The mangle machine, commonly known as a “mangle,” has long been an essential tool in the laundry industry. While it may sound like an ancient contraption, it has played a pivotal role in the evolution of laundry care, offering efficient ways to press, flatten, and dry fabrics. In this article, we’ll explore the origins, development, and modern uses of the mangle, highlighting its importance in both domestic and commercial settings.
What Is a Mangle Machine?
A mangle is a mechanical device designed to press or flatten various types of fabrics, including sheets, tablecloths, and clothing. It consists of two rollers within a sturdy frame, powered by either a hand crank or electricity. While mangles are primarily used to flatten textiles, smaller versions called “wringers” have been used to remove excess water from wet clothes.
Key Functions of a Mangle Machine
- Pressing Fabrics: The primary function of a mangle is to press and smooth fabrics, giving them a crisp finish.
- Drying Assistance: Historically, mangles were used to wring out water from wet laundry, a process that was crucial before the advent of spin dryers.
- Commercial Use: In commercial laundries, mangles help in efficiently pressing large volumes of flat fabrics like sheets and tablecloths, saving time and energy compared to manual ironing.
The Origins of the Mangle: A Brief History
The history of the mangle machine is rich and dates back several centuries. The term “mangle” itself first appeared in the English language in 1598, derived from the Dutch word “mangel,” meaning “to mangle or press.” The concept evolved from the use of wooden rollers and boards to press cloth, a technique popular in northern Europe since the 15th century.
Early Mangle Designs
The earliest mangles were simple wooden devices that relied on hand-powered rollers and flat boards. Fabrics were wrapped around a rolling pin, which was then pressed with a wooden mangle board. This labor-intensive process laid the foundation for more sophisticated versions in the following centuries.
The Industrial Revolution and Steam-Powered Mangles
With the Industrial Revolution came the development of steam-powered mangles. These machines could press larger quantities of fabric more quickly and with less manual effort. By the late 19th century, steam-powered mangles had become common in commercial laundries, revolutionizing the way laundry was processed.
Evolution of the Mangle in the 20th Century
The 20th century brought major changes to the design and function of mangles. As electricity became widespread, electric mangles replaced the older steam-powered models, making them more accessible for home use.
The First Electric Mangle
The introduction of the electric mangle in the 1930s was a significant breakthrough. The electric mangle used a rotating padded drum that pressed fabrics against a heated element, producing flat, pressed textiles quickly. This design saved time and labor compared to traditional ironing, making it a popular choice for homemakers.
The Role of Mangles in American Households
By the 1940s and 1950s, electric mangles, often referred to as “home ironers,” became a common household appliance in the United States. Brands like Solent, Thor, Ironrite, and Kenmore produced various models that catered to homemakers seeking to streamline their laundry routines. These machines became reliable tools, not just for pressing sheets and tablecloths but also for shirts and trousers, reducing the need for manual ironing.
Modern Use of Mangles in Commercial Settings
While mangles have largely disappeared from domestic use in North America, they remain a vital part of commercial and industrial laundries worldwide. These machines offer an efficient way to press large volumes of fabric, making them indispensable in hotels, hospitals, and other establishments that handle large amounts of linen daily.
Benefits of Mangles in Commercial Laundries
- Efficiency: Mangles can handle high volumes of flat fabrics, allowing for faster processing times compared to hand-ironing or using smaller machines.
- Energy Conservation: Mangles are more energy-efficient than traditional dryers, as they remove excess water more effectively.
- Improved Fabric Quality: By pressing fibers back into place, mangles can help keep fabrics cleaner for longer, reducing dust and dirt buildup.
How Mangles Compare to Modern Washing Machines
With the advent of modern washing machines that have built-in spin dryers, the traditional function of wringing out water has become less necessary. However, for pressing and achieving a crisp finish, mangles still provide unmatched results in certain commercial settings. The drying cycle in washing machines simply can’t match the smooth finish achieved by the heat and pressure of a mangle.
The Unexpected Uses of Mangles
Interestingly, the mangle has found new uses beyond laundry. Artists have repurposed old mangles as affordable alternatives to commercial printing presses. By modifying the machine with metal platens and adapting the rollers, artists can create prints on paper using the mangle’s pressing mechanism. This unexpected application highlights the versatility of this classic device.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of the Mangle Machine
The mangle machine may be seen as a relic from a bygone era, but its impact on laundry care is undeniable. From its origins as a hand-cranked wooden device to its evolution into electric-powered machines, the mangle has shaped how laundry is handled in both homes and commercial settings. Today, while it’s no longer a staple in most households, it remains an essential tool in large-scale laundries where speed, efficiency, and quality are paramount.
In a world dominated by high-tech laundry machines, the mangle stands as a testament to the ingenuity of past generations. It’s a reminder that even the simplest devices can have a lasting influence. Whether it’s in a commercial laundry, an art studio, or a museum, the mangle’s legacy continues to endure.
