A video posted on TikTok by the profile Vlog de la familia Rondón, which documents the daily life of a Cuban family in Villa Clara, has caught the attention of users after showcasing how they wash their clothes with a Soviet washing machine in 2025, while navigating the frequent power outages that affect the country.
"This is for those who are not from Cuba; this is a Russian washing machine, here we wash clothes, it's not like the modern ones that have dryers, we depend on the air, all natural," says the man as he films his wife washing on an obviously old washing machine. In the same video, he adds: "And here, getting ready to make coffee. As you can see, this is a rustic stove, for example, the part of the heating element is from a rice cooker, the bottom part is handmade, from an aluminum factory where I work, for instance."
The woman is shown submerging her hands in soapy water. In another segment, she comments: "We're rinsing the clothes again because the current took them away from us, and we have to make the most of the time we have with current since we only have a few hours of it." She then adds: "I rinse it in two buckets; I like to rinse it well to remove all the detergent or soap, depending on what I washed with. After that, I finish rinsing it, wring it out well, and hang it to dry."
Later on, they both discuss the challenges they face: “The truth is you have to be a magician to finish washing up early because of the power, I mean the electricity...,” he says. She responds, “That's why when I wash, I like to get lunch ready in advance.” The video ends with a familiar gesture: “Well, folks, now we're going to enjoy a good coffee, a good Cuban coffee, pure, strong, very pleasant.”
Divided reactions: between nostalgia and criticism
The post has generated various reactions: “I can assure you that those clothes are indeed clean after that wash,” said one user. “Exactly... no matter what they say, those clothes come out clean, smelling better than in the washers here. I had one here and I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another,” commented another person. “Those really get rid of grime,” said one female user.
Some people fondly or resignedly recalled having used similar washing machines. "The best washing machine you can have in Cuba," wrote one internet user. Another shared: "I still have one in Cuba because it was my mom's. When I went recently, I washed the towels and sheets—so nice." It was also noted: "That is healthy clothing in the sun. There is poverty, but it is your natural and blessed land."
Others, on the other hand, rejected the romanticization of precariousness. "Seriously? Ask if that person had another option to wash, would they do it like that?" questioned one user. "For God's sake, just when you think you've seen it all, what natural land or anything natural? That is called communism, poverty, hunger, need, lack of medicine where people today die for lacking the most basic necessities!" commented another person. "What obsession do people have with poetizing misery?" wrote an indignant user.
Other users warned about the risks. "It's dangerous to put your hands in there!" a woman warned. "Be careful, you shouldn't put your hand in while the washing machine is running," added another. A more shocking testimony was: "I saw a woman electrocuted by a washing machine that had a current leak, and when she reached in to take out her clothes, that’s when the phenomenon occurred—instant death."
Washing clothes in Cuba: a daily challenge
This case is not unique. In November of last year, it was reported how a Cuban mother devised a handmade method for washing clothes during power outages, using a bucket, a stick, and a perforated plastic bottle. More recently, in April, a Cuban woman went viral for connecting a washing machine to a generator and bringing it to the river after being without electricity for 30 hours.
In December of last year, an advertisement for buying and selling Soviet washing machines posted in a Facebook group by a user named Endis Peña went viral, generating over 10,000 reactions and nearly 2,000 comments. The images showcased washing machines with and without dryers, apparently in good condition, and evoked both nostalgia and criticism for the lack of prices. “I won't stop, as long as there are women who desire to have one, I won't stop,” Peña expressed in another post. This type of content reflects how, in the face of limited access to modern appliances, many Cubans continue to turn to equipment from the Soviet era to meet basic needs.
Both cases illustrate how Cuban families face the challenge of maintaining household hygiene without stable access to electricity or water. Testimonies like that of the Rondón family highlight the level of improvisation that daily life requires in many areas of the country.
In the words of the video creator: “This is by parts, you know when it starts, not when it ends.”
Frequently asked questions about the laundry situation and the energy crisis in Cuba
Why do Cuban families continue to use Soviet washing machines?
Cuban families continue to use Soviet washing machines due to the shortage of modern and affordable appliances on the island. The economic crisis restricts access to new equipment, so they rely on older models that still function to perform household tasks.
How does the energy crisis in Cuba affect the use of household appliances?
The energy crisis in Cuba leads to frequent blackouts that hinder the use of household appliances. This forces people to seek alternatives for daily tasks, such as washing clothes by hand or cooking with firewood, demonstrating the resilience of the population in the face of electricity shortages.
What creative solutions have Cubans developed in response to the lack of resources?
Cubans have developed creative solutions in response to scarcity, such as using buckets and sticks to wash clothes, transforming sewing machines into stoves, and charging devices using unconventional methods, demonstrating their ability to adapt in the face of adversity.
How have Cubans reacted on social media to their current situation?
On social media, Cubans have used platforms like TikTok to express their frustration and share innovations in response to the energy and economic crisis. These testimonies spark debates and solidarity, bringing attention to the difficult situation facing the country.
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