A sociology report listed the Washing Machine as THE most important labour saving device that helped to free up women from domestic life.
Just thinking how many we use now - some we just take for granted. So we hoover (vacuum really, few of us use a hoover). Duvets have taken over from the large pile of blankets, microwaves and slow cookers, airfryers, etc. etc. have helped us reduce cooking times. Electric mixers have made the making of cakes and pastry and bread something quick and easy. I can well remember 'creaming' marge and sugar with wooden spoon in a bowl. And also trying so hard to whip cream to a firm texture with a fork never very successfully.
Cleaning out and relaying the fire each morning is something I can remember my Dad doing, and then my Mum trying to get that alight when she came home from work in the evening - and that just to heat one small room. Central Heating, even plug in heaters have made such a huge difference.
I never scrub any floor. I do remember getting down on my knees with bucket, scrubbbing brush cloth, and soap. Not these days, thank goodness. My lovely Karndean flooring (everywhere except in my bedroom), takes a quick vacuuming and the occasional wipe over with a lovely spray type mop .(head of which goes directly into washing machine. Vacuums are said to be the single most item which has helped to wipe out bed bugs!!!
Do like to use my slimline dishwasher when I have visitors for a meal, however, normally prefer to my small amount of washing up in a bowl in my sink. But even that is so much easier with the constant hot water I have. I know some people feel that their dishwasher is just about the greatest thing since 'sliced bread'.!! And there is another great little labour saving item in itself.
And what about our 'fridges? few home now without one of these, so meat and fish kept more safely, milk not going off, butter not running everywhere. My Mum used to make, what she called 'cream'cheese with the gone off milk (not cream in it - was in fact more like cottage cheese), so that muslin bag hung on the ceiling over the tiny corner sink (cold water tap only) we had, drip dripping all through the night, then beaten up with a fork, salt added plus the top of another pint of milk. I love my fridge.
Freezers giving us not just variety but also the opportunity of so much healthier eating. Mine contains a lot of lovely fresh fish, and a wonderful mixtures of fresh vegetables and fruit.
For some it maybe some small item, the electric can opener, the easy to use zester.
So, what is your choice for the best labour saving devices in our homes.
To think that London, or anywhere else for that matter, does not belong to any one demographic
Should women have equal pay and opportunities?
Another week, another Tory MP sex scandal!
Passports not in the drawer I always keep them in. Turning the place upside down.
