Abstract: A dry-cleaning machine for linen and garments includes a drum (2) containing the garments and/or linen to be washed, rotating inside a washing tank (1). The tank is connected with a solvent circulation system including a device (3) for continuously distilling the solvent heated up with steam produced by an electric heater (11). The tank also communicates with a drying air circulation system, which comprises a heat exchanger (15) installed upstream from air inlet to the tank and using the steam produced inside the distillation device (3) as a heating medium. This results in lower electric power installation requirements and energy saving.

Abstract: A washing machine having an outer tub, a perforate rotatable drum housed in the tub, and a timer for cycling the machine through a series of operating phases. The tub has an opening and a housing affixed to the outer surface of the tub such that a space adjacent the tub opening and communicating with the tub is provided. Ultraviolet lamps are positioned in the housing, a door is located on the housing for sealingly closing the tub opening, and the door is controllable between open and closed positions. The timer controls opening and closing of the door so that items in the drum may be irradiated.