Alva J. Fisher is often credited with inventing 'The Thor,' the first electric-powered washing machine, commercialized by the Hurley Machine Company. It used a galvanized tub and an electric motor to rotate the laundry. Before the automatic washing machine, laundry was a grueling, all-day process involving heavy scrubbing, boiling water, and hand-cranking. Economists often cite the washing machine as one of the most significant labor-saving devices in history, as it freed millions of hours of time, particularly for women, allowing for greater participation in the workforce and education. It significantly improved public health by making it easier to wash clothes and linens frequently, reducing the spread of parasites and diseases.