5 interesting facts about washing machines

Today, the washing machine is an integral part of our everyday life. It’s hard to imagine that just a century ago women could not even dream of such a household assistant. But how much do we know about this wonderful invention?

We present you 5 interesting facts about washing machines.

1. The first washing machine appeared in the house in 1874 inventor William Blackstone (USA), who gave it to his wife for her birthday. The price of the machine at that time was $2.5. Blackstone later opened his own company and began mass production, which continues to this day.

In Europe, mechanical washing machines first began to be produced in 1900. The inventor of new washing equipment, which worked on the basis of a butter churn, was German Karl Miele.

Today there are more than 100 worldwide manufacturers automatic washing machines.

2. Initially, washing machines were bulky and difficult to use, so women stopped doing laundry at home and began taking their laundry to laundries. In the 19th century, large commercial laundries were mostly staffed by men because the work was considered quite hard work for women. As machines became smaller and simplified, women returned to washing at home.

3. The world's first powder for washing clothes in automatic washing machines appeared in June 1907. It was produced by Henkel company in Germany. The new washing powder quickly gained success among consumers, thanks to which the company’s annual powder production increased to 4,700 tons.

4. In the American city of Eaton (Colorado) there is Washing Machine Museum. Museum owner Lee Maxwell has collected and restored more than 600 washing machines over the years. Today, museum visitors can see how some of the first washing machines of the early twentieth century work, as most of the exhibits are in working condition.

5.According to statistics, we are so accustomed to the constant use of this invention that we turn on the washing machine on average 8-10 times a week. Therefore about 22-25% of the total volume of water consumed in the house it is necessary to use this device.