While you may not think of your washing machine as the pinnacle of technological advancement, it’s worth taking a minute to see just how far the humble washing machine has come since its inception. Few appliances have transformed the household like the washer and dryer. The number of hours saved by the washing machine, in particular, each week is mind-boggling.
While today’s washing machines are truly exceptional, the early machines were still regarded as a massive leap forward in household appliance technology.
Here’s a brief look and washing machines over the decades.
Believe it or not, Boss washing machines were the cream of the crop in the 1890s. A unit like the one about would likely have only been seen in the home of a relatively well-off family. There’s zero automation to be had in this era, with this machine powered by hand. Turning an iron crank moved the clothing item through the washboards and squeezed out dirt and grime.
We’re taking a giant leap forward to the mid-1950s with the Maytag Model N2L. Compared to the old Boss unit, this is straight from the space age! Why? It’s an electric powered unit that removed a huge portion of the physical work required from previous machines.
The fact that this is an electric unit also is a milestone in American history. By the time this unit was released, about 80% of American homes had electricity. In 1925, just 10% of homes had electricity. As America was hooked up to the grid, demand for electric appliances grew immensely - particularly washing machines.
We’ll end our journey through time with the top-of-the-line washer from Electrolux, one of our most reputable brands. This machine boasts a load capacity of 4.5 cubic feet, has settings to keep whites white than bleach, a 15-min wash mode, and pre-mixes the water and laundry detergent to make the cycle far easier on your clothes. It’s completely automated, so you throw your clothes in and forget about it. Quite a long way from turning a hand crank, isn’t it?
So the next time you think your smartphone has come a long way, don’t forget the time your new, fancy washer gives back to you and your family. Modern washing machines are truly transformative pieces of technology and we’re so proud to offer these to our friends and neighbors across Northern Michigan!
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