Drum Washing Machine

Originating in Europe, drum washing machines are primarily constructed from steel, offering a lifespan of approximately 10–20 years. Their washing method mimics the principle of hammering clothes with a mallet. Featuring a stainless steel inner drum, a mechanical program controller, a shell treated with phosphating, electrophoresis, and spray coating, and cement blocks to counterbalance the immense centrifugal force generated during rotation, drum washing machines achieve cleaning through repeated motion, enhanced by detergent and water.

The earliest drum washing machines had top-loading lids, making them incompatible with under-cabinet installation. Later designs shifted to front-loading doors, but this introduced a challenge: the door cannot be opened mid-cycle without water spilling out and flooding the room. To prevent this, the door automatically locks during operation, unlocking only after the drainage cycle completes. Essentially, a drum washing machine operates like a mixer. Clothes are placed in a perforated inner drum surrounded by a watertight outer drum. The outer drum fills to about one-third capacity with tap water, heated by an electric element. A motor drives the drum to rotate at varying speeds, tumbling the clothes to dislodge dirt particles through friction.

Drum washing machines vary widely in brand and specifications. Based on automation, they are classified as manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic. Based on loading method, they differ in structure. Key components include the control panel, inner drum, circular front window, glass viewport, outer drum drainpipe, drain pump, filter, small pulley, dual-speed motor, drive belt, drainage pipe, tubular heater, outer drum, bearings and seats, Y-shaped outer drum bracket, and water inlet solenoid valve.

The outer drum holds the washing liquid and supports the inner drum. Typically made from rolled and welded stainless steel, it features grooves and ribs on its walls and edges for added rigidity. Cylindrical in shape, it has a front loading port, a bottom drain hole, overflow and inlet holes on the walls, and various mounting brackets. To prevent leaks, all openings are fitted with sealing gaskets, and the shaft includes a sealing ring.

Outer Drum

The inner drum is the operational component for washing, rinsing, and spinning. Also made from rolled and welded stainless steel, it features curved internal ribs, known as “lifting ribs,” which lift clothes from the wash liquid and drop them back at an optimal height to enhance cleaning. A fork-shaped frame on the back reinforces the drum’s strength.

Drum Washing Machine Interior

Curved Inner Surface with Lifting Ribs

Before washing, check clothing labels and select the appropriate cycle (e.g., cotton, synthetic, wool) based on fabric type. Sort colored items separately and test for colorfastness. Zip up garments with zippers and remove metal accessories, pins, or buttons. Since drying capacity is typically half the washing capacity, avoid overloading to prevent wrinkles. The control panel usually includes a detergent drawer, energy-saving button, power switch, power indicator, and program dial.

Connect the inlet and drain hoses, then plug in the power cord. As drum machines use a drain pump, position the drain hose 0.7–0.9 meters above the floor in a drain slot. Pull out the detergent drawer and add detergent, softener, or bleach to their respective compartments. Open the door by the handle, load the clothes, and select a wash mode based on their condition. For machines with temperature controls, adjust the water temperature as needed. Turn on the faucet, press the start/stop button, and the machine will run automatically until the cycle ends. Once finished, open the door, remove the clothes, and unplug the machine.

Impeller (top-loading) washing machines suit users washing large loads without specific fabric needs. Drum washing machines excel at targeted washing, such as wool, silk, or items requiring hot water. Impeller machines offer larger capacities but rely on friction, limiting their suitability for delicate fabrics like wool or silk. Drum machines use a “tumbling” action and heating, accommodating diverse materials. They also feature unique functions like drying and sterilization, making towels, bathrobes, and sheets softer and fluffier post-drying.

News reports often highlight explosions when washing down jackets in older impeller machines during the spin cycle. Down jackets, with waterproof fabric, light weight, and poor breathability, trap air pockets when soaked. High-speed spinning causes expansion and potential bursting. Hand washing is safest for down items, but drum machines are a viable machine-washing option. With gentle cycles and adjustable low-speed spinning—some even offering dedicated down modes—they simplify the process safely.

Notable drum washing machine brands include KG, Siemens, Electrolux, Panasonic, Gree, Bosch, TCL, Samsung, Little Swan, Yunmi, Casarte, Hualing, Skyworth, Mi Home, Midea, Meiling, Galanz, Haier, Hisense, Rongshida, Konka, Whirlpool, and Aucma.