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Fields & Fire BlogOne Small Change March – The World Washed by Hand
Or at least, my dishes and laundry.
First, let’s back up to last month’s pledge to say goodbye to the grocery store. I was definitely tempted a few time, but once my mind accepted that there was not going to be any grocery trips this month, I didn’t really think about it very much. Which was a relief. Sometimes choices, instead of freeing us, seem to create mind clutter – having the option of running out to the store to get just a few things, for me, is one of those. I actually started this step in mid-January, and I did end up going to the coop last Saturday (one day before the end of the month!). What did I buy? Cheese. I just couldn’t take eating the same three cheeses from the bakery any more. I almost drove all the way to Northampton for the Winter Farmer’s Market, to see if anyone there had cheese, but Ben convinced me I was being nutty (I think he was right). So, I bought cheese, a few local apples, a few bananas as a rare treat for Ella, a pint of locally made ice cream, and we had some lunch while we were there. Overall, I’m really grateful for the past month and a half, for showing me how possible it is to, at least, shop very infrequently, and with a lot more care.
Onward! Welcome to my kitchen sink. I’ve been thinking about the possibility of hand-washing our clothes for years now. Last spring, reading the incredible Mary Jane’s Idea Book, Cook Book, Life Book, I read about a woman who currently washes her family’s clothes by hand, with a washboard. She described doing that day’s dirty clothes each day, and I felt, suddenly, that I was not completely cracked to be considering this. Here, in print, was someone else who was actually doing it, had been doing it for years, and felt there was something of value in doing so. So, I ordered a glass washboard and wringer (new – couldn’t find them in our local used/antique stores, and it wasn’t something I was comfortable getting used online) last summer, and they’ve been patiently waiting for me.
(Ella washing dishes in Montreal, January 2010)
In December, we started washing our dishes by hand, which also seemed a little scary at first. I love it. I love not having to unload a huge dishwasher full of dishes, while always having waiting dirty dishes piling up. I love not hearing the machine. I know there is a dispute that using a dishwasher (loaded fully) is more water-efficient that hand-washing, but of course this depends how you wash your dishes by hand. (I use the “drought” technique from Ellen Sandbeck’s excellent Organic Housekeeping).
One of the things Ben and I think about a lot is true efficiency versus the illusion of efficiency. Dishwashers (and washing machines) are supposed to be convenient, and time-savers, right? With handwashing, we found that we spent about the same amount of time on the dishes (but it was more pleasant, and something our whole family could do together). Beyond that actual time, when you consider the time spent working to pay for the dishwasher, the electricity to run it, the repairs to maintain it, the footprint in your kitchen . . . Well, to us, it seems that dishwashers fall into the category of “efficiency illusion.” To my surprise, my absolute favorite part of the day currently is spent washing the day’s dishes after dinner, listening to Ben and Ella read books together in the living room.
So, bolstered by our success with the dishes, I feel ready to take on the laundry!
Why hand-wash laundry? Folks who hand-wash say, most notably, that washing machines are only good at cleaning clean clothes. One shocking fact is that when washing machines were introduced, the time women spent doing laundry remained the same (my guess is that we cleaned more laundry – since it seems so “easy,” we aren’t careful to wash only those items that really need it). A washing machine washes the whole garment, with no special attention to dirty spots, which you pay attention to by hand. Washing machines also put a lot of stress on clothes, reducing their life. (Hmmm, hastily made clothes by big companies, washed in machines that break them down further, causing us to buy more clothes more often – sound like a plan for making money?)
Also, I have found more and more in my life that I like doing work by hand. Colin Beavin writes beautifully about this in No Impact Man, where he did most of the housework, and so does Amanda Blake Soule in Handmade Home (and many others, I’m sure – check out Kyrie’s thoughts here). The idea that housework is drudgery sells a whole lot of products, and also compels more and more of us into the paid workforce, adding to the almighty GDP.
Part of my motivation is that our washer/dryer currently live in the kitchen (why oh why?). We moved the dryer into our pantry last month as part of our cleaning frenzy (we never use it anyway). I have gotten quotes from plumbers to move the washer there (over $1,000 – no thanks!). If hand-washing turns out to be something we would like to continue, we could unplug the washer and move it out, too! Oh, the thought is almost too exciting. (Ben, by the way, has been working for at least a year to be very conscientious about his clothing, so that our laundry loads are greatly reduced – I followed his example.)
So, I’ll be hand-washing our laundry this month. I started yesterday (Monday is my laundry day), and so far so good! I did our sheets first (washed in the bathtub, since they’re too big for the kitchen sink), and when I went to put the king-sized flannel sheet through the wringer, I was nervous, but it fit through! (Ella couldn’t resist the wringer, which reminds me a lot of a pasta maker.) The wringer really does take out an amazing amount of water – some things actually come through feeling almost dry. It was so sunny and mild, even with snow on the ground, that I hung one of our sheets outside on the line to dry – the first of the season! Drudgery, or beauty?
(Don’t forget to check out some of the other folks making changes this month – inspiring! Also, the spring edition of Rhythm of the Home is up and amazing.) Here’s to March!
I’ve thought lately about how I would like to wash our clothes by hand. Unfortunately washboards are nothing short of collectors items here so the price is way out of my range. I have surorised myself how much I don’t miss having a dishwasher. It’s always so loud and intrusive when it’s on while standing there scrubbing the dishes is quite meditative. It’s my thinking time lol. Thanks for the link in this post.
At the start of lent I had decided to give up supermarkets too and find it surprising how easy it was to give up. I have to give more thought to where I’m getting certain things (thank goodness hardware stores here stock loo roll) but it is so worth it. I’m interested to see how you get on hand washing. I hate having to rely on a machine for something I could do myself.
Very nice. I often think about how we can reduce the amount of wash we do, two adults, fours kiddos…makes for lots of wash. An excellent small change and I love your wringer. Is there a reason for a glass over metal washbosrd? Just wondering. I didn’t even know there was a glass kind.
Wonderful and inspiring as ever. I admire your dedication to hand work, you are right it is often no more effort and actually more satisfying. I know I find hanging laundry out to dry to be a calming process, especially on a nice day. Have you read a book called The Good Life? It is about a couple called Nearing who worked the land and built houses etc they advocate doing all the work by hand and say that machinery actually costs time and effort in the long run. I think you’d love their ethos! I am also going to be checking out your post about giving up supermarkets, I’d really like to know how you are approaching this and how you are replacing your grocery shopping locations. I do try and avoid them when the summer farmer’s markets make so much produce available but struggle in the winter months. Great post!
What kind of soap do you use? I’ve been trying to use this biocompatible soap in hopes that we’ll set up a greywater system. The soap [http://www.shoporganic.com/product/oasis-biocompatible-laundry-concentrate-gallon/green_laundry] breaks down and actually benefits the soil.
Now i’m off to get another wringer – ours is vintage and small, good for things like socks and underwear, but not sturdy enough for pants or sheets. I’ve been eyeing the one from Lehman’s for a while, so now it’s set!
Very impressive. I haven’t gone quite that far, yet, but I do hang dry all my laundry, straight through the winter. People who visit think I’m crazy, assuming it won’t dry, but it freezes first, then dries. And winter-line-dried laundry smells the best!
Steph, I feel exactly the same way about washing dishes. Thank you for coming by!
Mel, Thanks for your thoughts – and how fun that you gave up supermarkets, too!
Great question Lisa – apparently metal can wear down quickly from the rubbing, but glass pretty much lasts forever. I didn’t know about them either, until reading the piece in Mary Jane’s book. Best to you!
Emmalina, Thank you for your kind words. I do know the Nearings, of course! They are an inspiration, for sure. Best to you and yours.
Kelley, Great question – I meant to include that I use Charlie’s Soap, but the post was pretty long already! I find Charlie’s really cleans (with only a tsp used per washer load!), and I was able to purchase a giant bucket of it, reducing packaging. Enjoy your wringer!
Lise, Wow – do you have mild winters, or are you able to do this even in snowy freezing weather? I’m so intrigued! Thanks for the idea!
I am truly amazed at the energy level you have. Where do you find the time (and patience) for everything – family, sewing, hand laundry, the bakery, preparing whole foods, the farm, the animals, etc. . I do, however, think it is wonderful and admire what you and your family are doing.
Cathy
what a huge change! i don’t think i could do that so i give you so much credit for even considering it!! good luck to you!
oh – if you are still interested in doing the easter swap please send an email to mcmrymoon at comcast dot net…….thanks!
And I thought we were doing well at making changes! Wow, big things are happening at your house my friend. Keep it up; it’s very inspiring!
i need an attitude shift on my handwashing – just love what you said! bravo!
Cathy, You’re very kind. Doesn’t it always seem that everyone else is doing more than we are? I think it’s very easy to feel that way, especially as a mother. I canc redit two things in my own life – a lack of time spent on tv/movies, and yoga, which is both restorative and energizing. Best, Adrie
Lorena, Thank you – and I emailed about the swap!
Jennifer – Everyone has to start somewhere, and every change does make a difference. Thank you for your kind words, and best of luck with your own changes.
Kendra, Thank you – it’s amazing how shifting our frame of mind can make a powerful difference. Best to you.
When I was young I lived in India and we all washed everything by hand. Thanks for reminding me that there are other ways to do things…especially the things that sometimes feel the most necessary. I might not start handwashing everything just yet (Cora’s almost out of diapers…) but I’m going to be a lot more thoughtful about what I put in the laundry.
I’m giving up our dishwasher as soon as it kicks the bucket for good. I so agree with you about handwashing. The ringer reminds me of my father’s stories about my grandmother. Keep us posted about how it goes. You are so inspirational!!!
Blessings.
<3
Kyce, It is so interesting how the things we feel we must do, often . . aren’t. (I know you’re experiencing a lot of this with your family’s plastic fast). Thanks for stopping by!
Jenna,
Thank you for your kind words, and I’ll be sure to keep everyone updated.
in just two short weeks my family and i will be moving to our new (rented) home in ashfield. we are super psyched for many reasons. one thing i am not psyched about is the loss of our washer/dryer. we are only eight minutes from town and a laundrymat and many of my years were spent without a washer/dryer at home so i know we will survive. HOWEVER i was wondering if it would make any sense to wash clothes by hand at home instead. your post is very timely. can you explain your process in more detail? it looks like you are using your kitchen sink. i would love to hear how you do it step by step (and hear more about how it’s going) before i take the plunge (as it were) and buy the equipment. thank you so much!
anna
Wow, is all I can say! I am so impressed with your changes so far! Not going to the grocery store is so awesome!
And hand washing clothes is really a revolutionary act (although really just an old fashion thing to do that we should all be going back to). My Feb change was to conserve water and I started realizing how I was always washing clean clothes. We would wear clothes one day, then wash them…so I basically started wearing the same outfit for 2-3 days in a row (I work from home so no biggie right?). I started having the kids wear their jammies for a week at a time (instead of changing them every night like they had been doing) and we cut down on laundry tons! I just love it! Feel free to stop by any time this month and let us know how it is going! http://1smallchangeblog.blogspot.com/
**we are also looking for people to write for our One Small Change Blog during the month of May discussing their changes, the impact, etc etc….if you are interested shoot us an email (suzy@hipmountainmama.com)
Suzy
ps..I wanted to remind you to update your One Small Change link on your button. It is going to our old website which is no longer there.
Thanks!
Suzy, Oh dear – it’s changed! Thanks for letting me know.
Suzy,
Thank you for your kind words. It really is amazing how many clean clothes get washed until we start to really think about it. I’d love to contribute – I’ll email you! Best to you this month.
Hmm…I have a big double sink just like yours in our apartment. Food for thought! We do not have a washer dryer, and always have to trek to the laundry mat. Problem is, our budget is so tight these days, many times the laundry gets put off, and put off and put off, so that by the time we actually go laundry is a chore of enormous proportions! I love the idea of doing bits of laundry every day (I love Mary Jane’s books and magazines too). Now to get the hubby on board
Sarah,
Best of luck! I used to be a laundry putter-offer too, so I totally understand.
[...] a quick look back at March’s small change – handwashing our laundry. I’m still doing it! It’s turned out to not be much [...]
[...] Adrie started washing her family’s laundry by hand I was blown away. I have no desire to follow in [...]