käsiohjain

Käsiohjain is a Finnish term that refers to a type of washing machine, specifically designed for household use. The term "käsiohjain" is a combination of the Finnish words "kausi," meaning "hand," and "ohjain," meaning "device" or "machine." This name reflects the fact that käsiohjain washing machines were originally designed to be washed or cleaned by hand, rather than being automated.

Käsiohjain washing machines were a common feature in Finnish households during the mid-20th century, especially in rural areas where access to modern amenities was limited. These machines were typically quite simple, powered by hand-crank or electric motor, and did not have the advanced features and digital controls found in modern washing machines.

The main function of a käsiohjain washing machine was to clean clothes and textiles using a combination of water and manual agitation. The user would typically place the dirty laundry in the machine, add water and detergent, and then scrub or agitate the clothes by hand to clean them. After rinsing, the clothes would be wrung out and hung to dry.

While käsiohjain washing machines are no longer as common in modern Finnish households, they remain an interesting artifact of the country's domestic history and technological development. In recent years, käsiohjain machines have gained popularity among collectors and enthusiasts of vintage household appliances, and some have even been restored to working condition for educational and nostalgic purposes.