Mangle Cloth

Mangle

A mangle or wringer is a mechanical laundry aid consisting of two rollers in a sturdy frame, connected by cogs and, in it’s home version, powered by a hand crank or electrically. While the appliance was originally used to wring water from wet laundry, today mangles are used to press or flatten sheets, tablecloth, kitchen towels, clothing and other laundry.

Mangle cloths

These are rare and difficult to find. They were used to protect the linen when using the mangle. The wealthier, the more beautiful the mangle cloth. Some are telling the story of washing and mangling of household linen.