What did Victorian maids use for washing dishes?

Soap flakes and washing soda - dish cloths and occaisionally brushes - sometimes paper for glassware - although decanters and the like would be the responsibility of the butler. Washing up was an activity reserved for the scullery - a separate area away from the cooking and food preparation areas. By 1880's most areas would have had running water - although water would have had to be heated (possibly in a copper) or on the range.

The dishwasher was actually invented by this time but early models were only available in the US. A mixture of soda and soft soap was used for general washing up. Whiting made a mild, creamy cleaner that would remove grease.

Stronger abrasives such as bath brick and emery powder were used for cleaning knives and iron utensils. Rottenstone was mixed with rape oil to make a paste for cleaning brass and tin. Washing-up cloths were boiled in water to which a little vinegar had been added.

Drains were disinfected with chloride of lime. Sunlight Soap a natural ... more.

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