The Valuable Thrift Store Item For Drying Towels That Doubles As A Statement Piece

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Washing and drying towels might not be your favorite chore, but it's an undoubtedly simple task. In modern times, homeowners enjoy the convenience of washing machines and dryers that do all the work for them. However, homeowners of decades past relied on other tools to get the job done. One of these vintage laundry solutions is the clothes wringer. 

The machine hit the market in the late 1800s to eliminate the need to wring clothes by hand. Using a vintage clothes wringer requires inserting each item between two rubber rollers and turning a hand crank to rotate them. As the laundry is pulled between the two rollers, the pressure squeezes water out of the fabric. It does a wonderful job of removing most of the water from towels to prepare them for hang drying. Because it's among the old-school laundry room items that possess vintage charm, it's also perfect for displaying in your home as a statement piece.

These valuable vintage wringers are quite the collector's item these days. Vintage decor lovers use them to enhance the look of a bathroom or laundry room. They make a beautiful statement piece, but they can be pricey and difficult to find. You may have luck spotting one at your local thrift store. If you are interested in purchasing a vintage wringer for your own home, you may want to frequent second-hand shops to be the first to snag one when it becomes available. If you've been looking for the perfect functional vintage decor to elevate your home, it's worth taking the time to hunt for one.

There are a few things you should know before purchasing a vintage clothes wringer. First, the machine can be super pricey depending on where you purchase it from. Resellers often get their hands on the wringers and sell them for significantly more than they paid for them. For example, at the time of this writing, there is an antique 1920s wringer available for purchase on eBay for $400. An even older Anchor Brand Bicycle model from the 1890s is priced at $495. There are also listings for antique wringers at lower price points, or you might be able to find a more affordable machine at a thrift store. In fact, TikTok user @thrifter_tifster found a previously-owned antique wringer at a thrift store for only $130.

Another important tip is that you'll need to place something under your wringer to collect water that drips off your towels. Before going out and purchasing a brand new contraption to catch water, look around your home to see if you already own something you could make use of. A large waterproof metal or plastic storage container would work perfectly. Otherwise, consider purchasing a large galvanized steel tub, such as the Little Giant Galvanized Oval Tub, to use instead. It's the perfect finishing touch to make this retro laundry room appliance fully functional.