In the era before indoor plumbing, hand laundry was a laborious process involving soaking, beating, scrubbing, and rinsing soiled fabrics. The water necessary for washing and rinsing had to be manually fetched from pumps, wells, or springs. The laundry water, once obtained, was heated over a fire before being poured into a tub for the washing process.
With limited warm, soapy water available, the laundry routine followed a sequence—from cleaning the least dirty clothes to progressively tackling dirtier laundry. After washing, a meticulous process ensued to rid the clothes of soap and water. Clear water was employed for rinsing, and the wet garments were manually twisted to expel excess water. The comprehensive procedure, including drying and ironing, consumed an entire workday. Reflecting on this arduous method provides a profound appreciation for the convenience modern plumbing has brought to our daily lives.
