Restoring an old wringer

Miims · #1 12/19/14, 01:21 PM

I acquired an old wringer and started using it for laundry this summer. Though overall it works great and I really enjoy using it, it has a few issues that I would like to address.

First, it is made of wood and some kind of black gunk has formed on it over the months that I have been using it. There is essentially no finish on the wood parts and I suppose that it being wet so much has allowed something to grow on it. Does anyone know what it is, how to clean it off, and how to prevent it from returning? Do I need to put some kind of finish on it and what sort would be appropriate for getting wet all the time?

Secondly, it was stored by the previous owner with the two rollers clamped down hard together. Each roller has a flat spot on it from being like that for who knows how long. I imagine finding new rollers to fit an antique wringer isn't a likely option. I have seen custom rubber manufacturers online that claim they can recover rollers. I wonder if anyone has ever done something like that?

Thanks!

TRAILRIDER · #2 12/19/14, 02:21 PM

Nice! I wish I could help with advice, but I have no experience here. It certainly is an old one. I think I would try a bleach and water solution in a spray bottle for the black gunk. Good luck and let us know what worked, what didn't.

I wouldn't mind having a wringer washer one day in working order. Although I have a washing machine and electric dryer (and a clothesline.) I still have an old wash board in case I need to use one!

Miims · #3 12/19/14, 02:53 PM

I do have an electric washer and dryer right now but I have found myself more and more just doing laundry by hand out of some sense of enjoyment in the work. It is so satisfying to watch the water get squeezed out as you roll the fabric through. Plus I am testing myself a bit to see if I could hack it off-grid. I have an antique, hand crank washer that I use outside in the summer while my kids play and "help." It leaks a bit too much to bring inside in the winter though so I have been using a bucket/plunger if I can fit my load in it. I am thinking about trading the electric ones in for a James type washer!

I will try a bleach solution on the black.

Rustaholic · #4 12/21/14, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miims

I acquired an old wringer and started using it for laundry this summer. Though overall it works great and I really enjoy using it, it has a few issues that I would like to address.

First, it is made of wood and some kind of black gunk has formed on it over the months that I have been using it. There is essentially no finish on the wood parts and I suppose that it being wet so much has allowed something to grow on it. Does anyone know what it is, how to clean it off, and how to prevent it from returning? Do I need to put some kind of finish on it and what sort would be appropriate for getting wet all the time?

Secondly, it was stored by the previous owner with the two rollers clamped down hard together. Each roller has a flat spot on it from being like that for who knows how long. I imagine finding new rollers to fit an antique wringer isn't a likely option. I have seen custom rubber manufacturers online that claim they can recover rollers. I wonder if anyone has ever done something like that?

Thanks!

I know folks that have had wringers restored and those ringer rollers are down-right beautiful.
I have four old wringer washing machines and a wooden hand powered one.
I need to find or build one that is powered by an engine too.
I also have two stand alone wringers like you have there. One is just like that one plus the wooden washing machine has one just like that if I took it off.
My other one was made to clamp onto two old square tubs. I have two sets of those too. They are the ones with the hole in the bottom and a hose to drain the tub. Oh yeah, I have two more wringers on folding tables that are made to hold a pair of those metal wash tubs. There is a mounted wringer that will be between the tubs. I guess I have a whole pile of wringers,,,,,

Miims · #5 12/21/14, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rustaholic

I know folks that have had wringers restored and those ringer rollers are down-right beautiful.
I have four old wringer washing machines and a wooden hand powered one.
I need to find or build one that is powered by an engine too.
I also have two stand alone wringers like you have there. One is just like that one plus the wooden washing machine has one just like that if I took it off.
My other one was made to clamp onto two old square tubs. I have two sets of those too. They are the ones with the hole in the bottom and a hose to drain the tub. Oh yeah, I have two more wringers on folding tables that are made to hold a pair of those metal wash tubs. There is a mounted wringer that will be between the tubs. I guess I have a whole pile of wringers,,,,,

The rollers really are in good condition with the exception of the flat spot on each one. It stops the turning every time it comes to the flat spot, with a clunk. Turn, clunk, turn, clunk... Do you know how the folks you know had them restored/recovered?

The bleach seemed to work on the black stuff where I could get to it with a scrub brush.

TRAILRIDER · #6 12/21/14, 06:41 PM

Once you clean the mold off the wood, I would seal them with a good polyurethane or such. Something to make them more water resistant and able to be wiped dry or air dry quicker...

Ozarks Tom · #7 12/21/14, 07:18 PM

You should be able to disassemble the top of the wringer enough to skip one roller gear to the next notch, and bolt it back down. No more flat spots coming together.

simi-steading · #8 12/21/14, 07:26 PM

Search for Rubber Roller Restorer. It may help rejuvenate the flat spot some.. Probably won't bring it back all the way, but it may help a bunch..

http://www.amazon.com/MG-Chemicals-R...HRB08P569WJZKS

Other wise, the recoveres can recover them, but it's not cheap.. I have a set of Planer rollers I need to send in.. but I'm holding off because of price.

Rustaholic · #9 12/21/14, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miims

The rollers really are in good condition with the exception of the flat spot on each one. It stops the turning every time it comes to the flat spot, with a clunk. Turn, clunk, turn, clunk... Do you know how the folks you know had them restored/recovered?

The bleach seemed to work on the black stuff where I could get to it with a scrub brush.

I will not see the guy until August rolls around again but he just picked a company and sent them in. I can go ask a guy that should know a good restorer.

FarmboyBill · #10 12/21/14, 10:09 PM

I got the last new rolls for my 1939 Maytag in around 75. They came out of St Louis.

blessingsfarms · #11 12/22/14, 07:14 AM

I would use linseed oil or dainish oil on wood. Soak until no more oil
will penetrate and wipe extra of. You will need to wipe oil on places
at times but will never have to refinish it. Lots of good articles on
this out there.

simi-steading · #12 12/22/14, 10:57 AM

I'd use Danish.. Linseed oil will get too sticky unless you thin it with turpentine,

Miims · #13 12/22/14, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ozarks Tom

You should be able to disassemble the top of the wringer enough to skip one roller gear to the next notch, and bolt it back down. No more flat spots coming together.

This helped! It now has two lesser clunks instead of one big clunk and I think that will make a difference in ease of use. I did get a quote to recover the rollers for over $250 so probably will not be going that route anytime soon.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions! I will have to think about those finishes since there seems to be several ways to do it. I think it will be a fun project, if I can get it apart the rest of the way. And put it back together with no parts leftover.

Rustaholic · #14 12/23/14, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miims

This helped! It now has two lesser clunks instead of one big clunk and I think that will make a difference in ease of use. I did get a quote to recover the rollers for over $250 so probably will not be going that route anytime soon.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions! I will have to think about those finishes since there seems to be several ways to do it. I think it will be a fun project, if I can get it apart the rest of the way. And put it back together with no parts leftover.

I was thinking one time about spending the bucks to get a pair of rollers reconditioned then I paid $20 for my second set of rollers and they were very nice.

Bret · #15 12/23/14, 09:39 AM

If necessary, remove all old body parts.

GoldenCityMuse · #16 12/24/14, 05:24 PM

Spar varnish for the wood.