The agitator on a Whirlpool washer works by twisting back and forth vigorously, creating a powerful scrubbing action that helps clean clothes effectively. This central post in the wash tub is designed to rub against fabrics, dislodging dirt and breaking apart stains during the wash cycle.
Understanding the Agitator's Mechanism
A washing machine agitator is a tall, finned post located in the center of the washer tub. Its primary function is to create mechanical action within the water and detergent solution.
- Motor and Transmission: The agitator is connected to the washer's motor through a transmission system. When the washer is in operation, the motor drives the transmission, which converts the rotational motion into the specific back-and-forth twisting action of the agitator.
- Water Interaction: As the agitator twists, it pushes water and detergent through the clothes. This fluid motion, combined with the physical rubbing against the agitator's fins, helps to saturate fabrics and lift dirt particles.
- Fabric Friction: The constant motion causes clothes to rub against each other and the agitator, providing the necessary friction to release trapped dirt and effectively break apart stains.
The Wash Cycle in Action
During a typical wash cycle, the agitator performs its cleaning duties in several phases:
- Filling: The tub fills with water and detergent, allowing the clothes to soak.
- Agitation: The agitator begins its rhythmic twisting motion, mixing the water, detergent, and clothes to provide the mechanical scrubbing action. This phase is crucial for cleaning.
- Draining: The dirty water is drained from the tub.
- Rinsing: Fresh water fills the tub, and the agitator resumes its motion to rinse detergent and loosened dirt from the clothes.
- Final Spin: The agitator may not move during the final spin, as the entire tub spins at high speed to extract water from the clothes.
Benefits of Agitator Washers
Agitator washing machines, like many Whirlpool models, are known for their robust cleaning performance, especially for heavily soiled items.
- Powerful Cleaning: The aggressive agitation excels at tackling tough dirt, grime, and stubborn stains.
- Durability: Agitator models often have a sturdy design built for years of reliable service.
- Familiar Operation: Many users are accustomed to the traditional top-load agitator design and its straightforward operation.
For more information on washing machine care, you can visit the Whirlpool Official Website or consult an Appliance Repair Guide for general maintenance advice.
Agitator vs. Impeller: A Brief Comparison
While agitators use a central post to twist and rub clothes, some modern washers, particularly high-efficiency (HE) models, use an impeller. Impellers are low-profile cones or discs that create turbulent currents to rub clothes against each other without the central post.
| Feature | Agitator Washer | Impeller Washer |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Action | Vigorous twisting, rubbing against clothes/post | Gentle tumbling, rubbing against each other |
| Water Usage | Typically uses more water | Generally uses less water, often HE (High-Efficiency) |
| Capacity | Central post takes up space, potentially less room | No central post, allowing for larger wash loads |
| Fabric Care | Can be harder on delicate items due to strong action | Kinder to fabrics due to gentler, more efficient movement |
| Effectiveness | Excellent for heavily soiled items | Good for general cleaning, suitable for mixed loads |
If you're looking for a washing machine that uses less water, an impeller model might be a better choice. However, for sheer cleaning power on tough messes, the traditional agitator remains a strong contender.
