La laveuse de tissus

Manufactured by: Ateliers Raxhon, Theux, in the 1950sOrigin: Les Apprêts Deforges, DisonVerviers Museum Collection: No. A96The aim of this machine is to remove the various impurities (dust, glue products, etc.) that remain in the fabric. This washer is made up of a closed tray into which the cloth rolled in gut casings is place and in which cold water is introduced for soaking, before hot water is added along with soap, ammonia and sodium carbonate. Afterwards, cold water is reintroduced and then rinsing takes place slowly to avoid forming flakes that could get stuck in the fabric. Sometimes, a little acetic acid was added to the tray to accentuate the colourants.