Spin cycle Faster Slower Efficiency Lower Higher Each type of washer is discussed in further detail below. Top-Loading Washing Machines Machines that load from the top normally feature hinged lid at the top to cover the opening. Clothes are loaded into a perforated basket that sits inside a tub that fills with water. An agitator at the bottom moves the water and clothing throughout the length of the predetermined wash cycle. The soapy water is then drained from the tub by a spraying and spinning action, and the tub refills with clean water to begin the rinse cycle. Once the clothes are rinsed, the water is again drained from the tub, and the basket spins at a high speed, using centrifugal force to move water out through the holes in the basket and into the tub where it can be drained away. Front-Loading Washing Machines Front-loaders have a circular glass door (which usually contains a clear window) at the front and a horizontally oriented basket and tub. Clothes are loaded through the front of the machine, after which the door is shut. The door features a special gasket or seal to prevent leakage. When the wash cycle begins, the tub fills up with just enough water to wet the clothes, which is determined by a water-level sensor. The clothes begin turning during the filling of the tub in order to get the clothes wet faster. Then, in a similar fashion to a tumble dryer, the clothes are moved up the walls of the turning basket until they drop down because of gravity. This process is repeated over and over throughout the cycle. With less water and a more vigorous cleaning action, less detergent is needed. The aerating property of the tumbling action also requires that either a low-sudsing detergent be used or a much smaller amount of regular detergent. The rinse cycle is executed in much the same way, and the spin cycle is standard, with gravity facilitating the extraction of water. There are systems that can both wash and dry clothes in one machine. They use more energy but take up less space, and so again, they are more common in Europe. No matter which type of washing machine is used, the cycles are essentially the same. Washing Machine Cycles No matter which type of washing machine is used, the cleaning action is basically performed in three steps: washing, rinsing, and spinning. Washing
Spin cycle Faster Slower Efficiency Lower Higher Each type of washer is discussed in further detail below. Top-Loading Washing Machines Machines that load from the top normally feature hinged lid at the top to cover the opening. Clothes are loaded into a perforated basket that sits inside a tub that fills with water. An agitator at the bottom moves the water and clothing throughout the length of the predetermined wash cycle. The soapy water is then drained from the tub by a spraying and spinning action, and the tub refills with clean water to begin the rinse cycle. Once the clothes are rinsed, the water is again drained from the tub, and the basket spins at a high speed, using centrifugal force to move water out through the holes in the basket and into the tub where it can be drained away. Front-Loading Washing Machines Front-loaders have a circular glass door (which usually contains a clear window) at the front and a horizontally oriented basket and tub. Clothes are loaded through the front of the machine, after which the door is shut. The door features a special gasket or seal to prevent leakage. When the wash cycle begins, the tub fills up with just enough water to wet the clothes, which is determined by a water-level sensor. The clothes begin turning during the filling of the tub in order to get the clothes wet faster. Then, in a similar fashion to a tumble dryer, the clothes are moved up the walls of the turning basket until they drop down because of gravity. This process is repeated over and over throughout the cycle. With less water and a more vigorous cleaning action, less detergent is needed. The aerating property of the tumbling action also requires that either a low-sudsing detergent be used or a much smaller amount of regular detergent. The rinse cycle is executed in much the same way, and the spin cycle is standard, with gravity facilitating the extraction of water. There are systems that can both wash and dry clothes in one machine. They use more energy but take up less space, and so again, they are more common in Europe. No matter which type of washing machine is used, the cycles are essentially the same. Washing Machine Cycles No matter which type of washing machine is used, the cleaning action is basically performed in three steps: washing, rinsing, and spinning. Washing