In the 21st century, nearly everyone uses a washing machine to get their clothes clean. Most people don’t pay attention to how it works — they just put their clothes in, pop in a couple of laundry pods, and let the machine do its thing. However, if you understand the basics of how your washer works, you can spot problems early and avoid costly repairs.
In this blog post, we’ll focus on the agitator, a key component of many washing machines that’s often misunderstood. We’ll explore its role in getting your laundry clean, how it works, why it’s so important, signs it needs repairs, and more.
What Is a Washing Machine Agitator, and How Does it Work?
The washing machine agitator is located in the center of the drum in top-load washers. It resembles a cylinder with spiraling fins, kind of like a screw. It moves back and forth in a spiral motion during the wash cycle to create friction between the clothing and water. It’s like scrubbing the stains without all the elbow grease!
By working together with the water and detergent, agitators play a significant role in getting your clothes clean. They’re especially important for heavily soiled loads that need extra friction.
Why They’re Important
Agitators help loosen dirt, grease, and grime for more effective cleaning performance, along with ensuring detergent is evenly distributed throughout the load. This is ideal for work clothes, towels, cloth diapers, dog beds, and other heavily soiled items.
Furthermore, washers with agitators don’t rely as heavily on long soak times and often offer shorter wash cycles, helping you get your chores done faster without sacrificing results.
Agitator vs. Impeller: What’s the Difference?
However, despite the agitator’s important role, not every washing machine has one. Some have low-profile discs called impellers instead. During the cycle, the impellers rotate to create a strong current of water that moves the clothes around and removes stains and dirt. While impellers use less water and detergent and are typically gentler on clothes, they can tangle or twist laundry and often come with a larger upfront investment.
Agitators are better for tough stains, offer quicker wash times, are less noisy, and are often more durable and low-maintenance than impeller-based washers. However, they can be harsh on delicate fabrics, and these machines can only be top-loading.
Common Problems to Look Out For
While agitators are typically durable, that doesn’t mean they don’t have issues every once in a while. Common problems include:
- Worn or broken dogs: These small plastic parts within the agitator help it spin around. If the clothes are not moving or do not come clean, the dogs may be worn out or broken.
- Loose or damaged shaft: If the agitator wiggles around, it’s not secured properly. Left unaddressed, it can damage other components.
- Stripped splines or drive components: The spline is a round, ridged component that allows the agitator to move. If it’s worn out, there won’t be enough agitation to get your clothes clean.
Additional Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Repair
In addition to the common issues above, here are some more signs your washing machine agitator needs repairs:
- Clothes coming out dirty or only partially cleaned
- The washer fills and drains but doesn’t move clothes
- Unusual noises during the wash cycle
- Agitator moves in only one direction or not at all
When to Call a Professional Appliance Repair Technician
Agitator issues are often part of a larger mechanical problem, meaning they’re difficult to repair on your own. Without the proper tools or experience, you can make the problem worse by inadvertently causing further damage. But rather than calling a professional, some homeowners continue to use their washing machine despite the issues.
Procrastinating necessary repairs isn’t a smart idea. When agitation is reduced (or completely absent), there will be increased wear on your clothing and the machine’s components. Your clothes aren’t likely to come clean, which means higher water and energy use due to repeated cycles.
Professional inspection and repair are the best way to extend the life of your washing machine and ensure your clothes come out clean every time.
Expert Washing Machine Repair by Appliance E.M.T.
If your washing machine is malfunctioning, contact the experts at Appliance E.M.T. right away. We offer prompt service in Weber and Davis counties and can often get your appliance back to normal that same day. Don’t ignore the signs that your agitator needs attention — give us a call and we’ll be there as soon as possible!
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