Washing machines are designed with small holes around the inside of the drum for various purposes, such as agitating the clothes, allowing water to enter and exit, and facilitating the drainage process. Despite the presence of these holes, washing machines are still able to hold water due to the following mechanisms:
Inner tub and outer tub: Washing machines typically have two tubs—the inner tub and the outer tub. The inner tub, where the clothes are placed, contains small holes for water circulation. The outer tub, on the other hand, is watertight and serves as the container to hold the water.
Water inlet valve: Washing machines are equipped with a water inlet valve that controls the flow of water into the machine. When you start a wash cycle, the water inlet valve opens, allowing water to enter the machine. It fills the outer tub, while the inner tub with its small holes allows the water to circulate through the clothes.
Water pump and drain: Once the washing cycle is complete, the water pump in the machine drains the water from the outer tub. The pump draws the water out through a drain hose, ensuring that the inner tub and clothes are emptied of water.
The combination of these components and their functions allows the washing machine to hold water during the washing process while effectively agitating the clothes for cleaning. The small holes in the inner tub enable water to circulate through the clothes, facilitating the cleaning action, while the outer tub ensures that the water stays contained within the machine.