A wringer washing machine is a classic type of washing machine that was very popular in the early to mid-1900s. Though not as common today, wringer washers still have a devoted following among vintage appliance enthusiasts, homesteaders, and others looking for a durable, low-tech washing machine. Finding a wringer washer to purchase or restore can take some digging, but with a bit of sleuthing and patience, an old wringer washing machine can be located. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to find a wringer washing machine.

Check Classified Listings

One of the best places to find old wringer washing machines is through classified ads. Check listings both online and in print publications. Some good places to find ads include:

Craigslist – Search under “appliances” or “antiques” in your local area. Expand your search distance for more results.
Facebook Marketplace – Join local buy/sell groups and search for “wringer washer.” Check both the Marketplace and local groups.
Local newspaper classifieds – Look in the appliances, antiques or general for sale sections. Expand your search distance.
Auctions – Farm auctions, estate sales and antique auctions may have old wringer washers. Check upcoming auction listings in your area.
Thrifty Nickel/Penny Saver – These local classified ad publications are great resources. Comb through the latest issues.
Local antique stores – Ask if they buy/sell old washing machines or allow users to post classifieds. Check their bulletin boards.

When responding to an ad, ask detailed questions to ensure the washer is in working order and original condition. Asking for model numbers, photos and service history can help avoid damaged or cobbled-together machines. Being flexible on pick-up distance can increase your options.

Check With Independent Appliance Repair Shops

Vintage appliance repair technicians are an excellent resource for finding old wringer washers. Customers often bring decades-old washers to these specialists for repair. Many shops end up acquiring vintage machines people no longer want. Call or visit local appliance repair shops to ask if they have any old wringers for sale. These washers are often restored, so you can get one in good working order. Check shops in rural areas and smaller towns which are more likely to see antique washers.

Contact Antique Dealers and Resellers

Antique shops, specialty vintage appliance dealers and used goods resellers sometimes carry old wringer washing machines. Contact local antique shops and used goods stores to ask if they have any in stock. Search online directories and marketplaces like Rubylane, eBay and Etsy for vintage appliance sellers. Look up resellers specializing in antique stoves, early 1900s items or farmhouse decor. Be prepared to pay higher prices than classified listings or repair shops, but the washers are often cleaned up and restored.

Check With Local Laundromats

Long-running laundromats specializing in large-capacity machines often have old wringer washers sitting in storage. These are machines previous owners left behind that the laundromat has not disposed of. Stop by laundromats in your area and explain what you are looking for. Leave your name and number in case something turns up. You may be able to get a classic washer for free or cheap this way.

Search Online Classifieds Nationwide

Cast a wide net by scouring online classifieds across the country. Search Google for terms like “antique wringer washer for sale.” Browse through nationwide resale sites like eBay and Etsy. Check enthusiast forums like The Washer Museum Forums and Homesteading Today, where members often post old washers for sale. Shipping can add cost, but a nationwide search greatly increases your options. Focus on areas like the Midwest, rural South and New England where old wringers are more common.

Check Local Auctions and Estate Sales

Local auctions and estate sales in older homes are good places to find vintage wringer washers. The trick is being consistent – check upcoming auctions every week in your area. Auctions often post minimal details, so you have to attend to know what’s there. Estate sales in rural areas or homes built before 1960 are most likely to have old washers. Again, keep monitoring new listings every week. Bringing cash and renting a truck can help you score a great find.

Search Salvage and Architectural Salvage Yards

Businesses that specialize in salvaged antique building materials and architectural elements sometimes also have vintage appliances like old washers. Contact local architectural salvage warehouses and antique building supply yards. Some focus more on decor items than appliances, but it’s worth asking. Let them know the age and style you are searching for. Be prepared to dig through warehouse inventory in person.

Check Farm Auctions and Rural Classifieds

Rural farm auctions and classifieds targeted at farmers and homesteaders should be monitored for old washers. Search sites like AuctionTime.com and TractorHouse.com which feature agricultural auctions nationwide. Check “farm and garden” sections of general classifieds in rural areas. Farms frequently used wringer washers well into the later decades of the 1900s. Leaving your name and number with local farm suppliers can also produce leads eventually.

Contact Vintage Appliance Collectors

Enthusiasts who collect and restore old appliances can be great resources. Join vintage appliance collector groups on Facebook and forums like The Washer Museum Forum. Post that you are searching for an old wringer washer. Members often have insight on where to find antique washers for sale. You may even get leads from a local collector downsizing their stash. Collector clubs like The Antique Appliance Club of America are also helpful resources.

Be Patient and Persistent

Finding vintage washers often requires patience and persistence. Set saved searches on classifieds and auction sites to be notified of new listings. Check back regularly even if nothing appears at first. Let friends, family members and co-workers know what you are looking for in case they see one. Staying persistent and following up on every small lead can eventually produce results. With some consistency, an old wringer washer can be located.

What to Look for When Selecting a Wringer Washer

Once you locate some old wringer washing machines for sale, inspecting them thoroughly is key to finding one that meets your needs. Here are the most important things to look for when evaluating vintage washers:

Condition of the Wringer

Carefully inspect the condition of the wringer mechanism. This is the crucial part that squeezes water from clothes. Check for:

Rust – Surface rust can be removed, but deep rust may weaken rollers
Corrosion – Green copper corrosion on wringer housing is problematic
Missing pieces – Make sure rubber washers, springs and handles are present
Smooth rolling – Wringer rollers should turn smoothly without resistance
Adjustability – Wringer position should adjust up and down easily
Leaks – Water leaking from wringer seals indicates issues
Damage – Dents, cracks or bends in the housing are red flags

Ideally, the wringer will be mostly rust-free, intact, smoothly rolling and adjustable. Replacing a damaged wringer is difficult.

Tub Condition

The wash tub holds the water and cleaning action occurs here, so it should be:

Rust-free – Check underside and rim for rust-through holes and large patches of rust
Intact – Make sure agitator blades are all present and undamaged
Sealed – No water should leak from tub seals, seams or base
Balanced – Tub should not wobble significantly when powered on
Uncracked – Hairline cracks may be ok, but large cracks weaken the tub
Quiet – Grinding or loud scraping noises suggest issues

Even surface rust and small dents are acceptable if the tub is watertight.

Motor Function

Turn the machine on to check motor operation. Listen for:

Smooth running – Motor should run quietly without loud knocking or grinding
Correct spin direction – Agitator should move clockwise when viewed from top
Correct spin speed – Motor should reach full agitator speed within a few seconds
No smell – Burning or chemical odors indicate motor issues
No overheating – Let motor run 10+ minutes, it should not get uncomfortably hot

Expect some minor noise and vibration in an old motor, but major grinding or knocking sounds, inability to reach full spin speed, and burning smells indicate motor problems.

Electrical System

Closely inspect:

Power cord – Should be free of cracks, damage, and heavy corrosion
Wiring – Insulation should be intact with no exposed wires
Connections – Solder joints and connectors should be secure
Gauges/switches – Any indicator lights or switches should function when power is connected

Safe electrical systems are crucial. Replacing damaged power cords and wires will likely be needed on old washers.

Cosmetic Condition

While not essential, cosmetic condition may be important to you. Check for:

Paint/finish – Is original finish flaking, cracked or scratched?
Corrosion – Is there pitting or buildup on chrome, enamel or metal?
Hardware – Are knobs, buttons, or handles broken or missing?
Labels/decals – Are instruction or brand decals intact and readable?

Great cosmetic condition can increase value. Fortunately, paint, finishes and hardware can be restored or replaced.

Carefully checking over these components will help you determine how much work a vintage washer needs and which one is best for your purposes. Keep the planned usage in mind too – a machine just for occasional use may not need to be perfect.

Factors That Affect Price of Vintage Wringer Washers

If purchasing a vintage wringer washer, be prepared to pay anywhere from $50 for a project-level machine needing complete restoration up to $1000+ for a pristine museum-quality unit. Many factors impact old washer values and prices.

Brand

Well-known brands like Maytag, Speed Queen and Dexter tend to bring higher prices, especially among collectors. More obscure brands or “off-brand” badge-engineered models tend to cost less. Brands like General Electric, Westinghouse and Montgomery Ward fall somewhere in the middle.

Age

Very early 1900s models, 1920s art deco styled units, and 1950s mid-century models tend to be most prized by collectors. Prices usually decrease for more common post-WW2 models from the 1960s and 70s. Unique early examples or models with distinctive design can break this trend though.

Rarity

Rare, unusual or unique wringer washer models and brands understandably increase value for collectors. This may include things like early toy washers, electric-start models, or offbeat designs. Common brands and widely produced models hold lower value.

Condition

Fully restored, pristine washers or uncommonly clean original examples bring top dollar. Washers needing moderate restoration or refurbishment are middling. Project-level washers requiring heavy repairs or full restoration sell for much less. Condition is key.

Components

Machines with desirable vintage components like classic motors or all-metal gearboxes increase value. All-original machines also command more vs. washers with replaced or non-original parts. Matching brand components usually help values too.

Color

While not as crucial as other factors, bold, bright or uncommon color schemes can increase collector interest. Pure white and basic colors are common. Pastel, turquoise, pink and other vibrant hues may increase prices for some enthusiasts.

Provenance

Vintage washers with extensive ownership history and documentation – like an old family washers passed down – hold more meaning and value for some collectors. Those with minimal or unknown histories sell for lower prices.

Location

Where the washer is located can impact price. Sellers in areas like the Midwest and New England where vintage models are more common tend to price them lower than other regions. Costs can be inflated in areas with large collector populations. Shipping costs also enter the equation for distant purchases.

Needs

If you urgently need a vintage washer right away, you may pay more to get one faster versus patiently waiting for a good deal. Collectors not in a rush can bide their time looking for bargains. Needing a machine for functional use rather than just decoration can also increase what some buyers will pay.

Considering these pricing factors can help buyers and sellers come to fair deals. While great bargains are out there, unique and highly desired machines justifiably command higher costs.

Queries and Considerations When Buying an Old Wringer Washer

Looking to purchase a vintage wringer washing machine? Asking the right questions will help you find the model that best fits your needs. Here are some key queries and considerations for wringer washer buyers:

Does it currently work? – Have the seller demonstrate it functioning, if possible. Run a full wash cycle and wringer test.

What is your price range? – Wringer washer costs can range from $50 to over $1000. Set a comfortable budget.

What will you use it for? – Everyday washing needs may call for a sturdier machine than occasional hobbyist use.

Do you need certain features? – Consider must-have functions like spin cycle, drain pump, timers, etc.

Vintage or retro style? – Decide if you want a true antique or a newer retro-designed model. This impacts availability.

Where will it be located? – Size, dimensions, and utility connections may be considerations if fitting into a small or awkward space.

How handy are you? – Restoring an old washer takes mechanical skills. If not handy, search for a refurbished unit.

Do aesthetics matter? – Collectors often want pristine good looks. For utilitarian use only, appearance may not be as important.

Does it need repairs? – Gauge the repair skills and costs needed if the machine is not fully functional.

Can it be delivered? – Old washers are heavy. If you can’t transport it, hiring movers adds cost.

Is the electrical system updated? – Rewiring old machines is often needed for safety. Check that this work has been done.

Are accessories included? – Ask if original hardware, instructions, laundry tubs, or other components are included in the sale.

Does the seller offer return/refund? – In case it does not work as advertised when you receive it.

Asking these key questions upfront ensures you select the ideal vintage washer and avoid disappointment down the road. Check out the machine thoroughly in person before purchasing whenever possible.

Signs of Quality When Buying an Old Wringer Washer

When evaluating an old wringer washing machine for purchase, what signs indicate a well-made, high-quality machine? Here are some positive traits to look for:

Heavy cast iron tub – Heft and thickness minimize vibration during the wash cycle.
All-metal wringer – Avoid plastic housings which can crack and wear out faster.
Solid mount design – Heavy bases that bolt the washer to the floor prevent “walking.”
Thick rolled sheet metal – Avoid thin metal housings easily dented.
Quality motor – Look for rugged repulsion-start motors made by General Electric, Baldor or Emerson.
Metal gearbox – Robust all-metal gear trains last longer than plastic gears.
Rubber motor mounts – Prevent vibration transfer from the motor to the tub.
Top-loading design – Far less likely to leak compared to front loaders.
Commercial specs – Models meant for laundromats feature durable construction.
All original components – Mix-matched fixer-uppers use inferior replacement parts.
Established brand – Well-known manufacturers like Maytag focused on quality and longevity.
USA made – Not always essential, but many regard American-made machines as better built.
Copper tub – A few premium models use heavier and more corrosion resistant solid copper.
Multi-speed selection – Better for handling variety of fabric types compared to single speed.

Seeking out these marks of quality maximizes the chances of purchasing a durable, long-lasting vintage washing machine. The sturdier construction extends the machine’s working life and minimizes repairs needed down the road – saving you headaches and costs.

Best Places to Look for Antique Wringer Washers

Searching for an old wringer washing machine? Here are some of the best places to hunt down vintage and antique washers:

Classified Listings

Craigslist
Facebook Marketplace
Local newspaper classifieds
Auctions like eBay
Antique stores

Repair Shops

Vintage appliance repair shops
Old time “fix it” type shops

Used Goods Sellers

Antique stores and malls
Architectural salvage yards
Estate sales and auctions

Direct From Owners

Laundromats
Farms and homesteads
Collector clubs and groups

Rural and Farm Areas

Small towns
Agricultural auction sites
Farm antique dealers

Online

eBay, Etsy and other online marketplaces
Collector forums and groups

Casting a wide net by checking all of these sources increases your chances of locating an old gem. Be persistent and patient – it can take time for one to turn up! With some sleuthing and luck, you can find a quality vintage wringer washer.

Tips for Restoring an Old Wringer Washing Machine

Acquire a vintage wringer washing machine you want to restore to working order? Here are helpful tips for bringing an antique washer back to life:

Thorough Cleaning

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How to Find a Wringer Washing Machine