Whirlpool says the "Spin Cycle" singles mixer events will feature laundry-related games, such as a "Find Your Sole Mate" that matches couples based on socks, and a "Laundry Olympics" with prizes for people who can perform timed chores, such as folding bed sheets -- blindfolded.

Whirlpool is launching a new marketing strategy aimed at what the company calls" an emerging audience of relationship-minded, single men and women." Whirlpool is partnering with Perfectmatch.com, a "relationship website" for divorced men and woman over 30, to host laundry-themed "Spin Cycle" singles mixer events across the country. The marketing campaign was developed based on 350,000 responses to a survey on Perfectmatch.com.

"Collaborating with Perfectmatch.com allows us to reach new consumers in different ways and at different stages in their lives," said Drew Fraser, vice president and general manager for the Whirlpool brand.

In a statement issued today, Whirlpool cited divorce rates of 43% percent of first marriages within 15 years, 26% of U.S. households consist of one person living alone, 20.7 million children under 18 live with only one parent and at least 14 percent of women aged 42-51 were married after the age of 30.

For those wondering how laundry might factor into love, the "Spin Cycle" events are intended to evoke the spirit of that laundromat folklore while singles tinker with Whirlpool brand's newest line of laundry. Whirlpool claims a recent survey shows there are predictive indicators surrounding love and laundry.

Relationship expert and University of Washington Professor Dr. Pepper Schwartz, author of "Finding Your Perfect Match" and host of the "Spin Cycle" events, claims performing simple household tasks together can foretell future compatibility. A survey conducted by Whirlpool brand and Perfectmatch.com shows that 50 percent of Americans consider themselves "washers" (people who would prefer to wash clothes than fold them), and most of them -- 70 percent -- are looking for a "folder" to complement their lives.

Whirlpool says the "Spin Cycle" singles mixer events "give relationship-minded singles an opportunity to find out about each others' personalities by putting them in a relaxed, fun and interactive setting." The parties will feature laundry-related games, such as a "Find Your Sole Mate" that matches couples based on socks, and a "Laundry Olympics" with prizes for people who can perform timed chores, such as folding bed sheets -- blindfolded.

To play on Whirlpool's best-selling top load pair, the Duet, singles will also participate in well-known karaoke duets like "You're the One That I Want" and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart."

The first 'Spin-Cycle' event will be held in Atlanta on September 7, 2006.