We love these kind of inventions – Those that solve real world grass roots problem. Remya Jose, a 14 year school girl from Kerala, has created a simple pedal-powered washing machine which came about due to her dislike to wash clothes by hand. Her invention is not only a washing machine, but can double up as an exercise machine as well.

This washing machine is actually quite simple. A modified bicycle frame attached to a square metal box that contains iron mesh drum inside. The pedal is basically like the exercise cycling machine with attached metal box extension.

The Iron mesh drum hold the clothes, while the metal box holds the water with detergent mixed with it. Pedaling this machine for a few minutes moves the iron mesh drum inside, rigorously washing the clothes inside the drum. This entire cycle is carried out again for 1-2 times thereby cleaning the clothes thoroughly.

After the complete water is drained, pedaling it few more minutes can dry the clothes to about 80 percent.

The machine does need any electricity, doubles up as a exercise machine and it is quite affordable!

Check out this video where Remya demonstrates how this washing machine functions:

It looks like the invention was first shown on discovery channel (the video has discovery logo on it) and was uploaded to Youtube by a user.

This invention is similar to another one “Load carrier for labourer”, which was designed and created by a student from National Institute of Design and had won best product design award in 2011.

What do you think of this pedal powered washing machine?