In a world full of gadgets, the Amish keep things straightforward—even when it comes to washing clothes.
How Do the Amish Wash Their Clothes?
The Amish wash their clothes either by hand or with the help of a manual wringer washer or a non-electric washing machine. Most of them use a manual wringer washer that gets the job done without the need for modern power.
Some Old Order and Swartzentruber Amish groups use a big pot with hot water to wash clothes. They do a “swoosh” move, moving the clothes around in the hot water until they’re clean.
The Amish use water from wells or natural sources for washing. It’s part of their commitment to being self-sufficient and living a down-to-earth lifestyle.
Amish Clothes Care in 4 Steps
1. Washing Clothes
Amish women begin by washing their clothes, using either their hands, a manual wringer washer, or a non-electric washing machine. Typically, they use homemade soap for the laundry.
2. Wringing Out Water
Then, they get rid of excess water. This can be done using a hand-cranked wringer or by manually squeezing the water out.
3. Hanging the Clothes Outdoors
The Amish dry their clothes outside by hanging them on lines with wooden or metal clothespins. These lines are cleverly strung between trees, posts, or poles in sunny and windy spots for quick drying.
4. Folding and Storing
Once the clothes are completely dry, the women take them down, fold them neatly, and store them in their designated places.
What Do the Amish Use to Wash Their Clothes?
Old Order Amish typically use homemade soap to wash their clothes. It’s basic and made from lard and lye, giving clothes a natural clean without any fancy chemicals.
New Order Amish may occasionally use modern detergent to do the laundry.
Amish families hang their clothes outside on lines to dry naturally.
Many set up a long clothesline with two pulleys. One is connected to a far-off pole in the yard, and the other is right on the porch for quick access.
They use this setup to smoothly move the line around the pulleys. When it’s time, they hang the wash with regular hangers and, once dry, effortlessly pull it back in from the porch.
Hanging clothes outside saves energy and lets them enjoy the fresh air and sunlight while drying.
Do the Amish Use Washing Machines?
Contrary to common belief, the Amish do use washing machines, but not the electric kind. You might spot Amish women on the porch doing laundry with a washing machine powered by a gasoline engine.
It’s a clever mix of tradition and a bit of technology, showing their practical side.
Maytag wringer washers hold a special place in Amish homes, especially in Old Order Amish communities. Even though Maytag stopped making them in the ’80s, there are thousands still in use thanks to their robust build.
The Amish often get their hands on these classic washers through the secondary market.
Not Every Day’s Laundry Day
Amish families aren’t on a constant laundry spree. They wash clothes less often than most people and might wear the same outfit for a couple of days.
Amish women and girls do the family laundry every week, choosing any day except Sunday. In many Amish homes, laundry day is on Mondays.
Every Monday, many Amish households buzz with washing, rinsing, and hanging clothes to dry.
How Do the Amish Dry Clothes in Winter?
In winter, the Amish hang clothes indoors in an unused room or basement to dry them. This takes a bit longer than outside if the house is warm. On clear days, others brave the cold, letting the wind and sun dry their clothes.
Once dry, the clothes are either hung indoors to warm up or given a quick ironing.