Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a washer or fluid extractor comprising a cylindrical basket adapted to be rotated about its longitudinal axis for fluid extracting operations on material placed therein, at least one rope, or other elongate flexible member, extending between a first location in the region of the basket mouth and a second location in the central region of the basket base, the rope tension being selectively adjustable such that, when centrifuging, the rope can take up the profile of the basket interior but, when centrifuging is terminated, the rope can be tightened so that it is displaced inwardly of the cylindrical wall of the basket whereby to dislodge centrifuged material therefrom, means being provided for preventing entanglement of material in the basket with the rope.