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The Scrub Board is invented in 1797
In ancient times, people would just scrub their clothes in a stream until deemed clean. But in 1797, the first scrub board was invented: many ridges of metal were placed on a wooden base, and then clothes would be scrubbed against them to make them clean. -
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Washing Machines from the 1700's to 2062
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The Rotary Washing Machine
In 1858, Hamilton Smith patented the rotary washing machine. This machine contained various typed of metal, rather than just being wood and metal, like the scrub board. The Rotary washing machine, although still hand powered, made washing clothes a lot easier. -
Thor, the First Electric Washing Machine
Invented by Alva J. Fisher in 1908, Thor was the first electronically powered washing machine. Thor was a drum like machine, with an electric motor for hands-free washing. -
Washing Machines in the 40's
By 1940, the number of washing machines in the US exploded into the millions. By now, washing machines have become to look like the ones we know today: with a front or top loading area. The first automated washing machine was introduced in 1937, and became extremley popular after that. -
Present Day Washing Machines
In 1957, washing machines were created with buttens that would control what the washing machine did. Today, most washing machines are just like that: they often have dials and buttens that can clean clothes with only a push. And with the help of some laundry detergent, clothes are clean within 30 minutes. -
Ten Years in the Future
By now, I think that washing machines will start to become less complicated, but with the same amount or more washing. The easier something is to handle, the more buyers there are for something, right? The 2022 washing machine will have less buttens, but more cleaning power. -
20 Years in the Future
Everyone hates dragging laundry baskets around the house, so why not just have a laundry basket an washing machines all combined into one? Like this futuristic machine shows, all you would do is put your clothes in the "hamper," then let it do the washing. -
50 Years in the Future
50 years in the Future, I could see clothes being cleaned in only a minute. Smaller, more compact, and portable washers are being created. Like this picture shows, you could have a wringer like system--put the clothes through the two beams, slide it through, and it will be automatically clean.
