The invention provides a reciprocating type washing machine. The reciprocating type washing machine comprises a washing bucket, an upper cover, a transmission mechanism, a piston and a driving device, wherein the upper cover is movably connected to an opening of the washing bucket, the washing bucket comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion of the washing bucket is used as a washing cavity for containing/washing clothes, the piston is arranged in the washing cavity, the lower portion of the washing bucket is used as a control cavity, the transmission mechanism is arranged in the control cavity, the input end of the transmission mechanism is connected with the driving device, the transmission mechanism and the piston are in screw transmission, and the driving device drives the piston to perform up-down reciprocating motion in the washing bucket through the transmission mechanism. According to the reciprocating type washing machine, washing is performed through reciprocating extrusion on the clothes by the piston, the defects that an existing impeller type washing machine and a tumbling-box washing machine are serious in wear of the clothes and large in water consumption are overcome, and the better washing effect is achieved.