väännin

Väännin is a Finnish term that translates to "twister" or "wringer" and is most commonly associated with a specific type of manual laundry wringer. Historically, these devices were essential household tools for removing excess water from washed clothes before the advent of spin dryers. A typical väännin consists of two rollers, often made of wood or rubber, positioned parallel to each other. A handle is attached to one of the rollers, allowing it to be turned. Clothes are fed between the rollers, and as the handle is turned, the rollers compress the fabric, squeezing out water.

Väännin devices varied in design, with some being standalone units that could be clamped onto a table or washboard, while others were integrated into larger laundry tubs. The effectiveness of a väännin depended on the pressure applied by the rollers and the skill of the user. While largely replaced by modern appliances, vintage väännin units are sometimes collected as antiques or used in historical reenactments and demonstrations of traditional laundry methods. The term "väännin" can also, in a broader sense, refer to any device or mechanism that twists or wrings something.