This story has been doing the rounds over the past few days and don’t get too excited just yet as, so far as we can gather, this is going to be launched for commercial applications initially. But it may come to domestics as well but, it’s a bit odd really.
The eco-friendly Xeros washing machine, which uses just one cup of water to wash a normal sized load of clothes, has been revealed.
The machine, which could go on sale as early as next year, has been developed by scientists from Leeds University.
The Xeros replaces most of the water with reusable nylon polymer beads which attract and absorb dirt, cleaning clothes in the process.
Experts say this leaves clothes just as clean, but uses over 90 percent less water and 30 percent less energy.
Inventor Professor Stephen Burkinshaw said: “Nylon polymers have an inherent polarity that attract stains. Picture how white nylon garments can get dingy over time as dirt builds up on the surface despite repeated washing.”
“Dirt is not just attracted to the surface, it is locked into the center. This is exactly what happens when Xeros nylon beads are gently tumbled with dampened garments.”
The thing is we’ve not seen it work and, initially, we’re not too sure about these nylon beads. The idea raises some questions, for example, do they pour out onto the floor when you pull the laundry out? Do you need to buy more repeatedly? What’s the cost of the beads and are replacement beads any less environmentally better than plain old water?
We’ll see in time.