Question

‘The principle of all washing machines is to keep the fabric in movement in the washing solution to carry away the dirt.’

1. Discuss the three processes involved in the washing equipment of a commercial laundry.  (3)
2. Which of the above processes is used in front-loading machines?  (1)

Answer 1

1. Three processes involved in the washing equipment of a commercial laundry:
   1. Agitation: This is used in top loading machines. The agitator has blades which may rotate (movement in one direction) or oscillate (alternate movement in two directions), which cause the creation of a current in the tub, forcing water into the fabric.
   2. Pulsation: This is also used in top loading machines. The movement is caused by a vertical pulsator, which has very rapid movements vertically.
   3. Tumbling: This is used in front loading machines. Washing takes place in a horizontally placed cylinder which is perforated and which revolves in a partially filled tub. With each revolution the clothes are carried to the top and then dropped in the wash water. This means that the clothes move through the water rather than water moving through clothes as in the previous two types.
2. Tumbling process is used in front-loading machines.