A washing machine is a household appliance designed to clean laundry, such as clothes, towels, and bed linens. It uses water, detergent, and mechanical action to remove dirt and stains from fabrics. Most washing machines have different settings for various types of fabrics and levels of soil, allowing users to customize the wash cycle. There are two main types of washing machines: top-loading and front-loading. Top-loading machines have a lid on the top for loading clothes, while front-loading machines have a door on the front. Both types are efficient and can save time and effort compared to hand washing.