Not so long ago it was common practice to blitz things in the garden with chemicals, no thought being given to collateral damage. Now most of us take a much more hands-off approach expecting nature to find a balance.
I wonder if our current attitude to washing of clothes, and bodies, is like the gardening and farming attitudes of the 1960s. If I believe the adverts, all bacteria are an ever present threat and must be destroyed. Wash, wash, wash is the mantra and with plenty of chemicals to aid us in the elimination of bacteria.
I’ve been reading about washing this evening, astonished to hear so many folk say they wash all clothes after wearing them once. If you don’t, they say, your fabrics will harbour dead skin and could get mould. I have never had mould on my towels. Have you? I have never heard of people becoming ill due to dead skin. Have you? And if we are to wash with such frequency, must we also wash the sofa and the carpets every couple of days as well? They could be riddled with bacteria.
My expectation is that in fifty years’ time we might look back in horror at the profligate 2020s, commenting on the excessive use of water, the unnecessary consumption of energy and the long lasting ocean pollution from phosphates and micro plastics.
Life expectancy for men in England has basically doubled in the last hundred years. This all came from learning, legislation and public health education. Not to be sneezed at. Some steps are wise, not driven by anxiety, but by research and insight. Doing a hot wash once a month is really no big deal.
We wear seat belts now, not because we are paranoid or even because we fear we will be fined. You might not be killed or injured in a car crash without them, but it's a good idea to wear them. Numbers of road traffic deaths in the UK are the lowest they have ever been - a quarter where they were in 1965 (despite over all popn and car ownership increase). Seat belt legislation was introduced from 1963-1983 when it finally became law. Before that people whined that we were turning into a 'nanny state'. Kids killed in a car crash? Well, we all have to die of something, right?
I think if you start equating cleaning laundry to wearing a seat belt, you must accept you're clutching at straws and realise you've lost the plot. I'll leave this one now.
Just back from a dash to the supermarket for bread. I’m getting low on fabric conditioner, but they didn’t have my preferred flavour in stock. I took the lid off one of the special offer alternatives to see what it smelt like. Just realised that’s the reason why I’ve been catching whiffs of vanilla scent for the past hour. Off to wash my nose!
Not at all. It's a public health question. Just as we nowadays wash our hands after using the the toilet and preparing food. It limits the spread of ecoli. We learn as we go.
I only use the dettol product for fiancés work clothes. Generally I avoid antibacterial products as bacteria is often friendly. I just think in a hot environment working with food with the inevitable spills and stains etc that a little extra help won’t hurt. He won’t have fabric conditioner on uniform as strong smells of any kind are discouraged in a professional kitchen. Just wash them hot, and iron them. He likes to look smart at work. Nicer for customers and he feels it’s more professional.
Does anyone else use soda crystals? I started a few years back and use them in each wash now. I did read at the same time as starting with soda, that vinegar as a conditioner works well. Both the crystals and the vinegar apparently help stop limescale - and help with any smells/bacteria.
Does anyone else use soda crystals? I started a few years back and use them in each wash now. I did read at the same time as starting with soda, that vinegar as a conditioner works well. Both the crystals and the vinegar apparently help stop limescale - and help with any smells/bacteria.
I've used them for years. Also brilliant for washing barbecues after use
I use soda crystals when I run out of Calgon … we have very hard water here and Calgon works better, but soda crystals are better than using nothing. I also use them (and household white vinegar) for lots of cleaning tasks and keeping drains clear and fresh.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Posts
I wonder if our current attitude to washing of clothes, and bodies, is like the gardening and farming attitudes of the 1960s. If I believe the adverts, all bacteria are an ever present threat and must be destroyed. Wash, wash, wash is the mantra and with plenty of chemicals to aid us in the elimination of bacteria.
My expectation is that in fifty years’ time we might look back in horror at the profligate 2020s, commenting on the excessive use of water, the unnecessary consumption of energy and the long lasting ocean pollution from phosphates and micro plastics.
I'll leave this one now.
Just realised that’s the reason why I’ve been catching whiffs of vanilla scent for the past hour. Off to wash my nose!
Also brilliant for washing barbecues after use
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.