The evolution of washing machines dates back to 1908, a time when the first electric washing machine was mass produced. There onwards, these machines have undergone tremendous changes with change in time. Today, washing machines are an inevitable part of our daily life. Washing machines are capable of washing loads of clothes within a considerably short period of time. They are a boon to the homemakers. There are different types of washing machines available in the market. Whirlpool, GE, Maytag are some names that have made phenomenal impact in the field of washing machines.

Basically they come with certain standard features. However, with the advancement in technology, these machines are incorporating newer systems in the machine. The prominent feature of a washing machine is its wash programmes. Other things to be considered are size, spin speed, water and power consumption and load capacity of the machine. The number of wash programmes will vary in each machine according to the sophistication of the technology used. Broadly speaking they can be classified into the following:
Cottons
Synthetics
Delicates
Woollens

A fleeting look at the wash programmes

The present generation washing machines incorporate a wide range of wash programmes to meet your different lifestyle requirements. They are no longer dumb machines at the mercy of the humans; rather, they have become intuitive and can think and perform like humans do.

All the washing machines like whirlpool, siemens, Hotpoint and LG washing machine comes with standard wash programmes that may include all or some of the following:

• Cottons – This option is used for washing cotton and linen garments that needs thorough cleaning
• Delicates – With this option you can wash fabrics that need delicate handling
• Quick wash – A swift wash programme for lesser load in a very short time, thereby saving you time
• Rinse hold – In this option, the machine retains the water in the drum after the final rinse, in order o reduce creasing
• Auto half load – The machine automatically adjusts water level for smaller loads
• Start delay timer – This feature enables to set a future time for staring the wash programme
• Hand wash – This option is for clothes that needs freshening up, similar to washing with hands
• Wool wash – This is for machine washable woollen clothes and is a cycle with very little agitation
• Variable rinse – Here you can add or delete a rinse
• Time saver feature – This enables you to reduce wash time of some programmes
• Silk programme – For washing delicate silk items
• Anti-crease action – In this option at the end of the wash cycle, the drum rotates intermittently, thereby avoiding creasing of clothes

Some machines also have special wash presets like:

• Denim – This option prevents creasing and streaking discolouration and hence is used to wash denims
• Shirts – This option too prevents creasing
• Dark garments – This option raises the water level and ensures thorough cleaning of clothes leaving no trail of detergents

You can even find additional options like soak option and pre-wash for heavily soiled clothes. When you choose pre wash, the machine gives a short wash to the clothes before the main wash, delivering cleaner and fresher clothes. Most machines also have safety features like water control system, emergency door release, automatic safety door lock, fault diagnosis programme and child lock.

Who knows what the next generation washing machines would be capable of doing? All we can do for now is, just wait with bated breath and take advantage of what the technology offers.