Why did our mother and grandmothers only wash the clothes on a monday

 

The tradition of washing clothes only on Mondays can be traced back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when most households did not have running water or washing machines. Washing clothes was a time-consuming and laborious process that required a lot of water and soap.

Early Washing Practices

In the 18th century, people typically washed their clothes once a week, usually on Mondays. This was because Mondays were typically market days, and people would often travel to town to buy or trade goods. The trip to town also gave them an opportunity to wash their clothes in the public washhouse, which was usually located near the town square or market.

Washing clothes in the 18th century was a very different process than it is today. People would use large washtubs and washboards to scrub their clothes by hand, and they would use lye soap or soap made from animal fat. The washing process could take several hours, and it was often necessary to rewash the clothes several times to get them clean.

The Introduction of Running Water and Washing Machines

In the late 19th century, the introduction of running water and washing machines began to change the way that people washed their clothes. Running water made it much easier to fill up washtubs, and washing machines made the washing process much faster and easier. As a result, people began to wash their clothes more frequently, and the tradition of washing only on Mondays started to fade away.

The Popularization of Washing Powder

In the early 20th century, the invention of washing powder further accelerated the decline of the tradition of washing only on Mondays. Washing powder was much easier and faster to use than lye soap or soap made from animal fat, and it made it possible to wash clothes more frequently without having to scrub them as vigorously.

Modern Washing Practices

Today, most people wash their clothes whenever they need to, and there is no longer any stigma attached to washing clothes on any day of the week. However, the tradition of washing only on Mondays is still sometimes observed by people who want to save water or reduce their environmental impact.

Conclusion

The tradition of washing only on Mondays is a relic of the past, but it is a reminder of how far we have come in terms of washing technology and convenience. Today, we have the luxury of washing our clothes whenever we need to, without having to worry about running water or using harsh detergents.