There's something about doing laundry that gives me a sense of accomplishment. Oh, it's still a chore, but seeing that neatly-folded pile of clean clothes when it's all done certainly gives me a good feeling.
Here's a corner of my laundry area showing a vintage metal cupboard (where I keep my spot-removing supplies), a wash-day-themed towel that was my grandmother's, and an embroidered laundry bag that belonged to my husband's grandmother.
Several months ago, I started making my own laundry soap. It's easy to do and has definitely been a moneysaver. Here's the recipe I use:
1/3 bar of Fels Naptha soap, grated
1/2 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax Powder
*Also, a 2 gallon bucket or equivalent-sized container
Put grated soap into large saucepan. I use an enameled metal canning-type pot and store the finished laundry soap in it as well. Add 6 cups water and heat until soap melts. Add the washing soda and borax. Stir until dissolved. Remove from heat. Pour 4 cups hot into the 2 gallon container and add soap mixture. I pour the water right into my enameled pot already containing the soap mixture. Finally, add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir. Let the soap sit for about 24 hours to "gel". The finished soap will be a watery gel resembling egg drop soup. Use 1/2 cup per load of laundry.
In addition to being just plain fun to peruse, vintage laundry manuals are often helpful with stain and spot removal. I have two that I consult on occasion for this purpose.
And here is my dryer... I need to invest in some new drying racks, as these have been in use for many years and are on their last legs. A clothesline outside may be in the works if it can be discreetly fit into our backyard plans for a barbecue fireplace and tiki picnic pavilion.
Last, but not least... A few years ago, my mom made me this adorable clothespin bag with cherry print fabric. I recently found some old non-spring style clothespins to put in it for future clothesline use.
Enjoy Monday Wash Day... for tomorrow we iron ;)
3 comments:
Don't you just love the smell of freshly washed clothes
Yes indeed! :)
This is so cool, you have two of my favorite things here on this page: cherries (add fat bluebirds and I'm in heaven), and drying racks. Mine is sitting in front of me here in the living room, where I try to pretend it's supposed to be part of the decor...
Post a Comment