The Green Geek

The Future of Washing Clothes

Up to 20% of our water consumption is from washing our clothes and with water supplies expected to become increasingly rare, new technology is being developed that uses far less water. One new device reportedly doesn’t use any water at all!

” A waterless washing machine that removes stains from garments in a few minutes has been developed at the National University of Singapore, the facility said on Wednesday. The appliance uses negative ions, compressed air and deodorants to clean clothes. Industrial design students Wendy Chua, 21, and Gabriel Tan, 23, said they were inspired by the technology in air purifiers, which uses negative ions to clump dirt and bacteria, making it easier for the particles to be sucked out. The ions are a natural cleaning agent.”

Singapore’s Waterless Washing Machine – Gadget Blog

Sanyo’s new AQUA washing machine isn’t completely water-free, but it is designed to reduce water consumption. The AQUA generates ozone to disinfect laundry and remove odours, and even has a 30 minute water-free cycle for removing wrinkles and cleaning dry-clean-only clothing. This machine also dries clothes, thus saving on resources as well.

Sanyo’s AirWash ozones out germs and odors – Engadget