How Do Knights Wash Their Armor? (And Their Socks, Too)

In medieval times, knights battled dragons, stormed castles, and still had to deal with dirty laundry. While their armor took the spotlight, their underclothes, tunics, and linens needed regular washing too. So, how did people in the Middle Ages keep things clean without detergent pods or laundromats? Let’s step into the past—then show how far we’ve come.

Washing in the Age of Chainmail

In medieval Europe, laundry was no easy task. Most people used cold river water, harsh lye soap, and a lot of elbow grease. Clothes were scrubbed on rocks, stomped in barrels, or soaked in boiling water. Drying meant hanging garments in the sun—if the weather cooperated.

As for knights, their metal armor wasn’t washed, it was polished. Squires used sand, vinegar, or wool cloths to scrub off rust and dirt after battle. It was a long, tedious process—but crucial for keeping armor functional and shining.

Today’s Armor: Think Heavy-Duty Loads

Modern life might not include jousting tournaments, but we still have our version of “armor”—like work uniforms, sports gear, and heavy bedding. These items demand extra care and power, just like medieval armor did.

That’s where Nashville Laundry comes in. With our high-capacity Speed Queen washers, you can easily handle heavy-duty loads. Muddy jeans? Oversized comforters? No problem.

The Modern Advantage

Unlike those who lived during the Medieval times, you won’t need to haul your laundry to a river. Use the Speed Queen Mobile App to reserve a machine, customize your cycle, and get notified when your wash is done. It’s laundry, leveled up.

Long Live Clean Laundry

At Nashville Laundry, we may not polish armor, but we’re experts at handling the toughest, messiest loads life throws your way. From muddy uniforms and bulky bedding to sweat-soaked gym gear, our high-capacity Speed Queen machines are built to power through it all.

Stop by today, bring your modern-day battle gear, and let our machines take the weight off your shoulders—literally. Because while knights had squires, you’ve got Nashville Laundry, and that’s even better.