How does my washer work?

Excuse me, could you please elaborate on the mechanics behind the operation of your washing machine? I'm particularly interested in understanding the sequence of events that occur from the moment I press the start button to the end of the wash cycle. Specifically, how does the water enter the drum, what role does the agitator play in the cleaning process, and how does the machine drain the water and spin the clothes dry? Additionally, are there any advanced features or settings that I should be aware of to optimize the performance and efficiency of my washer?