Washboards on display
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (346510)
Rockingham, Australia
February 18, 2025 7:12pm CST
The photo shows three old washboards which were on display in the Collie Museum. Below the washboards are an enamel wash basket and advertising for Velvet soap, a laundry soap which can still be purchased today.
The washboard consists of a rectangular frame which holds flutes made of various materials such as metal, glass or tin. On washday, clothes would be soaked in hot, soapy water then scrubbed against the washboard to help remove dirt.
Washboards are also used as a percussion instrument with the flutes being tapped or scraped with thimbles or metal gloves. Perhaps you’ve seen washboards being used in folk bands.
18 people like this
15 responses
@DaddyEvil (141809)
• United States
19 Feb
We used to have a washboard hanging on the wall on our back porch when I was a kid. Dad bought mom a washing machine some time before I was born but I don't know when. She used the washboard before that.
And yes, there was a band at Silver Dollar City that had a washboard as an instrument. It was interesting seeing/hearing it being played.
4 people like this
@DaddyEvil (141809)
• United States
20 Feb
@JudyEv Even the first washing machines were still hard on women. I don't know how many times mom was feeding something into the wringer and got her fingers nipped.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (346510)
• Rockingham, Australia
20 Feb
@DaddyEvil Yes, that happened. I got my long hair caught in the wringer once. That was nearly a nasty accident! 
1 person likes this
@lilacskies (4502)
• United States
19 Feb
They are used often by people who live in villages in Asian countries. I saw YouTube videos about them in the past.
3 people like this
@lilacskies (4502)
• United States
20 Feb
@JudyEv Apparently, they slap them on rocks too. Lol!
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (185372)
• United States
19 Feb
I think I have seen people on TV playing washboards.
3 people like this
@luisadannointed (7245)
• Philippines
19 Feb
I've never seen that before.
Washboard in our country is made of wood or plastics.
3 people like this
@arunima25 (88981)
• Bangalore, India
19 Feb
I think that I have seen it being played in some band on TV. I never knew that it was washboard. So innovative!!
2 people like this
@JudyEv (346510)
• Rockingham, Australia
23h
@arunima25 Those that do the body percussion certainly are marvellous to watch.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (88981)
• Bangalore, India
20 Feb
@JudyEv Very true. We have a student in class 9 in our school band. He can create music from anything available. And when nothing available, he uses his body for such beautiful music, be it through clapping, stamping feet, his mouth with interesting beats....I guess some get it as a natural gift. He brings so much variations in the band. He is a treat to watch.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (162238)
• United States
19 Feb
I remember grandma heating water in a cauldron and using a washboard to scrub. I have seen washboards and other instruments in a "kitchen band" in my previous community.
2 people like this
@shaggin (73865)
• United States
19 Feb
I have no seen them use in folk bands that sounds interesting.
I love them as decor though I saw a gorgeous one for sale at an antique shop years ago for $15 but she closed for the winter and when she reopened it was gone. I’ve never seen one I liked as much as that one since and it’s been about 4 years . I wanted it to go over my toilet in the bathroom.
. I wanted it to go over my toilet in the bathroom.2 people like this
@FourWalls (71505)
• United States
19 Feb
A washboard is a musical instrument or a mispronounced word (“worshboard”) in “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Sweet youth. 
2 people like this
@jstory07 (141861)
• Roseburg, Oregon
19 Feb
That reminds me of my mom and a story she told me. Her Mom used a washboard when she did laundry.. One day when my Mom brought water from the river she bought some fish in the water. Poured it into the washboard water. Her mother told her to get those fish out of the water. After she scream when she felt one. Her Mom did not think it was funny at all.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (346510)
• Rockingham, Australia
20 Feb
There are YouTubes clips which show them being used. They are really just a percussion instrument.
@Beestring (14921)
• Hong Kong
19 Feb
We also had similar washboards here. I remember my mom used them a lot.
2 people like this
@RevivedWarrior (3568)
• India
15h
Sounds like a fascinating display! It is amazing a simple washboard has such essential role in our daily lives and even a second life as a musical instrument. Not many would have been aware of same. I was not aware of metal gloves or thimbles prior to this discussion. It must have been hard work scrubbing clothes by hands. There is something nostalgic seeing these old tools and imagining the effort that went into laundry. Now we have modern machines to take care of everything and there is not much of a work when it comes to laundry. Definitely nice to know history!
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (92064)
• United States
1h
I've always wanted to try using a washboard. Have you ever Judy
