Mangle (machine)

A mangle is a mechanical laundry device consisting of two parallel rollers mounted in a sturdy frame, used to squeeze excess water from wet clothing and linens by passing them between the rollers, thereby facilitating faster drying.^[1] In its traditional household form, the rollers are connected by cogs and powered by a hand-operated crank, though commercial and later models incorporated steam or electric mechanisms.^[2] The device significantly reduced the physical labor associated with hand-wringing laundry but carried risks of injury, such as fingers being caught in the rotating rollers.^[2] The origins of the mangle trace back to the 18th century in northern and eastern Europe, where early box mangles—consisting of a heavy frame with a weighted box resting on wooden rollers—were developed to press and smooth damp linens like sheets and tablecloths as an alternative to hot ironing.^[3][4] These box mangles, often exceeding 400 pounds when filled with rocks, required one or two operators to move the box back and forth using levers or straps, allowing a family's ironing tasks to be completed in under 10 minutes.^[3] Immigrants, including German Mennonites, brought this technology to regions like the United States, preserving it in rural and homestead settings.^[3] By the mid-19th century, the design evolved into more accessible upright roller mangles, particularly geared wringers suited for wringing water from everyday laundry in both homes and commercial operations.^[4][1] Examples from this era, such as those produced by the American Wringer Company around 1898, featured wooden or rubber-covered rollers and were commonly used by domestic workers in urban households to handle the demanding task of laundry processing.^[2] In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, improvements included steam-powered versions for professional laundries, enhancing efficiency for larger volumes of fabric.^[5] Although mangles remained in use into the mid-20th century—sometimes integrated with early electric washing machines—they were gradually replaced by the spin cycles in modern appliances, rendering wringer mangles obsolete in most domestic laundry practices as of 2025, though ironing mangles continue in commercial settings.^[1][6] Today, antique mangles are preserved in museums as symbols of historical domestic labor and technological progress in household chores.^[1][2]

Definition and Purpose

Overview

A mangle, also known as a wringer in some regions, is a mechanical device consisting of two or more rollers mounted in a sturdy frame, designed to press, wring, or smooth wet or damp laundry items such as sheets, tablecloths, and clothing.^[7] It operates by manually feeding fabric between the rollers, which apply pressure to extract excess water or flatten wrinkles, thereby aiding in the drying and finishing process of textiles.^[4] Unlike irons, which rely on direct heat to shape and crease fabrics, or mechanical dryers that use tumbling and hot air circulation to evaporate moisture, the mangle emphasizes physical compression without thermal elements, making it suitable for handling larger, flat items in a damp state.^[7] This focus on mechanical pressure distinguished it as an early labor-saving tool in laundry routines, particularly for households where hand-wringing was time-intensive and physically demanding.^[4]

Functions

The primary function of the mangle is to wring excess water from rinsed laundry, facilitating faster drying by removing moisture more effectively than manual methods alone.^[8] This process reduces the physical strain of hand-twisting wet fabrics, which could otherwise stretch or tear materials during vigorous wringing.^[9] In pre-electricity eras, mangles significantly saved time and labor for domestic laundry routines, transforming a laborious task into a more manageable one.^[2] A secondary function involves pressing and smoothing flat laundry items to impart a crisp appearance, serving as an efficient precursor to final ironing.^[4] Common examples include sheets, towels, tablecloths, and shirts, which emerge with reduced wrinkles when passed through the device while still slightly damp.^[4] However, mangles are not ideal for delicate fabrics prone to snagging, such as those with buttons that may chip or break under pressure, nor for bulky items without prior folding to fit the rollers.^[10]

Historical Development

Early Origins

The mangle machine originated in 17th- to 18th-century Europe, evolving from manual clothes pressing boards known as mangle boards, which had been used since the 15th century in Scandinavia, the Netherlands and northern Germany to smooth linens by rubbing a flat board over fabric with a rolling pin.^[11] These boards, often elaborately carved as courtship gifts, laid the groundwork for more mechanical pressing devices aimed at reducing the physical strain of laundry.^[12] Early designs emerged around the early 18th century, with the box mangle featuring a heavy wooden frame and a large box filled with rocks or stones that rested on parallel wooden rollers to apply even pressure to wet fabrics.^[3] The table mangle, a smaller variant, was a tabletop apparatus allowing for more accessible household use while still relying on manual force.^[4] These devices were adopted primarily in middle-class households across the Netherlands and England, where laundresses employed them to flatten linens and larger textiles after washing and wringing, a process that previously demanded extensive hand-ironing or board pressing.^[4] In English towns like Whitby, probate records from the early 18th century show mangles in common domestic inventories, reflecting their role in streamlining laundry routines.^[4] In the social context of pre-industrial Europe, the mangle targeted middle-class families seeking to mitigate the grueling, time-consuming labor of laundry, which fell largely to women and servants before mechanized alternatives became widespread.^[4] This innovation marked an important step in domestic technology, easing the physical demands of textile care in an era without powered appliances.

Industrial Advancements

During the 19th century, the mangle underwent significant mechanization, transitioning from labor-intensive wooden box designs to more efficient models featuring cast-iron frames and hand-crank mechanisms, which enhanced durability and ease of operation for both domestic and emerging industrial use in Britain and the United States.^[13] These advancements addressed the physical demands of manual wringing, allowing users to process wet laundry more quickly by turning a crank to rotate the rollers. By the 1890s, companies like the American Wringer Company produced popular models, such as the 1898 wooden-and-metal mangle, which exemplified this shift toward mass-produced, crank-operated devices suitable for home laundries.^[2] Key patents drove these innovations, with early examples focusing on wringer designs that improved safety and efficiency. In the mid-19th century, inventors like John E. Turnbull patented a clothes washer with wringer rolls in 1843, introducing geared hand-crank systems that became foundational for upright mangles in North America.^[14] Later, in the 1880s, Ellen Eglin developed an advanced clothes wringer with adjustable wooden rollers, which was acquired by the American Wringer Company and contributed to widespread adoption.^[15] By the 1920s, electrification marked a major leap, as seen in Ironrite models, which automated the ironing process using electric-powered rollers and heated shoes, reducing manual effort further and targeting middle-class households.^[16] Industrial adoption accelerated in the late 19th century, with commercial laundries integrating steam-powered mangles for high-volume processing of linens and garments, enabling faster drying and smoothing on a scale unattainable by hand.^[4] These machines, often featuring large rollers driven by steam engines, were standard in urban facilities by the 1850s, supporting the growth of professional laundry services.^[17] Manglers were frequently paired or integrated with early washing machines, such as hand-crank tubs, to create streamlined laundry workflows that minimized water retention before drying.^[18] Following World War II, home use of mangles declined sharply in developed regions as electric dryers and spin-cycle washing machines became affordable, largely supplanting the need for manual wringing by the 1950s.^[19] However, mangles persisted in developing regions into the 1960s, where access to powered appliances remained limited and hand-operated models continued to serve rural and low-income households for basic laundry processing.^[20]

Design and Components

Core Mechanism

The core mechanism of a mangle revolves around two parallel rollers mounted within a robust frame, designed to mechanically extract water from wet laundry through compression. These rollers, typically constructed from wood in early models or coated with rubber in later iterations for better grip and protection of fabrics, are positioned horizontally and adjustable to accommodate varying thicknesses of material. The frame supports the rollers via bearings and includes tension springs—often spring-loaded mechanisms on the upper roller—that allow users to regulate the pressure applied, ensuring effective wringing without damaging the cloth. This setup provides the foundational engineering for the device's primary function, emphasizing simplicity and mechanical efficiency. The drive system powers the rotation of the rollers, enabling the continuous feeding and processing of laundry. In traditional designs, a hand-crank attached to one roller turns it directly, with cogs or gears linking the two rollers to synchronize their movement and prevent slippage. More advanced variants incorporate foot pedals for hands-free operation or electric motors connected via enclosed shafts and bevel gears, which automate the rotation while maintaining consistent speed and torque. These gear mechanisms, often made of metal for durability, ensure that both rollers turn in opposite directions, pulling fabric through the gap and applying uniform pressure. Water extraction occurs purely through mechanical force as the damp fabric passes between the closely spaced rollers, where the adjustable tension squeezes out excess moisture into a collection basin below. Unlike drying methods involving heat, this process relies on the rollers' compressive action, leaving clothes damp but manageable for air drying. The absence of thermal elements keeps the mechanism straightforward and safe for household use, focusing on physical pressure as the key principle. Over time, frame materials have evolved to enhance stability and longevity, transitioning from wooden constructions in 19th-century prototypes—which were lightweight but prone to warping—to cast iron in industrial-era models for superior strength and resistance to wear. By the mid-20th century, steel frames became prevalent in electric versions, offering corrosion resistance and reduced weight while supporting heavier loads in commercial settings. This progression reflects broader advancements in metallurgy, allowing mangles to withstand repeated use in demanding laundry environments.

Types and Variations

Wringer mangles, also known as wringers, were portable, hand-operated devices primarily designed for extracting water from freshly washed laundry to facilitate drying. These machines typically featured two parallel rubber or wooden rollers mounted in a sturdy frame, connected by cogs and powered by a hand crank, allowing users to pass wet clothes between the rollers for squeezing. Common in 19th-century households, they reduced the physical labor of manual wringing and were often attached to wooden washing tubs; for example, the American Wringer Co.'s 1898 model used large wooden and metal rollers to process items like shirts or blankets efficiently. Mid-19th-century versions, such as those produced by Thomas Bradford & Co., integrated wringers with washing machines, enabling a child to handle loads like 12 shirts in 12-15 minutes while recycling suds to save soap.^[21][1] Roller mangles, including box varieties, were larger table-based designs focused on pressing and smoothing damp linens rather than just water extraction. The 18th-century box mangle consisted of a heavy wooden frame with two large cylinders and a weighted box filled with stones or rocks, which was rolled back and forth over folded cloth protected by a mangle cloth to achieve a flat finish. These required two operators using straps or handles to move the box, as seen in colonial American inventories like Governor Botetourt's 1770 laundry equipment, which included one mangle and four mangle cloths for elite household use. By the 19th century, variations incorporated gears, wheels, and handles for easier operation, such as Baker's 1808 patent model with a flywheel; upright designs from 1823 saved space, while 1830s self-rolling versions used weighted levers. In the 20th century, electric roller ironers like the Ironrite, introduced in 1911 by the Ironrite Ironer Co. in Detroit, automated the process with a heated shoe pressing fabric against a roller, marketed to housewives for efficient ironing of sheets and garments until production ended in 1961.^{[22][23][4][24]} Industrial variants evolved into multi-roller calendering machines for high-volume factory processing, adapting the basic roller principle to steam-heated systems for enhanced smoothing of large linens. The mechanized plain calender, introduced to England from Flanders in the 17th century and widespread by the mid-18th, used multiple heated rollers to press fabrics continuously, a design later applied to laundry for items like bed sheets and towels. Early 20th-century models, such as Baker Perkins' 120-inch four-roll ironing machine, incorporated hydro-extractors and steam heating for commercial laundries, processing bulk loads with improved efficiency over manual methods.^[25][26] Regional differences in mangle designs reflected local manufacturing and cultural adaptations, with European models often favoring lever-operated mechanisms and American versions emphasizing crank-driven portability. In northern and eastern Europe, box mangles with stone-weighted boxes dominated 18th-century use, brought by immigrants to America where they integrated into colonial laundries. European 19th-century patents, like those in England, prioritized space-saving upright levers, while American designs, such as the crank-operated wringers from companies like American Wringer Co., focused on compact, attachable units for home tubs. Modern compact versions, such as Miele's B 990 E rotary ironer, fold to occupy just 2.4 square feet, making them suitable for RVs, small apartments, or mobile spaces with a 34.5-inch roller for linens.^[3][23][27]

Operation and Usage

Manual Operation

Manual operation of a traditional non-electric mangle begins with proper preparation of the laundry to ensure effective pressing and to prevent damage to the fabric. Laundry items, such as sheets, tablecloths, or clothing, should be dampened evenly after washing and rinsing, as slightly moist fabric allows the rollers to smooth and press more effectively without creating creases or tears.^[3][4] For adjustable roller wringer types, such as 19th-century upright models, the roller tension can be set using a knob to apply even pressure, with tighter settings for thinner materials like linens and looser for bulkier items to avoid bunching; early box mangles lack such adjustments.^[28] Early box mangles involved laying damp linens flat under fixed wooden rollers and moving a heavy weighted box (often over 400 pounds when filled with rocks) back and forth using levers or straps, typically operated by one or two people to press and smooth in under 10 minutes.^[3] For later roller designs, the operator cranks the handle or pedals the mechanism to rotate the rollers steadily, feeding the damp laundry item by item in a straight alignment between the rollers. Guiding the fabric evenly prevents jams or uneven pressing, with one person often handling the feed while another turns the crank for consistent speed.^[29][4] This manual rotation squeezes out excess water and flattens the material in a single pass. After the initial pass, post-operation steps include checking the smoothness of the item; if additional flattening is needed, reverse the crank direction to pull the fabric back through the rollers for a double pass, enhancing the overall finish. Finally, empty the basin or tub beneath the mangle to collect wrung-out water before processing the next batch.^[29] For efficiency, process items while they are flat and unfolded to maximize contact with the rollers, and avoid overloading the manual mechanism to maintain control and reduce physical effort.^[29] Modern electric adaptations build on these techniques but automate the cranking for higher volumes.^[30]

Safety and Maintenance

One of the primary hazards associated with mangle machines is the risk of finger or hand entrapment in the rotating rollers, where the immense pressure can cause crushing injuries, lacerations, or amputations.^[31][32] In 19th-century laundries, numerous reports documented such injuries among laundry workers from unguarded mangles, contributing to later labor regulations such as the UK's Factory Act of 1895, which extended protections to the laundry industry including machinery safeguards and restrictions on child labor.^[33][34] These historical accidents spurred the development of safety features, with mandated guards on mangle presses appearing around 1909–1910 to prevent access to pinch points.^[35][34] Modern mangles incorporate pinch guards over roller gaps, emergency release levers to instantly stop rotation, and auto-stop sensors that halt operation upon detecting obstructions.^[36] Operators are advised to never force fabric through the rollers or overload the machine, as this can exacerbate entrapment risks or cause mechanical failure.^[36] Proper maintenance is essential for safe operation and longevity, including monthly lubrication of gears and bearings with manufacturer-recommended oil to reduce friction and prevent breakdowns.^[37] Rollers should be cleaned regularly using mild soap and water to remove residue buildup, avoiding harsh chemicals that could degrade surfaces.^[37] Additionally, routine inspections for wear on rubber coatings—such as cracks, grooves, or uneven surfaces—are critical, with damaged rollers replaced promptly to maintain grip and avoid slippage hazards.^[38]

Modern Applications

Commercial and Industrial

In commercial and industrial laundry operations, mangle machines—often referred to as flatwork ironers—play a crucial role in processing large volumes of linens, tablecloths, and uniforms for sectors such as hotels, hospitals, and restaurants. These machines efficiently press and finish flat textiles, ensuring a professional appearance essential for high-turnover environments like hospitality and healthcare facilities.^[39][40] Multi-roller configurations, common in professional settings, achieve throughputs exceeding 100 items per hour, with high-production models capable of handling up to 800 sheets or more depending on speed and roll size, significantly boosting operational capacity.^[41][42] A key advantage of industrial mangles lies in their cost-effectiveness for flat goods, where they outperform manual ironing or alternative finishing methods by minimizing labor requirements and reducing processing time. This efficiency is particularly valuable in service laundries, where they can eliminate or shorten the drying phase, leading to lower energy use and faster turnaround.^[43][44] Additionally, these machines readily integrate with conveyor systems and automated feeding/folding equipment in laundromats and commercial plants, creating streamlined workflows that handle continuous high-volume loads without bottlenecks.^[45][46] Technological advancements have modernized industrial mangles, with electric and steam-powered models featuring programmable speeds via AC frequency inverters and touch-screen interfaces for precise control over ironing parameters. For instance, 21st-century ironers from Chicago Dryer Company, such as the Laser Line and Imperial series, offer variable speeds up to 70 feet per minute and heat-lock systems for optimal energy transfer, catering to diverse production needs in professional laundries.^[47][48] These updates enhance reliability and adaptability, allowing integration with broader automated systems while maintaining high-quality finishes. Mangle ironers persist in markets across Europe and Asia, where demand from expanding hospitality and service sectors drives adoption in both on-premises and centralized laundries. In the United States, while overall commercial laundry equipment trends favor integrated automation, these machines remain standard in eco-friendly facilities focused on energy-efficient finishing, such as those using steam or gas heating with minimal consumption designs.^[49][50][51] As of 2025, the global mangling machine market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% through 2028, driven by rising demand from textile manufacturing and commercial laundries.^[52]

Domestic and Artistic

In rural and off-grid households, vintage laundry mangles continue to serve practical purposes for water extraction from hand-washed clothes, offering a low-energy alternative to electric dryers where power is limited or unavailable. These manual devices, often restored from early 20th-century models, are valued for their durability and ability to handle heavy fabrics like towels or quilts without relying on grid electricity. For instance, homesteaders in remote areas use them alongside wash tubs to reduce drying time on clotheslines, aligning with sustainable living practices that minimize environmental impact.^[9] Compact, portable versions of mangles have emerged for camping and travel, designed as lightweight hand-crank wringers that weigh under two pounds and fold for easy transport. These modern adaptations, such as the Dezitrek model, efficiently remove excess water from garments, making them ideal for backpackers or RV enthusiasts who prioritize eco-friendly, electricity-free laundry solutions in outdoor settings. Their portability addresses the challenges of wet weather or limited space, ensuring quicker drying without the bulk of traditional units.^[53] Beyond utility, mangles have found new life in artistic contexts, particularly as repurposed presses for printmaking techniques like linocuts and relief printing on textiles. Artists convert vintage wooden or metal rollers into DIY etching presses by adjusting the frame for even pressure, allowing ink transfer from carved blocks onto paper or fabric with precision unattainable by hand-rolling. This adaptation leverages the mangle's original pressing mechanism, originally intended for smoothing laundry, to create detailed monoprints or patterned cloths in small studios.^[54] Cultural revivals have integrated mangles into historical reenactments and eco-laundry initiatives, where participants demonstrate pre-electric washing to educate on water conservation and low-impact living. In museum-led programs, such as those at national historical parks, volunteers operate replica or restored mangles to recreate 19th-century laundry processes, fostering appreciation for manual efficiency. Similarly, sustainable laundry movements promote their use in community workshops to reduce reliance on high-energy appliances, echoing broader efforts to revive zero-waste practices.^[3][55] Online communities dedicated to restoration projects share techniques for refurbishing mangles, from sourcing replacement rollers to lubricating antique gears, sustaining interest among hobbyists. These forums, often tied to homesteading or vintage tool groups, document step-by-step revivals that extend the machines' lifespan for personal or educational use. However, enthusiasts face challenges like the scarcity of original parts, such as wooden slats or iron fittings, which are no longer manufactured and must be custom-fabricated. In urban environments, electric alternatives dominate due to convenience and space constraints, limiting widespread domestic adoption.^[56][57]