Le Laundress: Taking Some Tips from the French

For French women, taking care of their bodies and skin is top priority. Since clothing is so close to the skin, it is imperative that there be a delicate and natural balance. Most American women douse our clothes in unnatural scented detergents, many of which are hard on the skin and can cause skin rashes. The detergents and "fabric softeners" we use on a daily basis are hard on the machines we use and hard on clothes causing them to wear out quickly. When we lived in Europe we were not able to use American fabric softeners at all or it would ruin the European machines.

French women believe in preserving linens and such to last a lifetime or longer. To do this they are careful about using stain removing techniques and always take good care to use mild and gentle detergents on their clothing. They hand wash anything delicate to preserve the quality for generations.

Natural Stain Treatments

For delicate whites with stains, use a mixture of 2 parts lemon juice and one part water and let the stained item sit in the sun for a few hours. Hand wash. Lemon is a natural lightener and so is the sun. The sun is not only a natural whitener it is also a natural germ killer.

Another natural stain removing technique is to mix sea salt with a mild powdered detergent in a small, shallow basin of water. Lay the cloth or item on top of the mixture and set in the sun. After an hour or so check on the stain. Gently scrub and if it needs to sit longer, allow it to do so. If an item needs to sit outside for even twenty-four hours, it is perfectly fine to do so. These mixtures are not harsh and abrasive and will not ruin clothing like bleach or another hard chemical mixture would.

Detergent

To preserve the life of your clothing and the delicacy of your skin, use a mild detergent or make it yourself. Some mild detergents you can find at your grocery store are: Mrs. Meyer's brand, Arm and Hammer washing soda, and All Free & Clear. Making your own detergent is best and also very nice on the pocketbook.

Rinse Aid

The best rinse aid or "fabric softener" you can use is white vinegar. White vinegar is germ killing and will rid your clothes of any souring (from leaving in your machine too long). Vinegar will also help rid your clothes and machine of build up residue left behind by harsh laundry detergents or fabric softeners. Washing your darks with vinegar added will also help preserve the color longer and keep the colors from bleeding.

If you don't like the smell of vinegar, don't worry, it dissipates. Alternatively, you can use scented vinegar by mixing a few drops of your favorite essential oil in with your vinegar. The French love lavender and lemon for laundry. Lavender is also a disinfectant.

Drying

The French are appreciative of nature and enjoy being outdoors as much as possible. Line drying is most often used by Europeans because it is inexpensive and gentler on the clothes. If you would like a little more scent, spritz some lavender water on your line-dried clothes. You can also add lavender sachets to your wardrobes and closets. Lavender will also repel the bugs.

Laundry done with so much care becomes a joy and not just a chore. If you feel that you never keep up on the laundry pile, take another tip from the French and minimize the amount of clothing you and your family keep. Less is more.