Laundry as a Metaphor for Life

If sins are thought of as stains on the soul then is laundry a process of redemption?

• So I mused as I faced the thrill of removing gum from twill! Twill is a diagonal weave resulting in ridges on fabrics like denim. This helps to make a strong bond with plastic substances like chewing gum. Ice is recommended to harden the gum so most can be broken and scraped off with a dull knife. But I had no ice so I used theology instead.

1. Sympathy - I soaked the garment in warm water and detergent to soften up the gum.


2. Prayer - I used a commercial stain lifter to loosen the gum.


3. Chastisement - I rubbed with a toothbrush.


4. Purification - I sprayed with vinegar and rinsed with water.

Behold the surface of the garment was as free of blemish as the day it was made!

Green Cleaning

queenwashandfold@gmail.com
I used to work for a financial institution with a quarter trillion in assets. Every time they were about to make a decision they asked two questions. "What is the risk involved in doing this? What benefits can we achieve from this?" Ask yourself the same questions when doing any cleaning at home or work.

I am recommending cleaning solutions that I have tried and found effective. These do not involve extreme risks to the average person such as "Caution, Irritant. If swallowed do not induce vomiting. Wear gloves at all times when handling". Why put up with all this hassle just to wash some clothes or mop your floor? These solutions are so non-toxic that some of them even have a therapeutic effect on the human body!


Vinegar is Queen

• Use instead of fabric softener. Add 1/4 cup white vinegar to the final rinse.
  
• Mix up 1/4 cup vinegar and two cups of water in a spray bottle.
  
1. Use to clean windows.
2. Use as a general purpose cleaner.
3. Spray on leather shoes after applying shoe polish. Then polish again for a mirror shine.
4. Spray on salt stained shoes. Wipe off with a rag to remove salt.
5. This will clean stainless steel surfaces.
   

Baking Soda is King

• Add 1/4 cup along with your regular laundry detergent for a real cleaning boost.
  
• Sprinkle over surface and use instead of harsh, abraisive cleaners to scrub sinks, toilets and tubs.
• Speaking of tubs. Put 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup sea salt into tub. Add water as hot as you find comfortable and sprinkle a few drops of essential oil e.g. lavender. Soak awhile. This will soothe or prevent many muscular aches and pains.
• For indigestion. Mix 1/2 t. in 1/2 cup water. Sip slowly.