I found this at a garage sale, but I had no idea what it was.

In this way, a simple mechanical device was created, often made of wood or metal. It was a primitive version of modern wringers. Thanks to the two crank-operated shafts, it was possible to remove excess water from the clothes without having to wring them out by hand. It wasn’t an automatic washing machine yet, but it was a huge step forward at the time.

A simple but ingenious innovation

A simple but ingenious innovation

Often referred to as a ‘fabric eater’ due to its ability to swallow materials to compress them, this tool has saved households valuable time. It was more than just a gadget—it was a turning point in managing household chores, especially for women, who often took on that responsibility. This progress was not just technical; It also brought about subtle social change by reducing the burden of housework.

From modern machines to the heritage of the past