washing machine

device

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

A washing machine is a device designed for washing clothes and household linen. These machines, which became popular in the 20th century, significantly reduced the time and labor associated with household chores. Early experiments with clothes-washing mechanisms occurred throughout the 19th century, with electric motors being incorporated into these efforts by the early 20th century. Manually controlled electric washing machines, using either an agitator or a rocking action to remove soil, were marketed in the 1920s. The first automatic electric washer, a front-loading machine with a horizontally mounted tub, was introduced in 1937. This innovation allowed the machine to automatically complete cycles of washing, draining, rinsing, and spinning dry.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

waste disposal
…“white goods” such as refrigerators, washing machines, and microwave ovens and “brown goods” such as televisions, radios, computers, and cellular telephones. E-waste differs from traditional municipal waste. Although e-waste contains complex combinations of highly toxic substances (such as lead and
Read More
…“white goods” such as refrigerators, washing machines, and microwave ovens and “brown goods” such as televisions, radios, computers, and cellular telephones. E-waste differs from traditional municipal waste. Although e-waste contains complex combinations of highly toxic substances (such as lead and
Read More

Newton
In 1898 the washing machine industry began there with the manufacture of ratchet-slat washers. Newton was where Frederick L. Maytag invented a “hand power” washing machine (1907) and his motor-driven washer (1911), which revolutionized the industry.
Read More
In 1898 the washing machine industry began there with the manufacture of ratchet-slat washers. Newton was where Frederick L. Maytag invented a “hand power” washing machine (1907) and his motor-driven washer (1911), which revolutionized the industry.
Read More

home appliance
Appliances for cleaning.
…the 1920s, manually controlled electric washing machines were marketed, some using an agitator and others a rocking action to dislodge soil. The first automatic electric washer appeared in 1937, a front-loading machine with a horizontally mounted tub that, when loaded with clothes, with soap powder added, would go automatically through…
Read More
…the 1920s, manually controlled electric washing machines were marketed, some using an agitator and others a rocking action to dislodge soil. The first automatic electric washer appeared in 1937, a front-loading machine with a horizontally mounted tub that, when loaded with clothes, with soap powder added, would go automatically through…
Read More