The introduction of household appliances has irrevocably changed the way homes have been run around the world. Since the 1970s, the evolution of the appliance has provided solutions that make life increasingly simple, more efficient, and easier for the consumer. The evolution of technology has also brought to the forefront a whole new profession: that of household appliance breakdownservice in Geneva.
The evolution of household appliances in Switzerland
In the post-war years, Europe and Switzerland experienced an unprecedented economic boom. Wages rose and the quality of life improved dramatically. With the economic recovery, the financial freedom of households also underwent a welcome boom. For the first time, Swiss households were able to afford durable appliances. In the 1950s, washing machines, refrigerators and other household and DIY appliances made their way into Swiss homes. It was during this period that many household appliances were introduced that would revolutionize household activities and that still make our lives easier today. These developments were made possible by electrification.
Technology has lightened the load of housework considerably
What was previously reserved for the luxury sector is now becoming accessible to the greatest number of people. Little by little, power is coming out of the socket. Anything with a cable is bought and connected. Electricity consumption in Switzerland is rising sharply.
The most important change was undoubtedly the arrival of the washing machine, which freed women from a difficult and unpleasant job. Little by little, pressure cookers, refrigerators, food processors, dishwashers and microwave ovens entered the home. The modern steam iron replaced the old electric or stove-top models. Wood-fired cookers are being replaced by electric cookers and then by glass-ceramic and induction cookers. Today's ovens are more refined, with cooking to the degree and a formidable precision.
The automatic washing machine: the real revolution of the 20th century
The biggest revolution of the 20th century, according to our ancestors, was the arrival of automatic washing machines. However, in the 1960s, these machines were still far too expensive for many families. The "couleuse" (double-bottomed kettle) was used to wash clothes once a week. Sheets were bleached in a large tub with boiling water, ash and soap.
The laundry had to be sorted, soaked, the water transported from the well to the kitchen, boiled in large double-bottomed kettles on a wood-burning stove and scrubbed with bare hands in very hot water with corrosive products added. Once the washing was finished, it was rinsed with an azure product and then wrung out by hand. The heavy basins were then dragged outside. The sheets, towels and linen were then hung out on ropes.
A few years later, a large white box was filled with laundry at the touch of a button. While the washer was running, you could go out for a coffee or do some shopping. After only a few minutes, the laundry was removed and all the stains were gone.
Schultess machine: the company that made washing history
The Schulthess brand was one of the first manufacturers to offer a fully automatic washing machine. A Swiss pioneer in the sale of household appliances, which has contributed considerably to the democratisation of household appliances for the general public. The Schulthess brand has been manufacturing household appliances in Switzerland for over 170 years.
In 1951, the Zurich-based manufacturer was the first in Europe to bring a fully automatic washing machine onto the market. No more manual work, the machine carries out a complete washing program on its own, from soaking, spinning and heating to spinning. But the manufacturer does not stop there, since it develops a system with punched cards. Depending on the card that is inserted in the machine, it performs a specific operation. Once with, once without pre-wash and sometimes even without spinning.
Schulthess is still at the forefront of innovation today. The company is constantly reinventing washing, such as the 3D wash. Thanks to cleverly placed ribs in the drums, the laundry is not only moved from left to right as in conventional machines, but also from front to back. This increases the efficiency of the process and considerably shortens the washing time. In addition, the new system helps to clean the textiles even better.
Quality materials, made to last
Dirty clothes are washed cleanly in 30 to 60 minutes. That's much less time than any other competitive machine. In addition, this system consumes much less energy.
The secret of success is not only the constant development of technology. Schulthess uses only high-quality materials. The detergent tank, for example, is not made of plastic but of chrome steel. This improves the durability of the machine. The machines will easily last a good 20 years.
Hoover the brand that has diversified the entire household appliance range
Initially known for its very first vacuum cleaner manufactured in North America, the Hoover brand soon managed to attract a very wide audience and to rank among the leading designers in the field of household appliances. Over the years, Hoover has produced a large number of household appliances, including dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers. But this great diversity of products does not come without an ever-increasing emphasis on quality and reliability.
Hoover is now present in all European countries and in many others around the world, including Switzerland. In all these markets, it is one of the undisputed leaders in household appliances.
The "washer-dryer" range from Hoover , for example, is a great alternative for anyone who wants the comfort of a tumble dryer but doesn't have the space for one, as well as for anyone looking for a high-performance washing machine.
Appliance repair: a trade in high demand
Twenty years ago, appliances that needed repair represented only a small part of the appliance market. Only vacuum cleaners broke down and needed to be repaired. The products were relatively expensive but made to last. They were designed with quality materials and parts. For example, a vacuum cleaner at that time cost between 300 and 700 CHF.
Today, more than one out of two large household appliances breaks down before five years of use. The main reasons for this are due to problems with emptying, start-up problems, etc. Processes developed by manufacturers to make us consume more and more by producing products with a very limited life span... A vicious circle that encourages over-consumption.
These appliances would be programmed to break down before they reach 10 years of use. These breakdowns would be due to a malfunction of the machine, forcing the consumer to buy a new one. In fact, washing machines are programmed to last 2,000 to 2,500 wash cycles. Moreover, 8 out of 10 washing machines are equipped with plastic tubs that replace stainless steel ones, for which it only takes one coin to break them during the spinning process. The products are made to last less time. The prices have gone down, but so has the lifespan. Programmed obsolescence currently dominates the household appliance market.
Hoovernez, your eco-responsible partner
Since then, the company has focused on large household appliances and has developed its technical knowledge. For more than 50 years, the family business Hoovernez Sàrl has specialized in the sale and repair of household appliances.
The current trend is to protect the environment: why throw away a faulty appliance if it can be repaired at a lower cost? Older appliances were designed to last and can often be repaired with a few changes of spare parts. So don't throw them away without calling us! We repair all major brands of household appliances.
In some cases, especially if the cost of repair is too high, it is better to invest in a new device. We advise you on the options available to you according to your desires and your budget. The choice of an appliance depends on several factors, both practical and aesthetic. You must take into account the future location, your specific needs, your budget and your taste. At Hoovernez SARL, your satisfaction is our priority.
Hoovernez is in no way associated with manufacturers, we are not linked to any brand.
At Hoovernez, we develop follow-up and provide personalized advice to better meet the specific needs of each individual.
If you would like more information on this subject, please contact Hoovernez