How a washing machine works

In short: A washing machine cleans laundry through water, detergent, temperature and mechanical movement. The drum rotates and finally spins the water out.

In more detail: The interplay of time, temperature, chemistry and mechanics is called the Sinner circle.

In detail

• Water inlet: A solenoid valve lets water in; detergent is flushed in.
• Heating element: Heats the water to the chosen temperature.
• Drum: Rotates in alternating directions; the laundry tumbles and rubs.
• Motor: Today often a belt-less inverter motor, quieter and efficient.
• Drain pump: Pumps out the dirty water.
• Spinning: High speed presses water out of the laundry; an imbalance sensor protects against damage.
• Sensors: Detect load and adjust water and time.
• Care: Clean drawer, seal and lint filter, wash hot occasionally (waschmaschine-pflegen).