Open Source Washing Machine Project: Developing Sustainable Laundry Machines for Developing Countries

While laundry day is often considered a mundane chore, for people around the world with little or no access to water, electricity or sanitation, washing laundry is a dirty, back-breaking and time-consuming process.

The Open Source Washing Machine Project (OSWASH), an innovative project developed several years ago by Jean-Noel Montagne, takes a different “spin” on washing machines for people in developing countries.

Montagne developed the concept during an Open Source Hardware workshop for artists in Paris in 2008. The project was created in order to help the billions of people across the globe that do not have access to clean water, electricity and other basic amenities.

According to the website, “The Open Source Washing Machine Project aims to rethink the way we wash clothes around the world, in accordance with economical, sociological, cultural and environmental aspects.”

French artist and activist Montagne, along with Jean-Pierre Mandon, organized the OSWASH workshop in France. The challenge was to design and develop open source washing machines using recycled parts and sustainable energy by designing a do-it-yourself electronic washing machine made out of recycled materials readily available such as recycled plastic, construction materials or old bike and car parts.

During the workshop, three different concepts were designed by second year students over a four-day period:

1. The solar rotating washing machine prototype, made out of bamboo and spare bicycle tires and wheels, is powered by a solar panel connected to a recycled electric photocopier motor. A mechanical system could also reverse the rotation automatically.
    
2. Another more costly prototype, dubbed “Music for Clothes”, uses the vibrations from loudspeakers to agitate water to wash the clothing.
    
3. The third design is a DIY windmill washing machine which uses a simple windmill and rigid stick to transfer vibrations to a container filled with water and clothing.
    

The DIY project involves adapting readily available materials and different designs suited for different areas of the world including both individual and collective washing machines. Whereas one nation may have plenty of clean water, other areas may not have access to electricity. The project is also investigating DIY detergents using natural products, plants and trees.

The open source DIY project allows anyone to modify and distribute plans freely to those in need. The long-term goal of the project involves developing many technological designs adapted to different needs. OSWASH, a work in progress, may one day provide affordable and cost-effective washing alternatives using solar, animal, human, wind and water power technologies.

Image courtesy of Stig Nygaard