How did the washing machine affect society?

Answer 1

The washing machine was one of the early developments for the home that would save time and effort. Along with other developments in the same era it helped to free housewives from an almost full time job of housework. Washing could take up whole days. A machine reduced the time and allowed more time for leisure or more time for a housewife to go out of the home and work.

For the wealthy households, it could mean a reduction in the number of staff so for them it could be an investment with a financial return.

Other new products such as the vacuum cleaner, electric irons, gas and electrical heating, cooking and lighting all played a part in reducing the workload of the housewife. As housework today is so much easier than a century ago, it is quite normal for a wife to be working full time instead of maintaining a house full time.