Sloten likes to pay homage to its 'bleaches'. This 'Bleekweide' was a grassy commons area on which freshly washed linen was left to dry and bleach in the sun. After being washed, linen was often still yellowy, with the smells of its use still on it. It was discovered that the linen became lighter in colour and smelt fresher by laying out on a grassy field and allowing it to dry. With the help of the sun, free oxygen atoms were formed, that attach themselves to the dirt, giving the same effect as if it had been bleached using hydrogen peroxide. And the linen gained a fresh scent and lighter colour. This was therefore known as ‘bleaching’.
Right up until the 20th century, bleaches were still used in the textile industry. At home too, many people would lay out their washing on the bleach to dry. Sloten likes to remember this bleaching system along its city moat. The difference is that the laundry is now not spread out on the grass, but rather hung from a washing line. And that not only looks very cosy, but is also extremely practical. Sloten is such a compact place, that there is only enough room on the outskirts for the laundry to dry and bleach in the sun and wind. Doesn't it look lovely?
