This fully-operational washing machine is so tiny that it can’t even accommodate a single sock. However, just because it’s possible to create such a machine doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good idea… but that’s seldom how the internet operates, right?! Meet this tiny little contraption, put together by YouTuber Inventus, using a couple of Coke cans, an empty pill bottle, a flexible straw, popsicle sticks, and a USB-powered mini DC motor. It’s portable (although that’s hardly a feature), and even manages to dry the scrunchies after washing them. Don’t expect different modes for your denims and delicates… they don’t belong here.
Designer:
Building absurd miniatures from Coke cans seems to be one of Inventus’ more incredible talents. Using the sheet metal of the can to his advantage, Inventus’ YouTube channel features objects like clocks, bicycles, mini vacuum cleaners, and even a functional sewing machine. Obviously, the Coke can isn’t the only thing he uses, but it forms a dominant part of the overall aesthetic. In the case of this washing machine, there’s a DC motor under the hood, and the rotating drum of this top-loader is, in fact, a perforated plastic bottle once used to store medication.
The entire machine holds about a cup of water, and features a drum small enough for scrunchies, ribbons, and maybe shoelaces.
A tiny capful of detergent probably feels like overkill, but anything to get that froth going, right?!
Watching Inventus build the machine out feels like pure eye-therapy. It’s fun as he figures out all the moving (and non-moving) parts, and puts together, using craft tools, what feels like a pretty reliably functional appliance. This would score top marks in a class science project.
The build starts with the drum, which Inventus makes using a half-cut Coke can and a perforated plastic pill bottle. The can remains stationary, while the perforated bottle rotates inside it, creating the vortex forces that help agitate the water and wash the clothes. A mini DC motor sits underneath the drum, powering it at pretty impressive RPM speeds.
The machine’s built to be a top-load style contraption given how much simpler it is. The lid on top rests loosely over the drum, preventing water from splashing out, while the rest of the machine is pretty reliably water-proof, so there’s really no leakage anywhere. Water is poured into the machine using a cup (there’s no fancy tap-connected inlet here), but a pretty elaborate drainpipe lets you drain water out from the machine once a cycle is over.
The top of the soda can gets turned into a lid for the washing machine
Sure, Inventus’ washing machine doesn’t have separate cycles for different clothes, or isn’t even big enough FOR clothes, but it’s a fun build that was enjoyable to watch from start to finish. Personally, I’d upgrade this by adding a Raspberry Pi to this and configure the drum to move in clockwise and counter-clockwise patterns to wash the clothes more effectively. I’d also probably add an LCD display with a timer or a piezo unit to play one of Schubert’s melodies once the cycle is complete. I’d also make it big enough to wash something more than just scrunchies and shoelaces.
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