The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Washing Machine

WASHING MACHINE, a machine for washing clothes. A great number of machines have been contrived, the most general feature of them being that the clothes are agitated by artifical means in a vessel of trough containing the cleansing agents. One of the great advantages of the washing machine as compared with the hands is that the water can be used when boiling hot. In some, provision is made for retaining the steam which effectually bleaches the clothes, and they generally have also roller attachments for wringing and mangling. See Laundry Machinery.