The art and practice of laundry work

lostinrates

pollypenny wrote: »

I could do with a book for modern washing! The day I iron and find not a single stain remaining will be a miracle.

I actually rang Persil; the lovely lady was honest, admitting that liquid was poor, capsules better, but for cleaning use old fashioned powder.

Bought it, but still not happy.

Thats really interesting....i have read in a few places that liquid is better for darks and colours but i buy powder as it seems to go further.

I have stain problems too.

pollypenny

Re pre-treating stains - more often than not you don't notice spots, including oil-based ones, until they are ironed.

If I notice a spill or a spot I try to act immediately and squidge some detergent on the stain. But I am really fed-up of finding stains which seem to appear with the warm iron.

And don't get me started on tea-towels! Tomato coloured stains !

BitterAndTwisted

A soak in Biotex should shift those tomato stains.

Eliza_2

Bedding from weekender guests soaking in bath right now. Little gem from my book says to put the dirty stuff in to soak first then layer it all in with the lightest colours and cleanest stuff on the top,

So when you remove the top stuff and wring it out ready to rinse, the clean water runs onto the dirty clothes rather than dirty or maybe coloured water running onto white sheets.

Seems obvious really, and why am I sharing this wisdom with you all when you've all got washing machines humming in the kitchen - but I'm pleased with my new knowledge anyway!

... now where's that goffering iron?....

charlies-aunt

Soaking teatowels in a solution of water and Stardrops brings them up well . . . and brilliant for grubby collar and cuffs on white shirts

beautiful_ravens

Oh god, Ive not had a washing machine so many times..I usually end up giving in and washing things at someone elses house. I have done handwashing in the bath, and the rinsing and wringing is such a pain..no wonder those ladies way back when were really strong, slim with dry hands and never any spare time!!
I vowed I every time the machine broke that I would get hold of a twin tub and keep it in the garage for emergencies, or get one of those caravan washing machines, but I never do. Have to say I love twin tubs!!!

I would say use bars of soap, and rub/scrub stains against the side of the bath - and wear dark colours til you get a new machine.