How do washing machine agitators work? (Explained)
It is always a hustle to choose between buying an agitator-type washing machine and an impeller type.
Having knowledge about how each of these types works will go a long way in helping you understand how your washer works.
One of the main parts of an agitator-type washing machine is the agitator.
It is the main part that differentiates it from other washing machine types.
Here is how washing machine agitators work:
The agitator is a vertical post that is located in the center of the washing machine tub. It is connected to the drive shaft, which turns when the washer is turned on.
The agitator then starts to spin and move back and forth. This action causes a rubbing effect (agitator action) on the clothes and creates waves in the water that help to loosen and remove dirt and stains from clothes.
Agitators are a key part of the washing machine process, and today we’re going to explore how they work.
Table of Contents
What is a washing machine agitator?
A washing machine agitator is a component in the machine that helps to move the clothes around and clean them.
The agitator is a rotating bar that is located in the center of the washing machine drum.
It consists of a shaft with blades or paddles attached to it, which spin around to help mix and move the water and detergent around the clothes.
Most top-loading washing machines have agitators, while front-loading washers generally don’t.
In addition, washing machines with agitators typically have a higher capacity than front-loading washers, so they can handle more clothes at once.
But because the agitator takes up space in the middle of the drum, there’s less room for clothes to move around, which can lead to them getting tangled together and not getting as clean.
What are the types of washing machine agitators?
Washing machine agitators come in different shapes and sizes.
Some common agitator designs include the spiral agitator, paddle agitator, and wave wheel agitator.
Spiral agitators have a long, spiraling design that allows them to effectively turn clothes in the tub.
Paddle agitators have multiple paddles that help to mix clothes and water together.
Wave wheel agitators have a series of wave-like fins that help to circulate clothes and water in the tub.
Why does a washer need an agitator?
A washing machine agitator is a device found on top-loading machines that helps to rotate the clothes during the wash cycle.
This is important because it helps to remove dirt and stains from the fabric.
Without an agitator, the clothes would simply soak in the water and soap, and would not be cleaned as effectively.
In more recent times, impeller-type washing machines have become more common in new washers which work very effectively without the long vertical agitators in the middle of the tub.
In fact, impeller-type washing machines provide the additional benefit of more room for clothes and less use of water.
So your washer does not necessarily need an agitator as there are other types of washers that are more efficient like impellers in top load washers.
Read Also: What are the parts of a clothes dryer? (Explained)
How do you put clothes in a washing machine with an agitator?
You may wonder if there is a difference between loading a washing machine with an agitator and other types of washing machines.
It may be as straightforward as you may be thinking but you need to take note of a few things in order to properly and effectively load your washing machine with an agitator.
Let’s explore how to efficiently and effectively load clothes into a washing machine with an agitator:
When you are loading clothes into a washing machine with an agitator, it is important to remember that the agitator is a quite powerful tool.
It can damage your clothes if you are not careful.
In fact, it’s one of the reservations people have about it even though they can be very efficient if used properly.
Follow these tips to avoid any damage:
1– Do not overload the washing machine. This will put too much strain on the agitator and could cause it to break.
2– Be careful with delicate items. The agitator can snag on delicate fabrics, so it is best to put these items in a mesh laundry bag before adding them to the washing machine.
3– Do not use too much detergent. This will create too many suds, which can cause the agitator to become overloaded and stop working.
Read also: Will Tissue Damage Washing Machine? (All You Need To Know)
Can a washing machine agitator be replaced?
Just like any other machine component, your washing machine agitator can get worn out with time.
In that case, you can and will need to replace it.
Replacing a washing machine agitator may not be as complex as you may think.
It is definitely doable with the right tools and instructions.
Here, we will provide you with all the information you need to know in order to successfully replace your washing machine agitator.
So read on for everything you need to know about replacing your washing machine agitator!
As mentioned earlier, washing machine agitators come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all work with the same principle.
The agitator is responsible for moving the clothes around in the washing machine so that they can be properly cleaned.
If your agitator is not working properly, it could be because it is broken or because it is not the right size for your washing machine.
In either case, you will need to replace it.
Here are the steps to replace your washing machine agitator:
Step 1. The first thing you need to do is identify the type of agitator that you have.
Top-load agitators are the most common type and can be found on most traditional washing machines.
Step 2. Once you have identified the type of agitator that you have, you need to gather the necessary tools and supplies.
For a top-loading agitator, you will need a Phillips head screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver, and a wrench.
Step 3. After you have gathered the necessary tools, you are ready to begin the replacement process.
Remove the old agitator.
To do this, you will need to unscrew the retaining nut that holds the agitator in place.
Once the retaining nut is loose, you can pull the agitator out of the washing machine.
Step 4. You will need to install the new agitator.
Simply insert the agitator into the washing machine and screw on the retaining nut. Make sure that the agitator is tight before moving on to the next step.
Step 5. The final step is to reconnect the washing machine to its power source and turn it on.
You should now see that the new agitator is working properly. If not, you may need to adjust the settings on your washing machine.
If replacing your agitator may seem like a daunting task for you, call your neighborhood technician to assist you with it.
Read also: How long do washing machine shock absorbers last? (Answered)
Do all washers have the same type of agitator?
Different brands of washing machines have different types of agitators. There are also some washing machines that have no agitator at all.
Instead, they have an impeller, which is a disc that spins to create the water action.
Although washing machine agitators operate based on the same principle, each manufacturer produces its own type of agitator which may not be exactly the same as other brands.
In fact, washing machine agitators even vary from model to model in terms of size and design.
Sources:
