How often do you launder----

[adam2]

Since I posted the above, I have been ill, details of illness and recovery here http://forum.powerswitch.org.uk/viewtop ... 40&t=28593
As a result TPTB are keeping an eye on me and making certain that I am laundering clothing and bedding "frequently" In particular they were concerned that I only launder blankets once a year, or twice for the one used every week.

Once a year seems ample for blankets used indoors, on a bed, and with sheets, such that blankets don't normally come into direct skin contact. What do others think ?
For those who favour a duvet, how often do you wash the duvet, not the loose cover but the duvet itself ?

They seem concerned that I have no tumble dryer, this being considered a basic human right. Don't want one, too much piggery of electricity !

[Ralphw2]

I have some friends and acquaintances that live in deeply unsanitary conditions, all of them in their 60s now. They are generally in good health as far as I can tell, and whilst not wealthy, they are all financially secure. Given the level of toxicity that many cleaning products and environmental plastics have, I am not sure they haven't got a better life expectancy of many clean living middle class households. Cleanliness of your home should be in most cases a personal choice.

[Potemkin Villager]

As a result TPTB are keeping an eye on me and making certain that I am laundering clothing and bedding "frequently" In particular they were concerned that I only launder blankets once a year, or twice for the one used every week.

People in these roles are often display a degree of authoritarian zealousness which may have a lot to do with their controlling personalities, morbid fear of germs and some degree of OCD. One of my better half's sisters can get like this on a bad day and keeps her residence perpetually squeaky clean neat and tidy. Everything having to be in it's place and cleaned and polished to within an inch of it's life must be extremely stressful. What would be even more stressful for her would to come and stay with us. Funnily enough she has never chosen to come and experience semi off grid living despite numerous invitations.

Personally I don't think we have ever washed a duvet.

[adam2]

As a result TPTB are keeping an eye on me and making certain that I am laundering clothing and bedding "frequently" In particular they were concerned that I only launder blankets once a year, or twice for the one used every week.

Personally I don't think we have ever washed a duvet.

You do not know what you have missed !
The bursting of a feather/down duvet in the washer or dryer, they contain about a million feathers.
The excessive weight of a saturated polyester duvet that prevents the washing machine from spinning.
The falling down of the washing line under the weight of a wet duvet.
The cost of electricity for drying a wet duvet exceeding its value.

If a duvet is to be washed, do this in a launderette, preferably not one where you are known. If the duvet explodes in the washer or dryer, do not examine the remains or comment on the mishap but leave the premises.

[Potemkin Villager]

Maybe they need "dry" cleaning

[adam2]

Maybe they need "dry" cleaning

Or replacing with wool blankets ? Long lasting and can be washed with no risk of bursting/exploding. A worn out blanket can come apart when washed, but only when already worn out and due for replacement. And the remains can be used for small children or pets. A torn duvet is useless.

Whilst times are normal blankets or duvets may be used, but blankets are in my view a better long term prep.