Waterless washing machine invented
Waterless washing machine invented
2008-06-10Newsfeed
Virtually waterless washing machines could become a feature in some British homes as early as next year after scientists developed a technology which uses less than 2% of the water and energy of a conventional washing machine.
Virtually waterless washing machines could become a feature in some British homes as early as next year after scientists developed a technology which uses less than 2% of the water and energy of a conventional washing machine.
The new machine, invented by researchers at Leeds University, uses as little as one cup of water for each washing cycle thanks to the new technology, which uses thousands of plastic chips to absorb and remove dirt.
Each load needs about 20kg of the chips, together with a little water and the standard amount of detergent. During the washing cycle, the water is heated to help dissolve the dirt, which is then absorbed by the plastic chips. The chips can be used up to 100 times - the equivalent of six months' washing.
In tests, the machine was found to remove virtually all types of everyday stains and leave clothes almost dry, reducing the need for tumble-dryers.
A company has now been set up to develop and market the machine, which it hopes will be used in the washing and dry cleaning industries initially. Xeros believes the machines could be on the UK market as early as 2009.
"Xeros has the ability to save billions of litres of water per year and, we believe, the potential to revolutionise the global laundry market," said company director Rob Rule.
Copyright © The Press Association 2008
