GiraDora: Pedal Powered Washer and Dryer

From the department of “why didn’t I think of that” comes the pedal powered washer and dryer. The aptly named GiraDora (spinner in Spanish) works without electricity, is affordable at $40, and gives you a nice calf workout to boot!

In many parts of the world, people are forced to trek several miles to fetch clean water, only to have to hand wash clothing one piece at a time. Not only can the labor be debilitating, but the time spent washing could’ve been used working to support the family or spent with loved ones.

Through an entry in the Dell Social Innovation Challenge, inventors Alex Cabunoc and Ji A You of the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles introduced the GiraDora to the world. Cabunoc and You noted that, “Hand-washing clothes is a burden that can take up to 6 hours a day, 3-5 times a week. GiraDora, helps alleviate this burden by offering an affordable solution that increases efficiency while also combating the numerous health problems associated with hand-washing clothes.”

The GiraDora is a welcome addition to many 3rd world households. The device enables you to relax nicely on the cushioned top while using the spring loaded foot pedal to give a number of different garments a good scrubbing simultaneously. The device conserves water, as well as the health of backs and wrists. As if that wasn’t enough, the spinning device is able to drain water for reuse while simultaneously drying the clothes, an exceptionally valuable feature in the winter.

The inventors hope the GiraDora can become an income generator that gives families the priceless ability to increase their standard of living. The product is currently being distributed in Peru, and the dynamic design duo hope to see widespread South American implementation within the next few years.

Gizmag

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