A mangle, once a common household tool for laundry, has a fascinating history that goes beyond simply pressing clothes. Originally used to flatten linens and remove excess water from freshly washed garments, the mangle has evolved from a hand-cranked device into an electric-powered machine used in large-scale laundries. But that’s not all—the mangle has even found a second life in the world of art. In this article, we’ll explore the history, functionality, and modern-day applications of the mangle, showcasing its journey from a laundry necessity to an artistic innovation.
What Is a Mangle?
A mangle is a mechanical laundry device designed to press or flatten fabrics like bed sheets, towels, and clothing. Typically, it consists of two large rollers set in a sturdy frame, which are turned by hand or powered by electricity. By feeding wet or dry laundry between the rollers, the mangle flattens the fabric, often achieving a pressed finish without the need for ironing. In older models, mangles were also used to wring water out of clothes before the invention of modern spin dryers.
While mangles were commonly used in homes up until the mid-20th century, they are still a feature of commercial laundries today, where their efficiency in pressing large linens like tablecloths and bed sheets makes them indispensable.
A Brief History of the Mangle
The history of the mangle dates back to the 15th century in northern Europe, where early versions consisted of a rolling pin and a wooden board. The damp cloth would be wrapped around the pin, and the board would be used to roll and press the fabric flat. One of the oldest known mangle boards, found in Norway, dates back to 1444.
The term “mangle” itself first appeared in the English language in 1598, derived from the Dutch word “mangelen,” meaning to press. Early mangles were used to press fabrics like linen, buckram, and fustian to give them a glossy finish.
The Rise of Commercial Mangling in the 19th Century
The industrial revolution saw the mangle’s transformation into a steam-powered device used in commercial laundries. By the late 1800s, steam-powered and electric mangles had become widespread in larger laundry facilities, offering a more efficient way to press and smooth linens. Wealthy households also adopted box mangles—large machines that flattened fabrics by pressing them under a heavy box filled with stones or weights.
By the early 20th century, electric-powered mangles became available for domestic use. These machines allowed homemakers to press laundry quickly, saving time on ironing. Brands like General Electric, Kenmore, and Maytag introduced electric mangles in the 1930s, and by the 1950s, they were considered a time-saving marvel for the modern household.
Mangles vs. Wringers: What’s the Difference?
Though similar in appearance, mangles and wringers serve different purposes. A wringer, also known as a “wringer mangle,” is a smaller, more lightweight machine used to squeeze water out of wet laundry by feeding the clothes through two rollers. These were common in homes before the advent of spin dryers in modern washing machines.
A mangle, on the other hand, is primarily used to press and smooth dry or nearly dry fabrics. It applies significant pressure to flatten laundry, achieving results similar to ironing but with less manual effort.
Modern-Day Use of Mangles
Although the use of mangles in homes has diminished, they remain essential in commercial laundries, where they press large volumes of flat linens, such as bed sheets and tablecloths. Industrial mangles are much quicker and more energy-efficient than clothes dryers when it comes to removing moisture from these items, which would otherwise take a long time to dry and iron by hand.
Another practical benefit of mangling is its ability to reduce dust. Washing and drying clothes often cause surface fibers to loosen, making fabrics more prone to trap dirt and dust. By pressing fabrics with a mangle, the ends of these fibers are flattened, helping to keep clothes cleaner for longer.
In some countries, domestic pressing mangles are still common, particularly for flat linens. In North America, however, they are no longer widely sold in stores, having been largely replaced by automatic clothes dryers and electric irons.
The Artistic Use of Mangling: From Laundry to Printmaking
In addition to its role in laundry, the mangle has found a surprising new use in the world of art. Artists like Barbara Brash have adapted old mangles to serve as printing presses, leveraging their construction to create a low-cost alternative to commercial etching presses.
The structure of a mangle is strikingly similar to that of a traditional printing press, with two rollers applying pressure to a surface. By attaching a metal platen between the rollers and placing the printing plate and paper on it, artists can use the mangle to create prints, making it a versatile and innovative tool in the creative process.
This adaptation of the mangle demonstrates how functional objects can be reimagined in entirely new contexts, allowing them to live on long after their original purpose has faded from widespread use.
The Lasting Impact of the Mangle
While electric irons and modern washing machines with spin cycles have largely replaced mangles in everyday households, their legacy persists, especially in commercial settings. Mangles remain the go-to tool for pressing large volumes of flat fabrics in laundries, and they continue to save time and energy in the process.
Even more fascinating is the way artists have breathed new life into these machines, proving that a tool designed for one purpose can be reinvented for another. Whether in a laundry room or an artist’s studio, the mangle has proven its versatility and durability over centuries.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings as a wooden rolling device to its role in industrial laundries and artistic endeavors, the mangle has had a long and varied history. Although its use in homes may have declined, its importance in large-scale laundry operations remains undeniable. Moreover, the mangle’s transition into the art world highlights its adaptability, demonstrating that even the most practical of machines can serve as a source of creative inspiration. Whether smoothing bed sheets or creating stunning prints, the mangle’s legacy continues to roll forward.
