The Washing Machine Project

70% of the world’s population do not have access to an electric washing machine and resort to handwashing clothes. If there is access, infrequent electricity and water supplies ensure washing machines are not a sustainable option. The Washing Machine Project is a grassroots social enterprise dedicated to alleviating the burden of handwashing clothes and the often unconsidered consequences this unpaid labour has on people’s lives. We have a solution. Using our engineering and product design expertise, we seek to provide a single, standalone, off-the-grid washing solution that is affordable, portable, and accessible to everyone. We take a user-centred approach and constantly look to improve our design for the needs of the communities we provide for. Our experience in International Development has taught us the importance of sustainable solutions. We believe our product will revolutionise the WASH Sector. By providing refugees and indigent citizens with an alternative to handwashing, we are saving communities time, water, and energy as well as mitigating the associated health risks. Importantly, we want to allow people greater agency in their lives. Over the last 2 years, we have had the opportunity to survey the washing habits of vulnerable people in 8 different countries, including India, Lebanon, and the Philippines, and we are currently in the process of fulfilling orders for our 'Divya Two' model to be sent to refugee camps in Iraq and Jordan. Our team is always growing and we have gained a lot of traction. We have the support of organisations such as The United Nations and Oxfam and have featured on platforms like the BBC and in The Guardian. 2021 is shaping up to be a busy year for us and we hope to travel the globe further to relieve communities the burden of this unpaid labour. We hope you support us on this journey.