Before the invention of washing machines, people washed their hosiery and other garments by hand. Handwashing clothes was the primary method of laundry for centuries, and it involved several steps:
Filling a Wash Basin: People would fill a basin or a large container with water. The water could be cold or warm, depending on the fabric and personal preference.
Adding Soap: They would then add soap or detergent to the water to create a soapy solution. In the past, soap was often made from natural ingredients like lye and animal fats.
Soaking: The hosiery would be soaked in the soapy water for a period of time to loosen dirt and stains.
Agitating: To clean the hosiery thoroughly, people would agitate the water by hand, swishing and rubbing the fabric against itself to remove dirt and grime.
Rinsing: After washing, the hosiery would be rinsed in clean water multiple times to remove soap residue and ensure it was clean.
Wringing: Once the hosiery was rinsed, excess water was removed by wringing it out by hand. Care was taken not to damage delicate fabrics.
Drying: The hosiery was then hung up to dry, either on a clothesline outdoors or indoors on a drying rack.
Ironing: Depending on the type of hosiery and personal preference, some people would iron their stockings or socks after they were dry to give them a smooth, wrinkle-free appearance.
Handwashing garments, including hosiery, was a labor-intensive process, and it required significant time and effort. People often did laundry on a weekly basis, setting aside a specific day for this task. The invention of the washing machine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries revolutionized laundry practices, making the process much more convenient and less physically demanding.