As society and technology changed, so did the laundry practices of women. Prior to 1937, and the invention of the washing machine, laundry was primarily done once a week, by hand. In Greenbelt, and throughout most of the country, Monday seemed to be the day chosen by most to do laundry. It was known as Blue Monday.1 Laundries were another methods of doing the wash during the 1930's and 40's. This service provided an convenient and efficient means of doing hard to wash items. In October of 1940, Good Housekeeping reported that although "some or all of the washing is done in ninety-two percent of the homes reporting, some women make good use of professional laundries, too."2

After the emergence of the washing machine in households, laundry practices changed, especially for the middle class. Homemaking magazines began to recommend "tips" for women to follow in order to get their laundry done in both a quick and efficient manner. In August of 1938, the magazine recommended that women wash items that take little or no time to iron, such as sheets and bathtowels, on Friday. 3 In June of 1943, the magazine recommended that women should wash often, several times a week. In their opinion, this would not only lighten the job, but provide enough hot water, as well. The same issue also suggested that clothes should be divided according to color, to prevent running or bleeding, and to always look at labels when buying clothes.4 Other tips were printed in reference to the type of material that was being washed, bleaching, and how to solve hard water. Another phenomenon of the washing machine was the invention of laundry spaces. Good Housekeeping suggested that the woman "make the best with what (she) has." In their 1939 article, they recommend that women should consider wiring and lighting when designing the room, have a washing machine, as well as ironer. The magazine also reminds women to remember that the placement of the necessary items, washer and ironer, is extremely important in the success of the room.5

It is highly unlikely that the women in Greenbelt were actually able to follow the suggestions made by the middle class magazine, Good Housekeeping. The houses of Greenbelt were for low-income families, many of whom could barely afford the basic necessities, let alone a new washing machine. If Ann Neville's family, residents during the 40's, was like most of her neighbors, washing was done by hand or sent to the laundry.6 The restrictions of space also presented a problem with the idea of creating a separate laundry room. As a result, most of the women who washed their clothes at home, did so in the kitchen sink.