Dexter Double Tub Wooden Washer

Dexter Double-Tub Wooden Washer

Circa 1915

The Dexter Double-Tub Wooden Washer represents one of the greatest advances in home laundry before the electric washing machine became common. Manufactured from the early 1900s through the 1920s, these innovative washers allowed families to wash, rinse, and wring clothing in one continuous process, cutting laundry time nearly in half.

Built with beautiful cypress wood tubs mounted on a sturdy steel frame, the Dexter featured precision-cut gears, a cone-shaped plunger that gently forced soapy water through fabric, and a swivel wringer that moved between the wash and rinse tubs. Unlike earlier hand-washing methods that relied on scrubbing against a washboard, the Dexter cleaned clothes more efficiently while reducing wear on fabrics.

Capable of washing 8–10 garments at a time, the Dexter became one of America's most respected household washing machines. Its thoughtful engineering and quality craftsmanship helped transform laundry from an exhausting all-day chore into a faster, safer, and more efficient task for families across the country.

Fun Fact: The Dexter's patented double-tub design allowed one load to be washed while another was being rinsed or wrung out—a major time-saving innovation that paved the way for modern automatic washing machines.