A washing machine (laundry machine, clothes washer, or washer) is a machine designed to wash laundry, such as clothing, towels, and sheets. The term is mostly applied only to machines that use water as the primary cleaning solution, as opposed to dry cleaning (which uses alternative cleaning fluids, and is performed by specialist businesses) or ultrasonic cleaners. Washing entails immersing, dipping, rubbing, or scrubbing in water or other liquids, usually accompanied by soap, detergent, or bleach.