Wash Day Kit HC119

One oval shaped galvanized metal wash tub with a handle at each end.

One round galvanized metal bucket with handle at top.

Three wooden wash boards. 

Ten wooden pegs.

Two bars of early 1900's soap to show your students.

Two bars of Sunlight soap- can be used. 

One scrubbing brush.

Wash Day

Wash day was traditionally Monday because it was the day after the Sunday roast. The cold meat left over meant that the time needed for food preparation could be used for washing clothes.

Washing was a huge job because of the number of underclothes people used to wear. Women sometimes wore up to six petticoats!

Washing often started at 5am with boiling water over a fire. Rivers, if available, were used for the first wash. Later, a tub was filled with hot water boiled on a fire.

Favourite and valuable dresses were sometimes unpicked for washing or the lining was removed and washed. The outer layer would be wiped down.

Cornflour and water was used to starch the whites and the soap was homemade.

Washing was usually the work of the women of the household however often the whole family was involved. Children were expected to help by collecting kindling for the fire and caring for younger children while the adults were busy.

date: Early 1900s

maximum dimension: xxx

subject area: Social Science, Technology

subject themes: Housework, Chores, Women, Domestic, early 1900's

handling collection number: HC119

why not get your hands on these... 

Petticoat HC8 > https://www.handsontauranga.co.nz/hot-items/putaiao-papori-social-sciences/petticoat-hc8/

Sad Iron HC52 > https://www.handsontauranga.co.nz/hot-items/hangarau-technology/sad-iron-hc52/

Early 1900's Soap Bars HC130 > https://www.handsontauranga.co.nz/hot-items/putaiao-science/soap-bars-hc1301-4/

Swift household cleaner HC120 > https://www.handsontauranga.co.nz/hot-items/putaiao-papori-social-sciences/swift-household-cleanser-hc120/