Or perhaps a Hall effect sensor, wrapped around the washer's power cord. Cycle ends, current drops. Seems easier than trying to do the detection based on a by-product of the washer's operation (such as noise or movement).
Doesn't really work unless you can split the wiring. The return current cancels the load current.
Solved in one of two ways:
1) Put the imp and sensor into an intermediate plug that the washer then plugs into (rather than directly into the wall socket).
2) Open the panel on the back where the power cord enters the appliance, and add the sensor where the wire is already split. YMMV.
From a productization standpoint, the first would be simplest, but then you have to make products that fit various outlet standards, if you want global reach.
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