Wringers

Wringers are devices used to remove water from wet materials by pressing them between two rollers that rotate in opposite directions. They are most commonly associated with laundry in the form of a wringer washer, also known as a mangle in the United Kingdom. A wringer consists of two parallel cylinders with a narrow, adjustable gap. A drive mechanism, operated by hand crank or electric motor, turns the rollers so that fabric fed between them is squeezed, expelling moisture as the material passes through.

Historically, wringers were widespread in households from the early 20th century through the mid-20th century, before spin-dryers and electric tumble dryers became dominant. In industrial settings, wringer-like presses are used to dewater textiles, paper sheets, or other moisture-laden products and to pre-press agricultural materials.

Variants include manual wringers with a hand crank, motorized wringers, and portable models designed for use with separate wash basins. In the UK, the term mangle is commonly used for a similar laundry device. In broader industry, roller presses or drainage wringers describe equipment that applies pressure to remove liquid from materials as part of processing.

Safety considerations are important, as wringers present pinch-point hazards where fingers or clothing can be caught between the rollers. Modern versions often incorporate guards or automatic stops to reduce risk.

Current status: wringers are largely obsolete in modern households, replaced by spin-dry and tumble-drying appliances. They remain of interest to collectors, museums, and certain off-grid or specialty laundry operations.