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Posted on: Aug 18, '08

Dho dala !! My story of washing machines

I think in the last 20 or so years, no other household appliance has done as much for the Indian middle class home as the washing machine. My household goes into panic every time the machine breaks down.

As a child I had only heard that in far away lands there were machines that washed clothes and some years later I saw these huge things in laundry shops, but they were far from becoming household appliances even in the west. So when we got our first washing machine, somewhere in the mid eighties, there was a fair bit of excitement. It was a simple twin-tub (Videocons semi-automatic VNA 800) that did a reasonable job, but suddenly washing clothes became an entertainment rather than drudgery. I must have read the instruction manual several times over, with more interest than a best-seller and each time discovered a new feature.

We marveled at the high pitched hum of the dryer-tub and beamed happy smiles when the clothes came out nearly dry. We watched with satisfaction as the washing tub removed the dirt from clothes and the water turned a muddy grey-brown. It was as if the Ganga was washing away our sins and cleansing our soul. Even though the washer and dryer BOTH had automatic timers, we stood respectfully through the complete washing cycle. We traded out favourite moments-in-washing with friends and relatives.

More practically, the maid taking a few days off was no longer so dreadful. And I think the maid was also very happy that she no longer had to wash clothes, though she wasn’t as yet allowed to operate the machine.

Over a period of time, the twin-tub was replaced by a front loader. It washes better, the clothes don’t get mangled and one can use fabric-softeners and conditioners. But the initial romance has died. Running the washing machine is no longer as entertaining as it used to be. Also as its fully automatic, I don’t have to watch-and-wash.

Is it just me getting old or do I need a new more exciting washing machine ?

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chandresh6333 said:

November 20, '08

thepatriot2008 said:

Simple and beautiful writing!!your post made me nostalgic!! There was a strange excitement when we'd bought our washing box

I was wonder struck that this device had the capacity to replace our maid :) who otherwise was a tantrum queen. lol great post!

November 20, '08

manisha_bhattacharya said:
Hi Ajay, got around to your post only now...
Since you have a front loading machine, how come you don't enjoy watching the clothes slosh around and get the dirt beaten out of em?? I LOVE to do that with my machine and feel what a pleasure it is to not have to wash clothes myself!!

September 15, '08

lifegoeson2008 said:
hi,
i read your post. it took me a decade back when i myself bought an automatic washing machine.it became a morning ritual for me and my children to stand around the machine while it washed the clothes.i swear, i'd forgotten that little things did made me happy
ive come far ever since
thanx agian
on my own

August 26, '08

rat_race said:
to all my well wishers..i already DO have a front loading machine .. see the second last paragraph.. and thats going to be the subject of another post.

August 25, '08

madhumitaCAP2000 said:
Haha
got to read it late .
Its a lovely and lively post
Thanks for writing something nice and entertaining

August 24, '08

ammu41 said:
Hi... a real dho-dala.. all the present automatic washing machines work almost the same way, so I dont think u require a new one... old is gold .. keep it that way and enjoy the washing time... or a new, fresh, young maid for washing can be more effectively replaced, if u feel u r getting old..nice humor.. thanks for sharing.

August 19, '08

sonikudi37 said:
wow funny and cool
nice job ratty
I tend to agree with gouri though!

August 19, '08

veryserious said:
Nice post. May be neha is right, a sexy maid...... :

Washing Machine, a real utility item and as usual you are great in expression..

August 18, '08

sridhara55 said:
Like the washing machine story, huge radios used to be there only in very wealthy houses some 50 years ago...modern technology is giving us lot of gadgets like that..a cool refreshing blog..

August 18, '08

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