The Dirt on Vintage Dolly Tubs

From the 19th century, these barrel like vessels were used in practically every household to wash linens and clothes before plumbing. It was a long arduous chore and dolly tubs were early implements to make the washing just a little bit easier!

From the 19th century, these barrel like vessels were used in practically every household to wash linens and clothes before plumbing was available to every household. It was a long arduous chore and these tubs and washing dollys were early implements to make the washing a little easier.

The tubs would sit outside in the yard where they would be filled with water and soap to do the laundry. The earliest tubs were made of wood with iron bands; but by the late 1800s, metal dolly tubs were made and widely used because they were much lighter and easier to clean than the wood tubs.

A central dolly peg was held and turned vigorously to agitate the water and clothes for cleaning. A downward motion combined with rotational movement moved the laundry in a swirling twirling motion. The tapering barrel shape helped keep the splash to a minimum. Some dolly tubs had nifty added features like a soap holder or wash board built in.

These utilitarian tubs were plentiful across the UK and found in every home for generations until the mass production of the first washing machines were available.

Now these quirky unique tubs could be used in so many ways! They make great planters for almost any plant material or they could be used as storage bins for an assortment of items or they simply could be used as a decorative element.