Siti Rahmah Abdullah, 70, worked in a small laundry for nearly twenty years. She says she has no nostalgia for pressing piles of shirts, but she still likes doing laundry at home.
Why?
Because it has a clear beginning and end. Dirty clothes go in. Clean clothes come out. Many problems in life are not so cooperative.
What was the laundry like?
Hot. Always hot. We had fans, but the irons made the room warm. There were four of us most years. We talked while we worked, unless there was a big hotel order and everyone had to hurry.
Did customers complain?
Sometimes. Missing button, small stain, shirt not ready yet. Usually they were reasonable. Once in a while somebody acted like one shirt was a national emergency.
Do you iron everything now?
Absolutely not. Only clothes that need it. My children grew up wearing many shirts that were “good enough.” They survived.
What is your day like now?
Breakfast with my husband, some housework, maybe grocery shopping. In the afternoon I watch television or visit my sister. Friday is usually laundry day.
Siti laughed when asked whether she uses fabric softener. “My daughter buys expensive kinds,” she said. “I use whatever is on sale.”
By N. Rahman
