In our age of automation, a return to technology that operates without electricity due to a mechanical drive may seem strange at first glance. But sometimes such technology turns out to be a very convenient and relevant device. An example would be a foot-operated washing machine.
What is it like?
The foot-powered machine is a compact device just over half a meter high and weighing about 7 kg. On one side of the cylindrical plastic case, in a special recess, there is a pedal, pressing which activates the mechanism. At the top there is a semicircular transparent lid through which you can see the drum with holes. It was invented and developed by specialists from the Canadian company YiREGO. The new product is called Drumi.
Despite its small size and external simplicity, the machine allows you to efficiently wash up to 2.2 kg. moderately soiled items. The device not only washes and rinses, but also spins things, and the entire cycle takes a maximum of 10 minutes. If the situation takes place outdoors or in a house without a centralized water supply, you will need to preheat 5 liters of water for the first cycle of laying, during which the actual washing takes place. The total volume of water consumption is 10 liters, this includes the washing itself and subsequent rinsing.
Principle of operation
The process of putting laundry into a foot-operated washing machine differs little from the actions when washing in activator-type machines.Things are placed in a tank and filled with hot water - about 5 liters. You can use the transparent lid of the device to measure the amount of liquid. Then the tank is closed with a flat metal lid, divided into several segments. They add detergent. Thus, things come into less contact with it, and washing is more gentle. But you can pour washing powder directly into the tank. Then the large transparent lid is closed, screwed on and the washing process begins.
To start the washing process, you need to gently but firmly press the machine pedal with your foot. Washing time is from 3 to 6 minutes, depending on the number of items and degree of contamination. It does not require much effort from a person; you can press the pedal even while sitting on the couch in front of the TV. It has a groove, so you don't have to worry about your foot slipping.
The dirty water is then drained through a hole at the bottom of the machine. Of course, if this happens indoors, you must first take care not to flood the floor. To do this, you can attach a hose to the hole or place the machine on a surface where there is a drain hole, for example, in a shower.
Next, cool water is poured into the tank. To rinse things, you will need to press the pedal for 2-3 minutes, after which the water must be drained again.
The last step is the spin. 1 minute is enough for him. It is noteworthy that in terms of dryness, clothes taken out of a foot-operated washing machine can compete with clothes wrung out by an automatic machine.
Advantages
At first glance, it may seem that Drumi is a fun, but largely useless device.Indeed, a return to units driven by muscular force today seems archaic and the lot of eccentrics. However, the first batch of foot machines in Canada and America was sold out very quickly.
And there were reasons for this:
- portability: the special handle makes it easy to carry it from place to place, and thanks to its small dimensions, the machine easily fits in the trunk of a car;
- fast wash cycle - no automatic machine is capable of washing things in such a short period of time;
- the ability to wash a small number of items - you can only load a T-shirt and a pair of socks into it;
- compactness - it does not take up much space, so finding storage space is very easy;
- stylish appearance - it does not look bulky and outdated, on the contrary, its design is very modern and technological. Some believe that in appearance she resembles the world-famous droid R2D2 from Star Wars;
- environmentally friendly and economical - the machine does not consume electricity and requires a very small amount of water and washing powder;
- gentle washing - the machine does not spoil even those items that require hand washing. And girls will appreciate the opportunity to fearlessly wash their bras in it, even without special bags;
- reliability - the mechanism is so simple that there is simply nothing to break.
Thus, the purchase of this machine is justified for many:
- those who like to travel by washing mashine can wash their clothes even in a clearing in the middle of the forest - it is enough that there is a source of water nearby and a fire on which this water can be heated;
- people who care about the environment will appreciate the autonomy of this machine - for its operation it will not be necessary to use other natural resources except water;
- There are still many houses in villages without a centralized water supply. In such cases, a washing machine that consumes a small amount of water becomes an opportunity to significantly ease household chores. And at the dacha, such a machine is simply irreplaceable;
- young mothers often have to do laundry, and the required amount of clothes for a full load in the automatic machine is not always collected. With a portable washing machine, you can quickly wash a couple of baby onesies or bodysuits. And thanks to silent operation, you don’t have to worry about your child waking up or getting scared;
- when you urgently need to wash 1-2 things, you have to do it manually, and then wait for the things to dry or dry them with an iron. You can do the same thing with this machine, but with much less effort. A slightly longer cycle time compared to hand washing will pay off in that you will get the items out of it almost dry.
Thus, the new product can find application in the homes of many people. You don’t have to be an eco-fan to appreciate its technology, convenience and ease of use.
Perhaps the main drawback of this washing mashine is its unavailability in our country. Residents of Europe did not appreciate the new product, so the model did not enter the Old World market. So you can only buy it either directly in the USA or Canada, or by ordering delivery online. To the price, which is quite high for a resident of Russia, are added transportation costs and a long waiting time for an order. But the advantages and functionality of this machine make its purchase worthwhile. Especially for those who often have to do without the usual benefits of civilization, or who care about the environment.
