

The Thor was the first electric-powered washing machine. This thoughtful gift would come to be the first first example of washing machines designed for convenient use in the home. In 1858, Hamilton Smith patented the rotary washing machine.In 1874, William Blackstone of Indiana built a machine that removed dirt and stains from laundry as a birthday present for his wife.

The earliest prototype of a washing machine was invented in 1797, but then updated in 1851 to include a drum and manually operated turner. The earliest washing “machine” was in fact, less of a machine and more of a scrub board. The principle was sound: forcing water through clothes to remove dirt – and is arguably the origin of the washing machine that we know today. Laundering practices included placing your dirty laundry in a strong cloth bag, and tossing it overboard, letting the ship drag the bag for hours. The first laundry techniques were rustic to say the least. Sit back and explore the evolution of the washing machine with us! Ancient Automatic Laundry Techniques Every wondered how people got the job done in the 1800s? Well, the answers are all here.

From ancient laundering techniques to the washing machines we use today – people have always been looking for easier, more efficient ways to clean their dirty clothes. Laundry is a chore that has been part of human society since the beginning of time.
