Embracing technology at home

BY Wangeci Kanyeki

I have concluded that Kenyan homes are overly dependent on house-helps or ‘aunties’ as they are fondly known. The number of homes that fall apart when the house-help takes a much deserved holiday break evidences this.

Her absence is often felt from the piles of unwashed laundry and a sink full of unwashed dishes not to mention the dirty floors. It’s time we embraced technology to ease the monotonous and time-consuming house chores. The right technology will make domestic work easier and faster .

Washing machine

There is nothing as unattractive as a laundry room full of dirty clothes. Washing clothes by hand is time consuming and a tiring venture, but a washing machine can come in handy. Before purchasing one, determine what features are a must-have in your machine.

Styles of washer can either be front load or top load. A front load washer provides greater energy efficiency as it uses less water and spins faster. The faster the speed the less drying the clothes need. Also enquire if the machine needs special detergent and establish the cost of the detergent.

Dishwashers

Another monotonous and time-consuming house chore is washing the dishes, after every meal. Investing in a dishwasher could save you time and free your hands for other tasks. Dishwashers use less water than the normal washing of dishes and hence become a cost saver. Though dishes may require less scrubbing beware that dishwashers could ruin some items.

When buying a washing machine or dishwasher check for noise levels and vibrations. The last thing you need is a machine that is so loud that you cannot get peace and quiet to watch a movie or work on your laptop when it is at work.

Do not be overly reliant on your house-help to do your house chores. Make it your purpose in 2011 to be self- sufficient and use technology to ease your housework.