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Throughout recorded history, humans have struggled with the tediousness of washing their clothes. For centuries, the best way available involved pounding a rock against soapy material in either a stream or a homemade bucket. With the advent of the earliest machines, in the 17th century, people were still forced to crank their laundry by hand.
Electricity changed things beginning with the first electric washing machine in 1904.
The first agitator was developed in 1922 by the Maytag company. The more modern dual-action agitator was created by Kenmore in the 1980s. -
The washing machine agitator is one of the main components in the washing process in top loading washing machines. It functions by moving the clothes from the bottom of the machine to the top and back again.
This essentially keeps the clothes from settling down and floating on top of the water. Larger items, such as large blankets, will sometimes not do well in washing machines that utilize agitators because the agitator cannot fully function and spin the item correctly. - There are two main types of agitators: "straight-vane" and "dual-action." A straight-vane agitator has a bottom and side "fins" that rotates back and forth. The dual-action is the more "modern" and has both bottom fins and a spiral top.
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Agitators are essential in top loading washing machines, and they help keep down the price of the machine. These types of top loading machines are also preferred because they are easier to load and unload and do not require as much bending. They also are known to have quicker loads.
There are several drawbacks to agitator machines, however. Machines with agitators typically uses more water and are more harsh on the clothes. Additionally, they typically do not clean as thoroughly, resulting in more detergent left over on the clothes.
Additionally, the agitator can rupture or break easily, and if not repaired right away, can cause rips or tears in the clothing. -
You should always keep an eye on your agitator. The movements should be strong and quick. A good test, is to periodically open the top of the washer while it is running and take a peek. If it is a good agitator, it should be spinning around as you open the lid.
When examining agitator movement, be wary if the agitator doesn't move, only moves in one direction, or generally moves slowly. All of these signs are clues that your agitator is not working correctly and may need to be replaced.
