Founded by Navjot Sawhney, The Washing Machine Project (TWMP), have developed an off-grid, flat-packed, manual washing machine to ease the laundry burden in underserved communities. Designed for people living in low-income contexts, where access to electricity and water is limited, the hand-cranked manual washer can be assembled with no tools, reduces water use by up to 50% and makes the laundry process more efficient.
Designed with community input, the machine has evolved through iterations that prioritize real-life needs. The machine features a built-in scrubber in the lid to tackle tough stains, a wider opening to handle bulky items like bedding and a fast-draining tap that halves the time it takes to empty water. The machine has durable wheels allowing the unit to be wheeled between homes or communal spaces. Constructed using commercial-grade stainless steel and off-the-shelf components the washer is repairable and recyclable reducing waste and supporting its longevity in resource-limited areas.
Since its launch, the washer has reached over 46,000 people across 13 countries(such as Iraq, Poland, Uganda, South Africa, Mexico, Kenya, India, Republic of Congo, Gaza and Ghana) underserved communities individuals with time, health, and dignity. The time savings can be transformative in many regions where women and girls spend often spend up to 20 hours a weekwashing clothes, time that could otherwise be used for education, income-earning activities, childcare, rest or community participation. By reducing this labour burden, the machine directly supports gender equity, improving physical well-being and expanding opportunities for women constrained by unpaid domestic work. A design solution that aims to restore dignity, independence and time in vulnerable households.
