Washboard

The Washboard is a tool designed for hand washing clothing. With mechanized cleaning of clothing becoming more common, by the end of the 20th century the washboard became better known from its originally subsidiary use as a musical instrument.

Related Topics:
20th century - Musical instrument

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The traditional washboard is usually constructed with a rectangular wooden frame in which are mounted a series of ridges for the clothing to be rubbed upon. In 19th century washboards the ridges were often of wood as well; in the 20th century ridges of metal became more common. In the late 20th century and early 21st century ridges of galvanized steel are most common. Washboards with brass ridges are still made, and some who use washboards as musical instruments prefer the sound of the somewhat more expensive brass boards.

Related Topics:
Wood - Metal - Galvanized steel - Brass

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