Washing machine is a complex appliance. Various washing machine components and parts co-operate with each other to clean the clothes during a pretty complicated process. Here we are going to introduce the main washing machine parts and their function. Since every washing machine has its own design and characteristics, we will introduce washing machine parts which are common among all of them.
Main washing machine parts and components
Drum or tub
Let's start with the biggest washing machine part, the drum or tub. Do you know your washing machine has two tubs? The one that you see and put your clothes in, is the inner tub which rotates and has some holes for water inlet and outlet. The outer tub contains the inner one, protect it and prevents the water from leaking to other washing machine parts. The outer tub is stuck to the appliance body.
Tip: since the inner tub is moving and vibrating while working, the outer one should be installed in a way to prevent the movement transfer to other washing machine parts.
Water inlet valve
After turning on the washing machine and setting the washing program, the inlet valve opens automatically to enter water into the inner tub. The water level in the tub is assigned according to the washing machine model and the selected program.
Drain pump
As the name indicates, the duty of this washing machine part during washing and spinning cycles, is water draining.
Drain hose
The water will leave the washing machine after the washing cycle is completed with the help of the drain pump and the drain hose. This is a very simple washing machine part but a very useful one.
Heater element
This washing machine part heats up the water inside the tub to the desired temperature according to the washing program. It is located under the main tub and is completely sealed.
Thermostat
This washing machine part measures the inlet water temperature and orders the elements to heat the water if necessary. In fact, thermostat is in charge of the temperature control. When the temperature reaches the desired level, it stops the electric current to the element.
Electronic board
The information in this washing machine part is programmed to help the washing machine with its operations according to the clothes’ type. This component is in fact the brain of the washing machine.
Hydrostat
This washing machine part is responsible for adjusting the level of inlet water to the appliance. It stops the water inlet when the water level in the tub reaches the adjusted level.
Micro switch
The main duty of this washing machine part is to make sure the washing machine door is completely closed to start the washing operation. If the door is not closed, it prevents the electricity from reaching the water inlet valve. So, water doesn't enter the tub.
The micro switches inside the washing machine, control the water level in the tub, the tub angle and the filters.
Warning: if the washing machine door opens when the water temperature in the tub is too high, you may be burnt.
Warning: if the microswitch doesn't work properly and washing machine door opens while the tub is spinning, inserting your hand inside the tub is too dangerous and can break your bones.
Pulley
Pulley is the washing machine part which looks like a big wheel locating at the back of the tub. It is connected to the motor with a belt around it. When pulley starts rotating, the inner tub rotates too.
In other words, the small and big pullies of the washing machine transfer power between the motor and the tub.
Belt
This washing machine part connects the motor to the pulley at the back of the tub and makes it rotate during the washing cycle.
Now that you are almost familiar with washing machine main parts, let's have a short description of its operation in washing your clothes.
Washing process based on washing machine parts function
- Put the clothes inside the tub and select the desired washing program.
- The washing machine electronic board commands the valves to open and fill the tub with hot or cold water. Some water enters the detergent drawer to wash the washing powder and take it to the tub.
- Inlet water valve closes when the water level reaches the desired level based on the washing program.
- Thermostat measures the water temperature and let the heater element heat it up if necessary.
- The inner tub starts rotating. So, the clothes are mixed with warm water and the washing powder or detergent. Rotating the tub in 2 separate directions, gets out all the dirt from the cloths and the detergent help with this operation.
- Water valves open again. Now the dirty water should leave the tub. The drain pump leads the water out through the drain hose.
- The clean water enters he tub again and it starts rotating.
- When the washing cycle is over, the tub starts spinning with high speed to send out the extra water. This water enters the outer tub via the small holes of the inner tub and leaves the washing machine.
Here we gave you little information about different washing machine parts and their function. Surely, this complex appliance has more parts and components. If you need more information about the washing machine, it's function, installation, service, troubleshooting and repair, don't miss our washing machine instructional video in HelloTechnic training system. The experience of the best experts and professors is available in this video.
