Doing laundry can be a chore, but understanding it doesn't have to be. If you've ever wondered what goes on inside your washing machine, read on for a quick overview of the four main components that make it work.

From the agitator to the motor, here's a closer look at the pieces of a laundry machine and how they work together.

The Agitator

The agitator is the part of the washer that gives clothes an effective clean. It typically looks like a large screw or column in the middle of the drum and works by using paddles or vanes to move clothes around in the water during washing cycles. This helps clothes rub against each other, which loosens dirt and debris so they can be washed away.

The shape and size of an agitator can vary from model to model, depending on its purpose and design features. You can find top-loading washing machines with either a vertical or horizontal agitator, while some front-loaders will have no visible agitator at all.

The Tub

The tub is what contains all of the dirty clothes during washing cycles. It is made up of two parts — an inner tub and an outer tub. The inner tub holds water during the wash and rinse cycles while clothes are spun inside it by an agitator or impeller, depending on the type of washer you own.

The outer tub keeps water contained within, serving as both an insulator to minimize noise as well as prevent any water leakage from occurring during operation. It's usually made from stainless steel or plastic and is built to withstand the forces of a washing machine during operation.

Motor

The motor powers both the drum and agitator, so they rotate during each cycle — and without this piece, your washer wouldn't even turn on.

Motors come in different sizes depending on their purpose. For instance, some motors are designed for top-loading machines while others are designed for front-loaders due to varying size requirements between models.

Most motors use electricity to operate, but some also contain gears or belts for added power when needed, such as when spinning heavier loads at higher speeds. This helps conserve energy and reduce wear and tear on the motor.

Drive System

This system is responsible for connecting all other parts together so they can effectively interact with one another during operation.

A drive system typically consists of a pulley connected to either a belt or direct drive motor, which then connects directly to either an impeller or agitator shaft, depending on the model type. It also serves as an intermediary between these parts and any other components, such as sensors or switches that may need power to function properly (like those found in digital control panels). 

Contact a company like CG West for more information on laundry machine equipment and parts.