Washing machine

Washing machine, machine that washes clothes. Most washing machines work automatically through the power of an electric motor. The temperature and amount of wash and rinse water as well as the strength of agitation used to clean the clothes is controlled through settings selected by the operator. The last cycle of most washing machines removes excess water by spinning the clothes. Although an electric-powered machine was invented in 1910, it took 27 more years to develop the automatic washer. The first patented washing machines (1860s) mechanically pushed clothes through water by use of a paddle.