It seems that the Haier press machine is working very well, even if the other machines don’t as all over the news is the PR story of the new WasH20 detergent free washing machine, again.
We’ve said it before and we will repeat it again, we simply do not believe that this can actually work in practice. Without proof we will remain extremely skeptical about the claims being made but, this time, it isn’t just us that have grave doubts.
The Telegraph has reported that the Chinese manufacturer claims their invention is greener and cleans around 25 per cent more effectively than current models. This means that they say it does it but have yet to supply any evidence to support the claim.
It is worth noting though that many Asian companies, notably China and Korea, claim lots of “miracle” products that often don’t deliver what they claim.
The washing machine passes an electric current through the water used in the cycle to create acid and alkaline atoms that take over the role of washing powder, liquid or tablets.
The theory goes, as Gilles Montrichard of Haier France states, “The electrolysis process causes a separation of the water into OH- ions and H+ ions.
“The OH- ions remove the dirt. The H+ ions acts like bleach. They acidify the water, sterilising the clothes.”
However Haier admits a detergent-free wash is not as effective for certain stubborn stains such as those caused by contact with grass or coffee. So if you have kids, we’re guessing that this is a non-starter.
The WasH20 also cannot be used to clean woollen garments but will also have an optional detergent wash mode, so no change basically from what we have today there.
Dr Anthony Kucernak, a reader in physical chemistry at Imperial College London, said: “It will probably work to a certain extent, but I’d be sceptical about claims that it cleans more effectively than detergent.
“Making the water more alkaline makes it better at impregnating clothes and that would help wash stuff out.”
In other words, we’re not alone with our skepticism!
