Washing machine. How an agitator washing machine works

Washing machine is a machine that quickly washes clothes, linens, and other items. Before its invention, people spent hours doing their laundry by hand. Some people soaked their clothes in streams and then beat them with rocks to get out the dirt. Later, people scrubbed their laundry on washboards. People in some parts of the world still use such methods.

Most washing machines work automatically. The operator simply puts in laundry, pours in detergent, and sets the controls. One set of controls determines whether the machine uses hot, warm, or cold water. The water enters the machine through hoses connected to hot and cold water pipes. The operator also sets controls to select the length of washing and rinsing time and the amount of water that enters the machine. The machine, which is powered by an electric motor, then operates automatically. Many automatic washing machines have special features, such as filters that remove lint, and dispensers for bleach and fabric softener.

Most automatic washers have an inner tub that is surrounded by an outer tub. The washing takes place in the inner tub, which is called the basket. After the laundry has been washed and rinsed, the basket begins to spin rapidly. The spinning removes most of the water from the various items and throws it into the outer tub. The water is then pumped out of the machine through a drain hose.

How an agitator washing machine works. 1. Washing begins after water fills the tubs. The action of the agitator moves the laundry and forces water through it. 2. Rinsing occurs after the wash water is pumped out of the tubs. After the rinsing process, the rinse water is pumped out. 3. Spin drying. As the inner tub spins, excess water from the laundry goes into the outer tub. The water is then pumped out

There are two types of automatic washers, agitator machines and tumbler machines. Most automatic washers are agitator machines. The operator of an agitator machine puts in laundry by lifting the lid. Inside the machine, a cone-shaped device called an agitator is mounted in the center of the basket. Most agitators have several projections called fins. As the agitator rotates, it continually reverses direction. This action moves the laundry through the water and forces water through the items. A tumbler machine is loaded through a dopr on the front of the machine. The basket revolves, and the laundry tumbles through the water.

One of the first mechanical washers was patented about 1860 by Hamilton E. Smith of Philadelphia. A crank on this machine turned paddles inside, pushing the laundry through the water. An electric-powered washer was invented in 1910, and an automatic washing machine was introduced in 1937.