We once build a pedal powered washing machine that worked quite well. We even attached the most cozy couch onto the bike to make the pedaling as comfortable as possible.

Tools we used:

• Welding machine
• Angle grinder
• Screw machine

Lessons we learned:

• It is easier to use older models of washing machines to do this kind of project, since they are less complex.
• It wasn’t really easy to determine the ideal bike chain tension. I saw a solution in a video in which they added an extra gear to spread out this tension.
• To add water we attached a sink to the washing machine and made sure it was installed a bit higher so the water could easily flow to the machine
• After sitting in front of an electrical washing machine for the entire duration of a standard washing program, we listed down all the steps it makes so we could replicate it manually. This includes variations in pedaling speed, adding and emptying water and changing pedaling directions.
• To wash our clothes we made our own Natural Soap
• The machine, sink and couch takes up a lot of space, which is not always easy when living in a small house. It can be done outside if there is a roof to protect it from rain. If you catch the rainwater this could even be useful to have nearby when using the machine.
• You need to be able to heat up around one bucket (10L) of water. It is handy if a heat stove is nearby so you don’t have to carry it to far.

Currently we don’t use this machine anymore but we would like to build another one in the near future and improve its functionality