A social media post featuring the sale of Soviet-era washing machines has recently gained significant attention, amassing over 10,000 reactions and nearly 2,000 comments. On December 17, Endis Peña posted an advertisement on the Facebook group "Sale of Russian Washing Machines and Motors," showcasing these vintage appliances.
Peña's message, which reads, "With all my effort and dedication, I'm moving forward. My number is 56167584," likely did not foresee the viral reach the ad would achieve. The images included show two washing machine models: one with an integrated dryer and another with just the washing drum.
Many commenters expressed surprise at seeing such well-preserved machines from decades past. However, the majority of inquiries were about the appliances' prices, with some users expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of pricing details.
On the following Friday, Peña made another post in the same Facebook group, offering two more machines for sale, this time without dryers. Demonstrating determination, Peña stated, "Why would I stop? As long as there are women who want one, I won't stop. Number 56167584."
These posts highlight how the Cuban population, unable to access more modern equipment, continues to rely on Soviet appliances for household chores. Due to widespread power outages across Cuba, some women have been resorting to creative solutions for daily tasks like laundry.
Recently, a TikTok video showcased a woman's ingenuity as she devised a manual method for washing her children's clothes in a bucket, despite lacking an electric washing machine due to power cuts. Her "invention," as she calls it, involves a 20-liter bucket filled with water and detergent, in which she places the clothes along with a wooden stick adapted with a punctured plastic bottle to agitate the water.
Soviet-Era Appliances in Cuba: Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Soviet-era washing machines still used in Cuba?
Cubans often rely on Soviet-era washing machines due to limited access to modern appliances, largely a result of economic challenges and trade restrictions.
How do Cubans manage laundry during power outages?
During power outages, some Cubans resort to inventive manual methods for laundry, such as using buckets and improvised tools to mimic the agitation of a washing machine.