Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Waterless washing machine

A WASHING machine that uses only a cup of water to carry out a full wash, leaving clothes virtually dry, has been developed by British inventors. Researchers say the technology, which uses less than 2 per cent of the water and energy of a conventional machine, could save billions of gallons of water each year.

The washing machine uses thousands of tiny plastic chips – each about half a centimetre in size – to absorb and remove dirt. About 40lbs of the chips are added to each load along with a cup of water and detergent.

During the washing cycle the water is heated to help dissolve stains and dirt, which are then absorbed by the plastic chips. The chips are removed at the end of each wash but can be used up to 100 times.

The technology, dubbed Xeros, could save millions of gallons of water each year if widely adopted.

An average household uses about 42 pints of water daily washing clothes.

No comments: