Treadle washing machine
What are manual washing machines? A museum piece or a cutting-edge innovation? Most likely, both, because, as the saying goes, "everything old is well forgotten." In this article, we'll describe a modern portable washing machine with a foot pedal. We'll discuss the future development of this type of technology, describe the characteristics of a model already on the market, and examine its advantages and disadvantages.
Areas of application
Looking at a brief history of the emergence and development of washing machines, we can easily see that the first washing machine had a mechanical drive, and washing in it was carried out thanks to human muscle power. After a very short time, washing machines became electric, and for 100 years no one thought of creating and promoting mechanical models.
About 100 years ago, electric washing machines easily displaced mechanical ones, and now, such equipment is once again looking to pinch off a small piece of the huge market.
Indeed, what's the future of a mechanical washing machine that uses human muscle power to wash clothes? After all, the very purpose of a washing machine is to free people from the unpleasant task of hand washing, and here, not only do you have to buy a washing machine, but you also have to work hard to wash the clothes. Any average person would immediately think of a bar of soap, a washboard, and a tub—cheap and cheerful.
Modern developers have created a unique mechanical washing machine that is operated by repeated pressing of a foot pedal. This type of washing machine is ideal for use on vacation, where you can wash a small load of laundry without ruining your manicure. A manual washing machine can also be used anywhere without electricity, alongside a regular automatic washing machine. Let's discuss its characteristics in more detail.
Model overview
In the current washing machine market, we only find one mechanical model, albeit actively promoted: the Drumi, developed by the Canadian company YIREGO. Besides this machine, there's also the AQUA Coton, but its operating principle is different, so we won't discuss it here. The Drumi is a mechanical washing machine, powered by the human foot. Hence the name—a foot-operated washing machine. This washing machine became a real hit in 2015, All information sites dedicated to modern technology have invariably written about it. What makes Drumi so special?
- Pedal drive.
- Unusual appearance.
- Portability.
The most important thing, of course, is the uniqueness of the development itself. No modern manufacturer had ever produced or sold anything like it, meaning the initial sales were driven, at a minimum, by genuine user interest in the new washing machine. The first sales took place in July 2016 in Canada and the US, but the development has not yet been further developed due to either its high price (around $190), a lack of interest from European users, or simply the lack of time for the market to properly respond to the new product.
Drumi has the following features: a pedal-operated mechanical drive, the use of which does not require much effort from the user, a load capacity of 2.2 kg of laundry, a height of only 56 cm, hot water consumption of up to 5 liters, and most importantly, 3 laundry care cycles. It may seem strange to some, but Drumi is capable of not only washing, but also rinsing and spinning, all done by pressing the pedal. As for the sizes, they are worthy of the most small-sized washing machines existing in the world.
It works like this:
- We load dirty laundry into the machine and add washing powder;
- Next, pour hot water into the washing tank;
- close the lid and begin to press the pedal with low intensity for 5 minutes;
- then open the lid and drain the dirty water;
- pour in clean warm water, close the lid again and press the pedal for 3 minutes;
- drain the water again, close the lid and press the pedal again for 2-3 minutes;
- We drain the squeezed water and that’s it – the wash is finished.
Surprisingly, laundry washed with Drumi leaves the same residual moisture as after spinning in an automatic washing machine. Not bad, considering it's a manual washing machine.
Advantages and disadvantages
Now let's look at the pros and cons of Drumi. As strange as it may sound, this technology has far more advantages than disadvantages. Let's start with the advantages.
- The washing machine has very small dimensions, which allows you to take it with you on vacation.
- It does not require connection to electricity.
- Can wash small amounts of laundry, up to two pairs of socks and underwear.
- Greatly saves water and washing powder.
- This is the only mechanical washing machine of its kind that can spin the laundry.
- Washing, rinsing and spinning are carried out very quickly, much faster than in a standard automatic washing machine.
- The washing machine looks very stylish; you won’t be embarrassed to show it off to your friends on vacation or place it in the middle of the room. In addition, the washing machine has a very convenient carrying handle, and considering that it weighs only 7 kg, you can take it anywhere.
The Drumi washing machine also has its drawbacks, and the main drawback isn't even the price, but rather its availability. Currently, the original model of this washing machine is only available in Canada and the US, or you can order it from local English-language online stores. You'll have to pay extra for shipping, plus there's a wait for delivery, which isn't always an option.
Overall, the washing machine turned out to be very, very decent. Compared to the advantages of this machine, the foot control is somehow unnoticeable, as it doesn't really cause any particular inconvenience to the user. Give this foot-operated washing machine a try, and we're almost certain you won't regret it!
Interesting:
8 reader comments
Add a comment
Headings
Washing machine repair
For buyers
For users
Dishwasher
I would like to buy a car like this. Tell me where I can order it?
What is the price?
Wonderful!!! I want one like this.
Could you please tell me where and at what link I can order the portable foot-operated washing machine "Drumi", and what is its price?
We need to search among the DIY garage workshops for a multi-skilled enthusiast capable of manufacturing and establishing production of such portable washing machines. Given our country's wealth of talented, resourceful specialists, manufacturing and producing compact Drumi washing machines won't present any particular difficulties thanks to their simple, straightforward design. The main challenge, however, will be the strictures and refusals of Putin's bureaucratic, destructive ecumene.
The price is $319, that's crazy! It looks like it's stuffed with electronics. It should cost no more than 5,000 rubles.
It says you can only buy it online in Canada and the US for $300. And that's not including shipping.
Wouldn't it be easier to wash by hand?