A Brief History Of Washing Machines

Washing machines are one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century; just ask any stay-at-home parent after an under-10s soccer game.

But where did washing machines come from? Who invented them? There are a ton of questions about the origins of washers that, as experts on the health and well-being of washers in the home, we feel we need to answer.

So, in today’s blog, we’re going to cover the history of the washing machine, from the origins of the design to the significant steps in technology.

The Early Days

The origins of the washing machine are shrouded in a little bit of mystery. However, there are a few facts that are well known enough to repeat here.

The first known version of the washing machine was created by Alva J. Fisher for the Hurley Electric Laundry Company in Chicago in 1907. This version was known as the “Thor” and was the first known version of a washing machine that operated using an electric motor. Up until this point, washers had been in use though they relied on hand-cranks or steam-powered mechanisms.

As a result, the Thor is recognized as the first electric washing machine in a similar mold to the later designs.

Debatable Origins

Funnily enough, the origins of the washing machine are somewhat in dispute. Unfortunately, US patents at the time had a horrible reputation for being copied, lost, or stolen, making the claims of Alva J. Fisher difficult actually to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

Of course, the existence of the Thor is not within doubt, and because we can’t find any other examples of electric washing machines, so we’ll stick with it for now.

Through The Ages

While the washing machine has been an incredible creation that has revolutionized clothes cleaning for homes around the globe, the adoption of washers was a slow one. Despite being invented in 1907, the electric washer didn’t grow in popularity in the USA until after World War 2.

With top load and front load machines coming to the fore and more inexpensive versions became available in-store, the washing machine soon exploded in popularity.

After the initial round of innovations, washing machines have stayed relatively unchanged for the following decades, with changes mainly being aesthetic in nature.

Modern Technology

However, with the turn of the century, the washing machine once again became a place for home innovation. Digital paneling, more complex water-jet systems, and the introduction of multi-purpose devices that can dry clothes after cleaning them all became introduced to ever-growing popularity.

However, despite the latest sensor technology and microprocessors to automatically select the perfect amount of water for the ideal cycle, the washing machine is still similar to the original Thor from the 1900s.

More to the point, the basic drum-based technology is still the cornerstone of even the latest washers to have come out. As a result, there’s still space for soup scum and mold to grow in your machine if it’s left unchecked. So, regardless of what you have in your home, it’s still worth it to invest in a high-quality, non-toxic, deep cleaning washing machine formula.

That’s it for today’s blog, be sure to check out our other blogs from Wash Warrior on the latest tips and tricks for keeping your washing machine clean and operational. Also, if you have any questions about our products, then feel free to contact us!

Happy Washing!

The Wash Warrior Team