in basket 70 that is agitation element is moved back and forth in an oscillatory back and forth motion in the illustrated embodiment agitation element 116 is rotated clockwise a specified amount about the vertical axis of the machine and then rotated counterclockwise by a specified amount the clockwise counterclockwise reciprocating motion is sometimes referred to as a stroke and the agitation phase of the wash cycle constitutes a number of strokes in sequence acceleration and deceleration of agitation element 116 during the strokes imparts mechanical energy to articles in basket 70 for cleansing action the strokes may be obtained in different embodiments with a reversing motor a reversible clutch or other known reciprocating mechanism after the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed tub 64 is drained with pump assembly 72 laundry items are then rinsed and portions of the cycle repeated including the agitation phase depending on the particulars of the wash cycle selected by a user in accordance with the present disclosure the washing machine can also advantageously permit one or more steam cycles and or fabric enhancing cycles heretofore top load vertical axis washing machines have not included steam features in accordance with the present disclosure steam features are described in connection with top load washing machines in this manner consumers of top load washing machines can enjoy the deep clean benefits afforded by steam the washing machines described herein can also permit reduction and or elimination of wrinkles from garments referring to fig2 sump 200 is in fluid communication with tub 64 sump 200.