By Amna Al-Shimmeri
KUWAIT, July 28 (KUNA) -- Kuwaitis of yesteryear have long relied on a slew of cleaning tools that had become an inextricable part of everyday life back then.
In spite of the adversity faced by our forefathers and the simplicity of life in their day, they have always made it a point to stay hygienic and tidy. Needless to say, the tools they used back then were a far cry from those we have at our disposal today.
In an interview with KUNA, Kuwaiti researcher Saleh Al-Methen noted that Kuwaiti domiciles have always been spotlessly clean, where toilets are typically far away from bedrooms and living rooms.
Amongst those tools was a spherical container made from metal and copper known as "Al-Tasht", where the sight of women bathing their children while ensconced in those containers was an everyday occurrence. Moreover, amongst the prominent detergents used then were a collection of soaps including, "Rita, Ragi (watermelon-based soap), Bu Deek, and Teen Khawa." The latter was some greenish medicinal mud women would often use on their manes, as it was known to contain nourishing properties.
In addition, another frequently used detergent was "Al-Juwait", a deep bluish powder often diluted in water used to clean white clothing. Similarly, "Leefa" was a hand-sized scrub that came in an assortment of sizes.
Furthermore, "Al-Takhta" was another cleaning tool used back then, a wooden chair people would often sit on while showering. Kuwaitis back then often used an apparatus known as "Mathrabat Al-Harees", where they would use it to strike wet clothes after washing them, Al-Methen added.
Meanwhile, children back then were disciplined and taught to stay dapper, as they often used a small chair known as "Al-Qaysariya" for all their toilet needs. Another tool, "Al-Gubgab" was a wooden pair of shoes used in bathrooms.
Another ubiquitous tool back then was "Dram", a steel trash can the government would provide all houses with, as all the litter was taken to "Al-Smada", a place where the loads of garbage was stored.
"Al-Maghsal", an apparatus used by the elderly to wash their hands was another household staple, in addition to "Al-shamla", a piece of garment used to dry off soaked hands, Al-Methen said.
All of these tools conjure fond memories for those who have lived long enough to use them, giving the current generation an inkling of how simple yet delightful life was back then. (end) ash.nam