Putting water in the spin tub of a washing machine serves an essential purpose in the clothes drying process. The process you are referring to is not the final drying of clothes but rather a step in the washing machine's operation known as the rinse cycle. Let's break down the reasons for this step:
Rinse Cycle: After the washing machine completes the main wash cycle, which involves agitating the clothes in soapy water to remove dirt and stains, the rinse cycle begins. During the rinse cycle, the washing machine fills the spin tub with clean water. This water is used to thoroughly rinse the detergent and soap residues from the clothes.
Removing Detergent Residue: The rinse cycle is vital because it helps eliminate any remaining detergent or soap from the clothes. Detergent residues can cause skin irritation, and soap buildup can leave clothes feeling stiff and less comfortable to wear. Proper rinsing ensures that the clothes are free from these residues.
Enhancing Spin Drying: While the primary goal of the rinse cycle is to remove detergent residues, it also plays a role in enhancing the effectiveness of the subsequent spin drying process. When the washing machine spins the clothes during the spin cycle, the clean water present in the spin tub helps to distribute the clothes evenly and acts as a counterbalance. This even distribution of clothes and the presence of water can help reduce vibrations during the high-speed spinning, making the process more efficient and effective.
Energy Efficiency: By using clean water for rinsing instead of fresh water for spinning only, the washing machine saves water and energy. Reusing the water from the rinse cycle for spinning is more efficient than discarding it and then using new water for spinning.
Once the rinse cycle is completed and the detergent residues are removed, the spin cycle begins to remove excess water from the clothes. The high-speed spinning forces the water out of the clothes and into the drain, leaving them damp but not soaking wet. The clothes are then ready for the next step in the drying process, whether that's hanging them on a clothesline, using a dryer, or air drying them indoors.