In a lather over doing the washing | Brief letters
Briefly

The article reflects on the historical and cultural distinctions between the terms 'washhouse' and 'laundry,' mainly emphasizing how this terminology varies geographically and socially. For instance, in Manchester, public facilities were called washhouses, while workers referred to them as laundries, suggesting a class connotation. Personal anecdotes highlight how regional terminology affects individual experiences in laundry practices. Additionally, the letters discuss how differing roles in washing within marriages have evolved, with some couples opting to handle their laundry separately over the years, further complicating the definitions of these terms.
The term 'washhouse' reflects a historical class distinction, as noted from the evolution of public washhouses in Manchester to modern-day laundries, revealing societal changes.
The separation of washing and laundry appears to be influenced by personal preferences and geographical factors, affecting household dynamics and familial roles within marriages.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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