fig leaves needed washing. People, mostly women, around the world have been involved in laundry. Laundry is both generational and historical. It’s the backdrop to the evolution of fashion. Just like the weather, laundry is a topic you can always turn to. And speaking of weather, sunny days are perfect for doing laundry.
In the past, laundry was a laborious task that took women an entire day of manual work. Washing and rinsing clothes in fresh water sources was a mindful process. Even today, in many parts of the world, the laundry cycle continues to mirror those early years. It wasn’t until the early 1850s that women worldwide were introduced to an advanced washing machine, and since then, washing machines have continued to evolve.
During our travels across Europe, we always saw lines of laundry drying outside. I often took pictures. Italy, Croatia – lines strung between windows and apartments with all sorts of clothing garments drying. In Ireland, they had adapted their outdoor drying to the weather. We stayed at a bed and breakfast that had about six rows of clotheslines with a roof overhead to keep off the rain.
Many homes throughout England and mainland Europe only have a washing machine. Some of these washing machines double as a dryer. We had one washer/dryer combo when we first moved here, but the clothes never dried properly. All the homes we looked at had the laundry in the kitchen. The kitchens had small washing machines for laundry. We were lucky to find a place with a small dryer. I still hang many garments on radiators throughout the house and if it does not rain, I have two pop-up drying racks I use outside.
Laundry is a never-ending cycle. Despite my feelings towards laundry, I always strive to do a good job and have systems in place. First thing in the morning yesterday’s uniforms are sorted and washed. I sort lights and darks. I know the water temperature and cycles for each batch. I pretreat when needed with Vanish (it’s an amazing stain remover!). I use laundry powder for the wash (no liquid detergent or pods). Sweaters NEVER go in the dryer.
Laundry takes a long time, but if I am doing it, I feel productive. I do complain, but I am happy my girls have clean uniforms, towels and sheets.
Laundry is a reminder that we are alive, so long live laundry!
Abbey Row 