Laundry day for the Amish is Monday. Whole family, all clothes, one day.
Process
Heat water on the wood stove. Grate bar soap. Soak laundry 30 minutes. Washboard: rub fabric against ribbed surface. Stains — extra soap rub.
Wringing
Hand-cranked wringer — two rubber rollers with a handle. Feed laundry through — squeezes out 90% of water. Faster and better than hand-wringing.
Rinsing
Two to three times in clean water. Last rinse — a splash of vinegar (softens fabric, removes soap residue).
Drying
Clothesline outside — sun + wind. UV rays disinfect (kill bacteria). Laundry smells fresh, not chemical. Winter — line inside or in the attic.
Not As Bad As It Sounds
All laundry for a family of 8 — 3–4 hours. Machine for 8 loads + drying — same 3–4 hours. Difference: Amish clothes last longer — machine drums wear out fabric.