Traditional Laundry Methods are Alive and Well at The Vintage Wash House

Linda Peake set up The Vintage Wash House at Skipton’s Handpicked Hall in May of 2013. As of March 2014, the shop is now located at 3 Court Lane, Skipton. The 1940s-inspired stall sells nostalgic homeware gifts and a range of traditional cleaning and laundry products, from the former Sunwin House department store. 

From her stall, complete with authentic washboard and mangle, and blitz-style paper-tape crosses on the windows, Linda demonstrates the household duties of a typical 1940s housewife, using traditional products like Soap Flakes and Soda Crystals.

Linda explains, “I wanted to set up a totally unique stall showcasing vintage laundry methods and demonstrating how traditional products can work just as well, if not better, than their modern equivalents. Soap Flakes, for instance, clean effectively and efficiently but contain no perfumes or allergens, making them perfect for delicate laundry and cleaning without aggravating skin conditions.”

After demonstrating her nostalgic laundry methods, customers are able to buy from the range of traditional and natural cleaning and laundry products, including Linda’s own hand-knitted 100% cotton dishcloths, as well as vegetable Soap Flakes, Soda Crystals, White Vinegar, Bicarbonate of Soda, Borax Substitute and Laundry Starch.

The traditional products, made by family-run Derbyshire manufacturer, Dri-Pak, are experiencing something of a revival of late, thanks to their simple and effective cleaning power. The allergen-free alternatives to modern cleaners are made from sustainable sources and are extremely versatile, as Linda explains: 

“Soda Crystals alone have hundred of uses around the home, from unblocking a slow-draining sink, to clearing a driveway of moss and removing laundry stains like grease, ink and blood, they really are a true multi-purpose product”.

The nostalgic atmosphere of the Vintage Wash House stall often encourages people to share their own experiences of washdays gone by, as well as sparking questions from the younger generations, as Linda explains:

“I really enjoy people sharing their memories of using the old washboards and mangles, and it’s great teaching the younger generations how we used to do things. Many of the people I speak with agree that a lot of the simpler, old-fashioned products deserve place in the 21^st century home!”

The Vintage Wash House at 3 Court Lane, Skipton (BD23 1DD) is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. 

Find out more about the History of Soda Crystals and Soap Flakes on the Dri-Pak website.

How to Clean Shaving Brushes

A high-quality shaving brush can really make the difference when it comes to your morning shave. A good brush should make a smooth, creamy lather that easily transfers onto the face, and should be soft enough to gently massage, exfoliate and cleanse the skin. A quality Silver tip Badger hair brush is considered to be the best (and priciest!), but even cheaper, synthetic brushes need a regular maintenance routine to avoid bacteria growth and product build up, as well as bent and loose bristles.

After every shave, thoroughly rinse the brush with warm water before shaking off the excess water and hanging upside down on a brush stand with room for the air to circulate. Leaving a brush wet can lead to mildew forming, which could affect the skin the next time it gets used, so even if you have to put it back in a toiletry bag, for example after a gym session, make sure you take it out to air dry as soon as possible.

Your brush should also be deep cleaned every 2-3 months, as oils from your face and product build up can affect the absorbency of the bristles and consequently, how effective the brush is. Caring for a shaving brush will also extend its lifespan, saving you money in the long run.

To deep clean your shaving brush, mix one tablespoon of Borax Substitute with a few drops of warm water to make a thick paste. Rub the brush into the paste, working it into each hair, right down to the base. Leave the paste on the brush overnight before rinsing thoroughly with warm water in the morning. Check out our video below to see how it's done!