Laundry Machines | Washers & Dryers
Laundry machines, consisting of a washing machine and a clothes dryer, are household and commercial appliances specifically designed to wash laundry. Replicating the traditional laundering processes that involved hand washing with soap followed by air drying, washers and dryers optimize these steps by using electric or gas power to perform the subsequent steps of washing, rinsing, spinning, and tumble drying of the clothing. Because of the interrelated tasks of each machine, washers and dryers are typically located adjacent to each other either in stacked or side-by-side layouts.
To use a laundry or washing machine, first load the dirty clothes into the machine. Following the directions, pour in the appropriate amount of detergent (fabric softener can be added as well). Select the right wash or spin cycle and temperature. Shut the door and turn the machine on.
A laundry machine consists of two drums: the inner drum rotates or agitates the clothes while the outer drum holds the water. Both hot and cold water enter the machine via a pipe and flushes the detergent through, washing the dirty laundry. When the spin cycle is complete, a pump drains the water from the drum.
To do laundry without access to a laundry machine, one can use a bucket, sink, or bathtub filled with lukewarm water. Submerge the clothes completely into the water and add in the right amount of detergent. Let the clothing soak then gently move the clothes around by hand. Empty and replace the water to rinse the clothes, ringing them out after a thorough and repeated rinse.
