Washing device

3D Model

The wooden pendulum “washing machine” is a mechanical home device used for washing clothes, linen and fabrics. The operating principle of the wooden washing machine was similar to that of washing on a washboard. Several pieces of wet and soaped washing were put in the lower part, which was equipped with specially profiled washboard-shaped slats turned towards the inside of the device. The upper part of the washing machine was installed on top of this, with the modelled slats turned downwards. The entire contraption was placed in a tub into which enough hot water was poured to produce soap foam. The water permeated inside the device through holes drilled in its side. The device was driven by a round wooden rod mounted in special metal mountings of the Wäscherin D.R.M.S system. They enabled the pendulum movement of the device.

Manufacturer: unknown, Germany, end of 19th century

Inv. No. MIM241/IX-6

Model prepared on the basis of photogrammetric measurements

Licence: CC BY-NC-SA