I start washing clothes and my thoughts turn to blogging. So, I've resolved to wash our clothes by hand for one week, small amounts at a time. Tonight was the first shot. I'll keep you updated on this experiment.
It all began with the idea that I really hate the cold treck up to the laundry room. Its not just climbing a few steps, its a subzero experience that I loathe for no good reason. There are just a few good reasons that I think contribute to this idea being slightly brilliant: 1) Save water
2) Get a work out (though not that bad, truly)
3) Having clean clothes on a daily basis
4) Save money for now
It started with researching the idea and how to best do this. It turns out that people are all concerned that it will be hard work. Well, duh! Most anything that is done by hand is usually tedious and tough. My idea is not to avoid hard work though.
After washing my a small load of clothes (which didn't feel small after I started) which consisted of mostly socks, underwear, thin t-shirts and washcloths, I've come up with a few tips and musings regarding day 1.
1) Don't do towels or jeans. Hard to do from every aspect.
2) What you think might be a small amount of laundry, seems to grow in the tub (why is that?!)
3) Let your clothes soak a while- it might get the "gunk" out better without all the scrubbing
4) Don't hover over the bath-tub. It's easier if you sit on the side, or kneel.
5) Bright idea? Get a washboard.
6) Remember that everything looks dirtier when wet, so let it all dry before you evaluate your work, otherwise you might bemoan your washing existance.
7) Have plenty of places to dry your laundry... hangers, racks, door knobs, whatever.
8) Your bathroom will look like a laundrymat
9) My hands are dry -will the cost go up because of handlotion use?
9) My hands are dry -will the cost go up because of handlotion use?
I'm thinking that perhaps if I get used to doing small amounts of laundry, I can do them in the kitchen sink (so I don't have to break my back) and we might be able to avoid getting a washer and dryer for a while... just a thought ... I've heard they're really expensive to buy. I also know that when we have children I'm not going to want to do 10 pairs of children's socks and a gillion onesies. 
2 comments:
You're crazy! And, now you're going to have to iron as well... I can just see all the dimples in the t-shirts after they've dried. Have fun :).
nah, no dimples. All synthetic material that soften when you wear them.
I just got a new idea from a friend...so, next load; here I come!
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