Laundry

Laundry refers to the washing of clothing and linens. The process of doing laundry and the room where this is typically done is often referred to as a laundry room or utility room. Laundry processes are often done in a room reserved for that purpose; in an individual home this is referred to as a laundry room, Laundry in Australian English or utility room. An apartment building or student hall of residence may have a shared laundry facility such as a tvättstuga. A stand-alone business is referred to as a self-service laundry (laundromat in American English or launderette in British English).

History

Laundry has been a common chore since humans began wearing clothing. The methods and tools have evolved over time, from rivers and washboards to modern appliances. The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes, including the invention of the washing machine.

Methods

Laundry processes include washing (usually with water containing detergents or other chemicals), agitation, rinsing, drying, pressing (ironing), and folding. The washing will often be done at a temperature above room temperature to increase the activities of any chemicals used and the solubility of stains, and high temperatures kill micro-organisms that may be present on the fabric.

Chemicals

Various chemicals may be used to increase the solvent power of water, such as the compounds in soaproot or yucca-root used by Native American tribes, or the ash lye (usually sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) once widely used for soaking laundry in Europe. Soap, a compound made from lye and fat, is an ancient and common laundry aid. Modern washing machines typically use synthetic powdered or liquid laundry detergent in place of more traditional soap.

Environmental impact

The universal use of clothes and the need for their cleaning, has created a number of environmental issues, such as water pollution caused by the laundry detergents, the use of energy for heating the wash-water, and so on. For example, in the United States, approximately 90% of all laundry is done in warm or hot water. Washing laundry in hot water can use up to ten times more energy than washing in cold water.

See also

• Dry cleaning
• Ironing
• Laundry detergent
• Laundry symbols
• Self-service laundry
• Washing machine

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