Around The Home

Woof to Wash: Bark-activated washing machine lets service dogs do the dirty work

View 2 Images
The Woof to Wash washing is designed so that service dogs can open the door with their paw
The Woof to Wash washing machine allows service dogs to turn it on with their bark
The Woof to Wash washing is designed so that service dogs can open the door with their paw

UK-based appliance firm JTM Service is aiming to make life a little easier for individuals who rely on service dogs to get through their day-to-day life. These highly-trained dogs have are able to perform all sorts of remarkable tasks for their owners, and now, they can add doing laundry to that impressive list of tasks thanks to the Woof to Wash washing machine.

Some service dogs are already trained to perform tasks such as stripping beds, removing clothes from the machine, and filling laundry baskets, but since dogs are not designed to push buttons and turn knobs, actually turning on the machine was a task they were unable to perform. With that in mind, Inventor John Middleton of JTM came up with the idea to let the dog bark to turn on the machine.

In addition to the bark to turn on feature, a low-set button specifically meant to be pushed with a paw to open the door is included, allowing the dog to remove the clothes when the load is complete. The machine has only one cycle, and it automatically dispenses the right amount of detergent.

Right now the company only has the prototype, which has been developed in partnership with well known manufacturer Miele. The results are demonstrated in the video below. No timeframe has yet been given for when the company intends bring Woof to Wash to market.

Source: JTM Service

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
  • LinkedIn
2 comments
bergamot69
Interesting- however the idea of a dog unloading a washing machine and covering it in doggie dribble does not appeal very much. One doesn't want to smell like Rover's favourite rubber bone toy...
Now if only he could find a way to teach Rover to do the ironing, then we'd be talking...
Seriously though, as an ex-support worker, I've seen conventional machines are commonly adapted by having braille stick-on labels for the machine, and if necessary, mounting the machine on a taller plinth to allow wheelchair users the opportunity to load and unload the machine themselves. These of course give the user many more programme options, as one may not be sufficient.
Nelson Hyde Chick
Considering the handicapped have a high rate of living in poverty not many handicapped will be able to afford a washing machine much less one with the upgrades this one has.