The first washing machines appeared in the 1700s. The earliest models were basically wooden barrels turned by hand.

The first patented washing machine was issued in 1797.

Early washers were called “scrub boards” or “washing boxes.”

The first electric washing machine was invented around 1908 by Alva J. Fisher.

Fisher’s machine was named the Thor and was produced by the Hurley Machine Company. The Thor had a galvanized metal tub, which was revolutionary at the time.

Before electricity, washers often used steam or crank-powered mechanisms.

The electric motor made washing machines one of the first widespread home appliances in the early 20th century.

The wringer washer, famous for squeezing water out of clothes, was common until the 1950s.

The automatic washing machine was introduced in 1937 by Bendix.

Front-loading washers use less water than top-loading ones.

Front-loaders also clean more efficiently because of their tumbling action.

Some top-loaders today use impellers instead of agitators to be gentler on clothes.

Modern washers use sensors to detect load weight, water levels, and fabric type.

Many washing machines adjust the cycle length based on how dirty the water becomes.

Washing machines account for roughly 17 percent of a home’s water usage, depending on the region.

A typical wash cycle before high-efficiency washers used between 10 and 40 gallons of water.

The spin cycle can rotate between 800 and 1,600 RPM, depending on the model.

Higher RPMs mean drier clothes but also more vibration.

Washer vibration is reduced using weighted concrete blocks inside the machine.

The average washing machine lasts 10 to 12 years.

The most common reason washers fail is bearing or motor issues.

Many modern washers contain small computer chips that manage dozens of micro-adjustments per cycle.

In Europe, front-loaders are more popular; in the United States, top-loaders dominate.

Washing machines were among the first home appliances to include microprocessors in the 1970s and 1980s.

The detergent drawer is one of the germiest places in the machine.

Leaving the washer door open after doing laundry helps prevent mold and mildew.

Some washers have a steam-clean option for sanitizing.

The Japanese brand Sanyo once made a washer that also worked as a dryer and air purifier.

Fisher & Paykel invented the SmartDrive, a washer with a direct-drive motor that adjusts itself based on your washing habits.

The loud banging sound during spin cycles often comes from an unbalanced load.

Coins are the most common objects found in washer filters.

Wool and silk items can be ruined if washed in hot water or with high agitation.

The term “laundry day” became common because early washers took hours to complete a single load.

In the 1950s, washers were luxury items costing the equivalent of more than one thousand dollars today.

The delicate cycle uses lower temperatures and gentle drum movement.

Eco cycles use less water but often take more time.

The first Wi-Fi connected washing machine was released around 2014.

Many smart washers can send notifications to your phone when the cycle ends.

Some washers have built-in auto-dosing systems that add detergent automatically.

Modern detergent pods like Tide Pods became popular in 2012.

A typical laundry load weighs around 7 to 10 pounds.