Washing Machine

A washing machine is a home appliance, which is programmed to wash cloths. Here, water is a major washing solution, though water is not used for dry cleaning and ultrasonic cleaners.

History of Washing Machines

The concept of washing clothes by machines was invented in 1846 and became popular later in 1927. The earlier concept was rubbing cloths between 2 ribbed surfaces and water was used as the main cleaning agent.

Types of Washing Machines

The earlier mashing machines were known as washboards, later hand-crank-operated machines, pursued by electrically powered machines. At any time, machines are faster, and more efficient than manual washing.


Currently there are five types of washing machines; they are:

• Regular top-loading washers,
• Unconventional top-loading washers,
• Front-loading washers,
• Space-saving washers, and
• Industrial washers.

Let us discuss about these types in detail.

Regular Top-Loading Washers

In most of the developed countries, the regular top-loading washing machines are pretty popular washroom appliance. On these washers, top portion is filled with cloths and outer tub is loaded with water. Then washing powder should be added to the water. After switching on the washing machine, electric motor inside the washing machine rotates resulting in rotation of cloths. Consequently, dirt associated with cloths is removed.

Unconventional Top-Loading Washers

These washing machines are called high-efficiency top-loaders. This name is so, due to usage of less water rather than standard washing machines. These washing machines use various washing methods to wash cloths. Each washing machine of this type handles 20 pounds of cloth at a time and washes them more efficiently, not to mention lesser intake of water. They’re ideal for regions with scarcity of water.

Front-Loading Washers

These washing machines follow different washing methods than top-loading washers. These washing machines lift the cloths up and dip in to water again. At a time, they can hold up to 20 pounds of cloths and require low drying time, due to excellent moisture extraction during spin cycles. These machines are highly efficient and contain a dryer at the top of the machine as well, which facilitates faster drying.

Space-Saving Washers

These space-saving washers are very convenient for usage in apartments and small houses. But, they can handle only 12 pounds of cloths at a time. Coming to dimensions, every machine is 24 inches wide, and easily fits inside the smallest of washrooms.

Industrial Washers

Industrial washers are used for industrial purposes. At a time, each of these machines can handle minimum 300 pounds of cloth. They are also used for fabric bleaching, fabric dyeing, and stone washing.

Working of Standard Washing Machine

For washing clothes with the help of a washing machine, first you need to pour sufficient amount of water into the washing container of machine. Then you need to add required quantity of washing powder.

Dip the cloths according to ability of machine and let them soak for 10 minutes. Later, switch on the washing machine for fixed time period. Due to motor embedded in the mechanism of washing machine, all soaked cloths will revolved along with motor. In this way, dirt associated with cloths will be removed.

At last, you simply need to turn off the washing machine, and take out the washed clothes. Some machines are capable of drying off the washed clothes completely, while you may have to dry them off, after taking out the washed clothes.