A quick spin through laundry history Who knew?

A quIck spIN THROUGH LAUNDRY HISTORY

Washing machines are one of those things that we take entirely for granted unless – heaven forbid – we have to manage without one! Can you imagine having to wash clothes, towels and bed linen by hand? Of course, for many centuries of civilisation that’s what people had to do, and indeed continue to do in some parts of the world today.

Rockin’ the laundry

Early civilisations generally made do with a river and a few rocks, and garments were usually pounded by or over rocks, scrubbed with sand or small stones, and manipulated with wooden tools or underfoot. It took a lot of time and effort, and many garments would have remained unwashed a lot of the time.

Roman ingenuity

It took the Romans to make washing clothes a much bigger and grander affair. The Romans built public laundries called ‘fulleries’ where garments were washed, whitened, re-dyed and pressed by the ‘fuller’, or laundryman. Clothes were washed in stone bowls with clay and ammoniated water and dried by being hung on frames, then pressed flat by being fed through a large press turned by cranks. The ammonia in the ammoniated water came from urine collected from public urinals. It may sound disgusting, but apparently, it worked, and urine was used for stain removal in Medieval Europe as well. Combinations of animal fats and various types of ashes were also used as cleaning products.

Early washing machines

Laundry work continued to be hard manual labour throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, although at least soap that is more similar to the product we know became available during the 1800s. Washing machines of various types were developed around this time too, and these contraptions were powered by hand-cranks or steam. The first electric-powered washing machine, the Thor, was produced in 1908 and was a commercial washer sold by the Hurley Machine Company of Chicago. It wasn’t until the post-war period of the 1950s that automatic washing machines become more widely available in domestic homes.

Laundromat popularity

Even though it took many years for households to have their own washing machines, at least laundromats had been invented in the meantime. The first laundromat was known as a Wash-a-teria and was opened in Texas, USA, in 1934. Laundromats became extremely popular in the US and were soon available all over the country, allowing families the luxury of using washing machines, which would have otherwise been unavailable to them.

While washing machines are everyday items these days, laundromats provide a valuable service, particularly with the increase in highdensity housing where space can be in short supply.

on the shelf

Princess Benjamina Has a Very Cheeky Bum by Claire Hooper

Princess Benjamina’s talking bum gets her into all sorts of mischief. But now Benji has a plan to get to the bottom of the matter - a clever plan that will shoosh her tush for good, or at least for the night of the Royal Ball... When you are trying to find your inner voice, sometimes you need to look behind you! This gloriously witty, feel-good story about self-confidence, friendship and acceptance comes from Claire’s own experience in a supermarket, and toeing the line in her adult comedy today. Ages 3-6. Published by Albert Street Books RRP: $19.99

School of Monsters series by Sally Rippin

With bright, colourful artwork, tumbling rhymes and an infectious sense of humour, The School of Monsters is Dr Seuss meets Sesame Street . Through the use of simple words and sentences, loveable characters and engaging storylines, Sally’s aim is to make the challenging task of reading a little more fun. New readers can start by reading only the last word on every line and work up to reading the whole story all by themselves. Ages -7. Published by Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing. RRP $8.99

Mo and Crow by Jo Kasch, illustrated by Jonathan Bentley

Mo lives alone and he likes it that way…until Crow comes into his small and tidy life offering friendship. Mo lived alone and he liked it that way. He had a house to protect him.And a wall. Mo trusted his wall. It kept everything out he wanted kept out. A beautiful story about breaking down barriers and discovering the joys of friendship, from the brilliant creative team of Jo Kasch and award-winning illustrator Jonathan Bentley. Ages 5-8. Published by Allen & Unwin. RRP $24.99

Hello, Baby! by Shelly Unwin, Illustrated by Jedda Robaard

An adorable picture book that celebrates the arrival of a new baby, with gorgeous illustrations by the bestselling illustrator of It’s Not Scribble to Me. Here you are. Look at you! Tiny, precious, all brand-new. At first you were a beating heart, now your life’s about to start ... Hello, Baby! A sweet story that perfectly captures the special feelings that arrive with a new baby, and which will welcome a bundle of joy into hearts and homes. Ages 9-13. Published by Allen & Unwin RRP $16.99