Your idea of laundry day may involve collecting dirty clothes from different corners, placing them in a hamper, and taking a few crucial actions before beginning a load of laundry for the week. However, have you ever questioned whether the habits of the rest of the world are worthwhile, how they do their laundry, and what their customs are? If so, we’ve compiled a list of global laundry customs to try and a few that are important to know but should be avoided.
Laundry Traditions Across Cultures:
#1 – Philippines: Cleaning Dirty Laundry By Hand
Although the benefits of washing machines are well known to Filipinos, the ordinary populace cannot afford them. According to Statista, just 49.2% of people actually own one. They fill their tubs and buckets with water and detergent, soak the clothing in the soapy mixture, and then give them a hand scrub. Hand washing your clothing is an environmentally beneficial option, even if you’re not ready to go with your reliable washer just yet. Additionally, it will protect your clothing from the harsh agitation of the washer. This is particularly crucial for materials and clothing with embellishments, like silk, cashmere, and wool.
#2 – India: Laundry Practices in the Community
The Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai, India, is home to the biggest laundromat in the world. About 10,000 washermen and women toil diligently here to clean the filthy clothes of their customers. In certain communities, a household’s women congregate to wash their clothing at the well, stream, or brook in their community. Despite their differences, community and cooperation are at the heart of both of these approaches. Therefore, consider doing your laundry with your friends and family if you don’t like doing it by yourself. Perhaps the feeling of togetherness and belonging will make this chore your favorite.
#3 – Iceland: Using a Rack To Dry Clean Clothing
You might wish to attempt the Icelanders’ trick if you spend most of the year in cold weather and depend on your clothes dryer to dry your cleaned clothes. It is particularly crucial if you’re always trying to find ways to lower your household energy expenses. For drying their laundry, most Icelanders use clothes racks. It is not to imply that they are ignorant of the definition of a dryer. They do, but not everyone has one, and doing the laundry can take some time. Additionally, the dry, chilly air helps the water evaporate more quickly and revitalizes the clothing.
Also Read: How To Get Stains Out Of White Clothes
#4 – Singapore: Cleaning Dirty Clothing With a Professional Laundry Service
Is time a constraint preventing you from having the luxury of doing your laundry? Some Singaporeans outsource their laundry, which you might find appealing. They just locate a trustworthy provider and give them their dirty clothes. After picking up their clean laundry at the appointed hour, they depart. There are also at-home services offered. Regularly using a professional service can be costly, but it’s a wonderful option for people who have busy lives and have a large collection of designer clothing.
#5 – Sweden: Water and Wrinkles Can Be Eliminated From Damp Clothing By Using a Mangle Board
Swedes use a mangle, mangling, or smoothing board to get rid of creases and extra water from cleaned clothing. This gadget consists of a rolling pin and a hardwood board made of oak, pine, or beech trees. The carved board is pressed up against the wet clothing, which is securely wrapped around the thick roller to extract the moisture. It can also be used as a no-electricity iron, so you might want to have one on hand in case of emergencies.
Also Read: How to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle While Doing Laundry
#6 – North America: Self Service Laundry
Even while most American homes have a washing machine, living in a small apartment, studio apartment, or mobile home can be challenging. Therefore, they either use the building’s shared laundry room, just like Penny and Sheldon on “The Big Bang Theory.” Alternatively, people visit self-service laundromats, where using the washer and dryer costs money. With more than 17,000 laundromats across America (according to IBISWorld statistics), they continue to play a significant role in society and provide a chance for individuals to relax and meet new people.
#7 – Middle East: Using the Desert Air To Air Dry Clothing
The cold island nation is not the only place where air-drying clothing is common. It is also well-liked among Middle Eastern residents. They hang their damp clothing on robust clotheslines that they have strung along their yard or balcony. The remainder is handled by the bright sun and the desert air. Furthermore, Europeans generally engage in this habit. In addition to being economical, the sun’s rays aid in eliminating any remaining bacteria in your clothing. However, review your HOA’s rules before putting a line in your yard.
Conclusion:
Laundry practices vary worldwide, reflecting cultural traditions, climate, and resources. While some rely on handwashing, others use advanced technology. In the UK, Hello Laundry offers the best and convenient laundry, dry cleaning and ironing service with free pickup and doorstep delivery at your convenient location. For more information about eco-friendly and professional laundry service in London, schedule your collection today.
