Everyone loves the smell and feel of clean clothes, but the amount of water and electricity needed for conventional washers isn’t exactly eco-friendly – or even accessible for those in third-world countries.

Perhaps this pedal-powered washing machine, then, is one of the many solutions to the problem.

The GiraDora washing machine, designed by Alex Cabunoc and Ji A You, is actually a combination washer and spin dryer that is powered by a foot pedal.

The portable plastic tub can be filled with soap and water before a lid is placed on top, which acts as a seat. All the user needs to do, then, is rest on the washer and pump the spring-loaded foot pedal.

One need not fear back pain from sitting and pedaling, either. The designers developed an ergonomic seat which allows one to spin hands-free.

As Inhabitant reports, the ($40) contraption is a needed way to help disadvantaged communities break free from the cycle of poverty, and that’s exactly why it was designed.

The GiraDora machine was created specifically for those with the least income living in the poorest nations. The makers hope to ease the burden of washing clothes – a chore that can take nearly 6 hours a day, 3-5 days a week.

Because people in poverty-stricken communities often labor for hours washing articles of clothing piece by piece, this invention will assist them in living healthier, happier lives. Not only will physical and mental stress be alleviated, potential reactions caused by mold growing on wet fabric will be prevented.

At present, the washer/spin dryer is being field-tested in Peru. There are also plans to introduce it more widely into South America and India.

The project has also been honored by both the Dell Social Innovation Challenge and the International Design Excellence Awards for its potential contribution to this world.

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