What is a Flatley dryer?

The Flatley dryer is a machine that was used in the mid-1900s to dry clothes. It was invented by Andrew J. Flatley. People who were unable to afford central heat or radiators used the Flatley dryer.

The Flatley dryer is a metal free-standing cabinet with a lid. The inside of the dryer consists of a heating element in the bottom, which may or may not have a protective wire mesh above it. Clothes hang from wooden rods laid across the top, and the top remains open, allowing the condensation to leave the unit. The lint from the clothes falls to the bottom of the dryer, presenting a fire hazard with improper care and cleaning.