Rinse and repeat
Connecting with my ancestors through a simple daily chore
As I washed the dishes this morning (yes, the “old-fashioned” way), the motions took my mind back to a Home Economics class in elementary school and a lesson on the “correct order of washing”.
Perhaps you learned this too? Clear the plates, soak the pans, and dive into the choreographed dance of washing order. From glasses, cups and cutlery to plates, serving dishes and cooking pots, there was a rule, an order, and it had to be obeyed! After washing came the art of stacking and nesting the dried dishes. Some teachers even taught us a few extras: how to keep dust (or bugs!) out by storing cups and glasses upside down, and how to remove food, tea and coffee stains with a little vinegar and baking soda (or bleach!).
Sixty years later, those sudsy lessons are still on rinse-and-repeat! Washing dishes is a daily ritual, passed down through the ages. Back in the day, conserving water was key, with no luxury of hot taps on demand. And quite likely no running water at all! I can’t imagine hauling buckets of water from wells or local streams and heating them over a fireplace or atop a cast iron stove — quite a workout!
But it wasn't just dishes; it was general cleaning, personal bathing and laundry too. Every drop counted in the battle against both grime and time. These old-school ways were all about what we might call eco-smarts and sustainability, but our ancestors may have simply called it thriftiness or efficiency.
Many today cannot do without a dishwasher. Yes, they are speedy, convenient and kill germs at higher temperatures than we could tolerate when washing manually.
But there is something special about handwashing — for some, perhaps it is merely a moment to ponder the meal, or maybe how to change up the menu next time.
For me, it is a moment to use my hands, to connect with my ancestors by doing things the slow or old way, and to reflect on how they lived and what I might learn from that.
What other bygone habits might you reclaim for the sake of sustainability?
Time to dig into the treasure trove of old-school tricks, tips and methods!
I invite you to share your thoughts — and treasure trove of tricks — below.
I learned to do dishes the same way as you--still do to this day. We have a dishwasher but usually only use it if we have a lot of guests. Washing dishes by hand is like a meditation in motion.
I would love to see us get back to hanging laundry out. One area we lived, we weren't allowed to hang laundry out because it was "offensive." I am happy to have moved from there!
I love this remembrance of Home Ec classes; these were invaluable lessons in life. I was fortunate to have two excellent teachers who led us through the mysteries of the kitchen, as well as a mother who taught me well. I still do dishes in this manner, and I enjoy the moments of feeling the soapy warm water and the sound of squeaky clean plates. I remember Nana and Mum hanging out laundry; I can hear the crackle of frozen sheets as we pulled them off the line on wintry days, and the fresh smell of sun-warmed clothing. We aren't allowed to hang laundry out on our balconies, though in summer sunshine I do cheat and hang my bath towel over my porch swing, where it isn't immediately visible.