Labour Saving Devices - Uses, Selection, Care

Labour Saving Devices

Changes in social and economic conditions in the last few years have resulted in changed responsibilities for both the gainfully employed and full time homemaker. Normally the homemakers spend much of their time in the kitchen. It will be helpful if they can save steps, energy, money and time in several ways in the kitchen. Labour saving devices both electrical and non-electrical are increasingly utilized by the homemaker at present. These tools and appliances have become part and parcel of the houses because of the comforts they yield. Adjusting the homemakers workload at home and outside the home necessitates the use of tools and appliances for carrying out the household activities.

Labour saving devices are the tools and appliances used to save both time and energy of the homemaker.

Uses of Labour Saving Devices

1.     It reduces time and energy thereby reducing the drudgery of the homemaker.

2.     It improves the quality of the work being done.

3.     More work can be done within the same time.

4.     A high standard of sanitation and varied menus are possible.

5.     The dependence of the housewife on domestic servant is reduced.

6.     It gives chances to the families to enjoy their leisure time activities.

7.     The possession of Labour saving devices give prestige value.

Selection of Labour Saving Devices

The efficiency and use of a labour saving device includes the correct selection, operation and care of appliances so that the homemaker may accomplish maximum amount of work with the minimum efforts, in the shortest possible time. There are a number of appliances available in the market. The criteria for selection of one equipment vary from the other. But in general the factors to be considered in the selection of equipment are as follows.

1.     The needs of the family members.

2.     The cost of the equipment.

3.     The usefulness of the equipment.

4.     Quality.

5.     Durability

6.     Family size and type.

7.     Guarantee

8.     Brand

9.     Safety

10.                        Suitable size and shape.

11.                        The care required for its maintenance.

12.                        Availability of spare parts and service facilities.

13.                        Easy assembling and reassembling of parts while using and cleaning.

14.                        Storage Space and easy installation.

Use and care of Labour Saving Devices

Modern household use a number of labour saving devices. A knowledge of how an appliance works is useful as it helps the homemaker to use and take care of it well. Let us see some of the Labour Saving Devices commonly used by the homemaker and its merits and de-merits.