# The Versatile Scrubboard: A Handy Cleaning Tool
The scrubboard, also known as a washboard, is a simple yet effective cleaning tool traditionally used for hand-washing clothes. Made from wood, metal, or glass, it features a ridged surface that helps scrub dirt and stains out of fabric when used with soap and water.
## Uses of a Scrubboard
1. Laundry – Before washing machines, scrubboards were essential for cleaning clothes by hand. They remain useful for delicate fabrics or off-grid living.
2. Household Cleaning – The textured surface can scrub pots, pans, and even floors.
3. Musical Instrument – In folk and zydeco music, scrubboards (or “frottoirs”) are played as percussion instruments.
## Why Use a Scrubboard?
– Eco-Friendly – No electricity needed, reducing energy consumption.
– Portable – Lightweight and easy to store.
– Durable – Long-lasting compared to some modern cleaning tools.
Though largely replaced by washing machines, the scrubboard remains a practical and nostalgic tool for laundry and beyond. Whether for cleaning or creating music, its simplicity continues to make it valuable.