Washboard question...

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Can anybody tell me why you would choose a metal washboard vs. the glass washboard? Thanks!

-- Mumsie (Shezdremn@aol.com), July 11, 1999

Answers

I have looked at both and the galss seemed better to me. It seemed sturdier and did not seem to have the potential to bend up with use. Can't say for sure, however and would appreicate other input.

-- smfdoc (smfdoc@aol.com), July 11, 1999.

Bent metal wash boards thed to work - even if only just OK.

"Bent" glass boards tend to decide to go to pieces.

-- Greybear (greybear@home.com), July 11, 1999.


In the UK they were often made of wood either lime,deal or elm,I think.Lasted for about 15 years,my grandma reckoned.She used her's in connection with a copper(Large metal bowl inset in rectangular brick structure under which you could light a fire to heat the water in the copper.When I was a child,one of my jobs was to go & collect wood for the fire.

At the end of wash day ,by which time the wash house was nice & warm,the copper was used to heat the water for the kids's baths.It was kind of spooky in the winter because there were always gigantic spider webs hanging from the nooks & crannies in the wash house & only flickering candle light to see by.Once we were bathed, we would be wrapped in towels & run up the garden path,sometimes in the snow & into the house.

Those were the days !!

-- Chris (griffen@globalnet.co.uk), July 11, 1999.


A washboard sounds like too much work for me. I plan on using a plunger and trash cans for my laundry. I also will be using a bucket with mop wringer attached to speed up the drying time for small items like underwear and socks. Be sure an buy lots of playtex gloves.

-- Carol (glear@usa.net), July 11, 1999.

Our metal washboard got rusty...

-- Mommacares (harringtondesignX@earthlink.net), July 11, 1999.


Carol, It is alot of work....talk to anyone who has lived with out the modern clothes washers. But I figure if using a trash can and tolet plunger were a better way then you would see the amish doing it. I visited an amish man and his wife (starting to become friends), he shoes our horses. She walked me thru her wash house, it was quite intresting. I could do laundry in a set-up like hers.

I guess the million doller question is.... just how long are you prepareing for? If for one-three months, then yes I supose you could do with anything. But if for a year or two, then I want the good stuff, the tried and proven method.

-- bulldog (sniffin@around.com), July 11, 1999.


I have a glass washboard- from Lehmans. Use it for felting wool; works quite well. sure do love my washing machine though.......

-- farmer (hillsidefarm@drbs.com), July 11, 1999.

bulldog, could you please describe the washing set up you observed? Thanks!

-- Mumsie (Shezdremn@aol.com), July 11, 1999.

Carol,

Love your idea with the garbage can and plunger! You'd have an improved version with the Rapid Washer mentioned in the later posts, if you can locate one - or at least punch some holes in the plunger so it can work with less resistance and agitate the clothes more gently. Also, good point about stocking up on rubber gloves - laundry detergent is terribly harsh on the hands. Soap flakes like Ivory are much milder.

-- Jill (jdance@mindspring.com), July 11, 1999.


Jill makes a good point about laundry soap and detergent.

Tide and the other brands you purchase are made for washing machines where the soap and water doesn't get in contact with your hands.

If you plan to wash by hand you should stock up on Simply Green or Ivory soap flakes.

-- laura (laura@spoaster.com), July 12, 1999.



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