Washing Clothes: Traditional Ways that Work Best

When using a machine to wash a load of clothes, I've always been disappointed with the end result: a wrung, twisted mangle. Clothes, being enclosed inside a rotating drum always look as though they're crying to get out, or at the very least, to 'breathe,' or have been done to the death-rounds twice over. It's only going to be a matter of time before they shrink, tear or even fall to pieces in your hands when you have to pull potentially rotten fabric out of the drum.

What, then, is the solution to having damp fluff-speckled and clothes that are left with soap powder streaks all over them - particularly the darker garments - which may also leave one looking dismayed and frustrated; another end result? Getting into the habit, or is it the rhythm, of washing and drying your clothes simply and naturally, is the best method. It works for me. It works also if you don't have immediate access to a machine, a laundrette and don't want to lug a load to the nearest one or pay for the privilege of using someone else's facilities. In an age which is convenience-driven and is forever more hurried, there is still time to wash clothes, simply, efficiently, cheaply and above all, effectively. All it takes is time on your hands. Time in which to think differently and to act differently.

Methods that work for me are to either fill a sink or plastic tub with hand-hot water. Make sure the water's not too far above this heat or your clothes are likely to get damaged, misshapen or shrunk, particularly if they are woolen. Lukewarm is always best. Sprinkle about a quarter of a cupful of soap powder into the bowl - any brand, the cheaper the better - works as well as any other. Make sure the particles are thoroughly dissolved, then add the clothes. How many or how few depends on how much you're in a hurry, but less rather than more clothes at one time should guarantee a more effective wash. If any garments, particularly whites, have been included, it's best to add these separately and if any dirt or stains should linger, using an additional bar of soap and some elbow grease then scrub should provide a solution.

Now comes the important part - rinsing. It's important because it should be done thoroughly. Your clothes should be immersed and soaked several times over in and out of alternated hot and cold water if you want to them to be thoroughly clean and free from dirty soapy water until the water becomes quite clear. If the day is bright, windy and even sunny, there is no need to wring them if you have a back yard or veranda in which to hang them out to drip-dry and thoroughly dry them, assuming you have a washing line or an alternative contraption. Avoid wringing which is likely to damage them, unless the conditions are less than favorable in which case a gentle squeeze is necessary then the use of a boiler cupboard to hang them in.

Your clothes will not only be cleaner but be cooler, fresher and will smell nicer, and more importantly, will last longer; an end result that works for me.