washboard

A washboard is a tool traditionally used for manual laundry cleaning, featuring a corrugated, ribbed surface made of wood, metal, or plastic. Clothing or fabric would be scrubbed against these ridges with water and soap to help remove dirt and grime. The textured surface creates friction, aiding in the cleaning process. While mostly replaced by modern washing machines, washboards are still used in some areas or for craft and decorative purposes. They exemplify a simple yet effective method of cleaning garments before the advent of electronic washing appliances.