The "lavadero" is a public laundry wich is constructed outdoors and are in the most cases covered with a roof.. They are always fed by a stream that usually comes from a river, a well, a drain or the construction of an aqueduct or channel. A part of these laundries have been rehabilitated although in rare occasions are still used for its purpose. The overall part of the laundries that have been rehabilitated are located in the Alpujarras.

The function of these laundries, apart from washing clothes and utensils was to gather together in this space. The village women talked about any news or event that occurred in the village or nearby. This was also the place where the gossips were born.