A washing machine motor is an electric motor that powers the drum of the washing machine to rotate during the wash cycle. The motor is controlled by the washing machine's electronic control board, which uses sensors to detect the current position of the drum and adjust the motor's speed and direction accordingly.

The washing machine motor is typically a brushless AC motor, which means that it doesn't use brushes to transfer electrical power to the rotor. Instead, the motor uses a set of magnets on the rotor and a set of coils on the stator to create a rotating magnetic field that drives the rotor.

The motor is connected to a belt and pulley system that transfers power to the washing machine drum. The drum is mounted on a set of bearings that allow it to rotate freely, and the motor's speed is adjusted to create the desired amount of agitation to clean the clothes.

When the wash cycle is complete, the motor is typically used again to spin the drum at a high speed to remove excess water from the clothes before the rinse cycle begins.

Overall, the washing machine motor is a critical component that allows the washing machine to operate effectively, and its proper functioning is essential for a successful laundry cycle.