1908 THE ELECTRIC WASHING MACHINE

The Washing Machine is a must for most of us today. We just do not have the time to "wash by hand" anymore, some of the younger generation would have no idea even how to.

What were the first washing machines and how did they work ?

The first mass-marketed electric washing machine was the Thor, a tumble washer produced by the Hurley Machine Company in 1908.
The machine worked by tumbling clothes with a wooden drum, in two directions, at eight revolutions per minute. The drum's rotation mechanisms were powered by a single Westinghouse Electric Company electric motor and connected together via drive belts.

The Thor featured an integrated clutch, which allowed the machine to switch revolution direction and also be held in a stationary position once power was supplied.

Inside The Thor Electric Washing Machine
Spin --- the drum turned at eight revolutions per minute before reversing direction to spin again.
Wringer --- the machine's chain-driven wringing mechanism could be reversed through the operation of a top-right-mounted lever.
Drum --- The Thor's drum was made of wood, into which a galvanised tub was inserted to hold clothes.
Clutch --- a control lever on the left side of the machine was operated to engage and disengage its clutch.
Power --- unlike modern machines, the Thor did not have an on/off switch, instead requiring users to physically disconnect its power cord to turn it off.
(Info from SIFFIS)

Persil was the first commercially available self-activated laundry detergent in 1907 (combining bleach with the detergent). The name comes from two of the original ingredients = sodium PERborate and SILicate = PERSIL.