additional infeed of rinse water through an additional infeed pipe 35 close to the highest point 6a of the casing 6 can further increase the rinsing effect the rinse cycle is stopped after a preprogrammed time period it is however possible to measure the remaining concentration of detergent and if necessary drain off the used rinse water and start a further rinse cycle it is often useful to add a softening agent from a container 25 to the rinse water during the last rinse cycle also an intermediate spin cycle is possible and increases the rinsing effect accordingly the washable articles or items are completely clean and chemical free which is desired and valued particularly in the case of washable textile articles or laundry in the case of washable articles or items which are particularly difficult to handle the wash and rinse cycles can be alternated and may be repeated twice or even more often after completion of the last rinse cycle the used rinse water is drained off and the washable articles or items are also spun if desired if necessary or desired a drying cycle can now be started during which heated or warm air is preferably used the heated or warm air is forced through the washable articles or items a partial air flow can be directed from below e g to loosen the washable articles or laundry during such flow the air takes up moisture which or course is only possible up to a certain degree.