Benjamin Pure: Laundry, Then and Now

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Benjamin Pure Laundry, Then and Now
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Benjamin Pure Laundry, Then and Now

• Laundry is the process of washing clothes and
  linen. The system of washing clothes is prevalent
  since the existence of mankind. Clothes were
  washed at the river banks in flowing water. The
  running water would carry the dirt causing stains
  and smell. The clothes were then dried in the
  open on strings tied across two tree branches.
  Benjamin Pure suggests washing in modern day
  washing machines.

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Then, more laborious

• The clothes were scrubbed and squeezed and
  slapped against flat rocks or wooden board. This
  ensured the dirt was removed. A reliable process
  but pretty laborious. These techniques were
  common across Europe, Japan and India.
• In ancient Europe laundry was also done in public
  wash houses. Water was channeled or diverted from
  river or any water source into two wooden basins.
  One was for soaking and the other for rinsing.
  Benjamin Pure adds that with growing
  industrialization soaps and detergents were
  introduced. Clothes were soaked in warm water
  mixed with detergents. This helped in releasing
  dirt and grime and saved a lot of labor.

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Now, mechanized and easy

• Rapid industrialization has brought great relief
  to the women folk. In western countries, large
  buildings have a special common area dedicated as
  laundry room. There are electrical washing
  machines. Just add soap and program the machine
  and the clothes are washed, rinsed and dried in
  the machine. These washing machines are now
  affordable and many homes have one in their house
  itself. They can wash at their convenience. No
  need to go with bundle of clothes to the laundry
  room.

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• Benjamin Pure says that laundry also means dry
  cleaners or laundry services. They wash and iron
  the clothes for a fee. These days such services
  are also available online. You can place the
  order and they come and collect the clothes from
  your home. This service is used for wools, satins
  and expensive clothes. They are washed with
  chemicals since the fabric cannot withstand the
  rough tumble of washing machine. This process,
  says Benjamin Pure, is called dry cleaning.