The first washing machine in the world

Nowadays, an automatic washing machine is commonplace, the benefits and convenience of which are beyond doubt. But the first washing machine in the world in the 19th century was treated quite skeptically, doubting its necessity. True, the so-called “devices for facilitating washing” looked different and had very modest functionality. Interesting? Then let's trace the “evolution” of technology to the present day.

"Parents" of washing machines

It is now impossible to determine exactly who first invented the washing machine. Many applications were sent to the patent office for official registration of devices that facilitate washing. The appearance and functionality of the “progenitors” of washing machines is very different from modern machines. But the purpose and principle of operation remained unchanged.

The key date was 1851, when the American J. King registered the first machine with a rotating drum. Unlike its predecessors, it had a manual drive, which was started by a handle placed outside. The principle of unwinding the mechanism is similar to a meat grinder. It is this invention that is recognized as the prototype of the modern washing machine. King washing machine

For the next 30 years, inventors from all over the world constantly patented new “washing machines.” The archives contain about 2,000 devices of different designs that make washing easier. But most of them did not live long: many quickly broke down, others were rejected or improved over time.

An interesting example is the Californian gold miner who not only invented the “washing machine”, but also made it profitable. This “machine” could wash 10-15 shirts or T-shirts at a time, and there was no need to manually rotate the drum.Instead of a person, the mechanism was started by ten harnessed mules. As a result, the inventor stopped “washing” gold, but set up a public laundry: he washed the clothes of his former colleagues for money.

Primitive washing machines appeared in the United States in the second half of the 19th century.

By 1861, the first drying machine appeared. It was a unit with dense rollers, between which wet things were rolled. The water was pushed out of the fibers and the clothes were wrung out. Similar technology was used many years later, for example, in Soviet semi-automatic machines.

Until the beginning of the 20th century, the main “drive” for washing machines was manpower - people or cattle. The American W. Blackstone had a similar device, who assembled such a machine and gave it to his wife for her name day. Soon he began mass production of his brainchild, selling it for $2.50. This washing equipment was the first to be produced from an assembly line to a large audience. The idea became profitable: William's company became more successful over time, and still produces household washing units.

Who equipped the car with a motor?

The next milestone in the “evolution” of the washing machine is the appearance of equipment with a motor. Manual drive is a thing of the past, and units that are more convenient for everyday use are gaining popularity. At first, washing machines were equipped with a gasoline engine, but soon electric motors took over.

One of the first electric cars was the Thor model, invented by A. Fisher from Chicago in 1908. After 2 years, the device was registered by the Hurley Machine Company, which launched its serial production. The product was in demand. Thor Fischer washing machine

By 1920, in the USA alone, more than 1,300 companies assembled and sold washing machines, and there were factories in other countries.However, many brands could not withstand progress and competition - only a few “survived” into the 21st century. Among the “old-timers” we can note the Whirlpool Corporation, founded in 1911. But their first machines underwent enormous changes: the design was constantly improved, dangerous mechanisms were hidden behind panels, design and functionality were worked out.

Whirlpool brand washing machines have been produced since 1911.

By 1955, washing machines were actively “conquering” the world. About 1.5 million machines were sold, the equipment became more accessible, and the price tag dropped to 60 US dollars. The mass production of washing machines affected society itself. Over time, household appliances replaced servants, and the popularity of public laundries also decreased. People have become freer, they have a lot of time for outside activities and hobbies.

How did laundry technology develop?

Since the beginning of the 20th century, washing machine manufacturers have constantly modernized the design of their equipment, looking for more convenient and ergonomic solutions. Over the course of 170 years, wooden manual washing machines have transformed into modern machines, packed with technology and options. Development proceeded gradually:

20th – wooden tanks were replaced with metal ones;
30s - they began to use electric pumps and added a timer to cars;
40s - the programmer was invented, the first automatic washing machine was released;
50s - machines were supplemented with the ability to automatically spin;
70s - an electronically controlled model entered the market;
2000s - integration of automatic machines into the Smart Home system.

Modern machines with two drums, additional loading and a lot of modes cannot compare with the units of the 1850s. But without prototypes there would be nothing.