It is something strange to hear about waterless washing machines. In a world where fresh water for human consumption is rapidly depleting, this news offers much relief to the people. Whether the world is going to believe it or not, it is happening in the United Kingdom. It is the very same country where industrial revolution started in 1760 A.D and the first steam engine was invented to herald the revolution. As a coincidence, the present invention is also based on the use of water. Virtually waterless washing machine has been produced after 250 years of the industrial revolution, in the same country giving hope to those who are anxious about a gloomy future of water scarcity. For the people of United Kingdom who consume 13 percent of the available water for washing purposes, the new invention is a boon. And world over, environmentalists who are concerned with the depletion of water resources have a sigh of relief.
The new technology has been developed by the scientists of Leeds University. Washing clothes with negligible amount of water is really a marvelous exercise. The new machine consumes only two percent of water that is usually utilized in the conventional A class washing machines. The technology is based on the utilization of polymer chips in the process of washing. The clothes will be tumbled along with the chips in a prescribed method. Tests conducted by experts to ascertain the efficiency of the machine developed through the new technology yielded positive results. Clothes washed were found absolutely clean and the wash process was found effective in removing even stubborn stains. A remarkable advantage of the system is that the clothes will come out of the machine after washing, almost dry even without the use of a tumble dryer. The clothes are to be deposited in the tub of the machine along with the chips and a cup of water. The machine will have to be switched on as in the case of conventional washing machines. The polymer chips are capable of absorbing the dirt and stains from the clothes. The chips are to be replaced after about 100 times of washing. It is estimated that about twenty kilogram of chips will be required every time.
The new invention is patented by XEROS, a subsidiary unit of the University of Leeds. Many well known entrepreneurs have come forward to acquire the rights to manufacture the new innovative washing machine. The product is expected to reach the markets by the end of 2009. Apart from the advantages of saving water and energy substantially, the use of many hazardous solvent chemicals used in the dry cleaning industry can be eliminated if the new machines arrive in the global markets. Experts predict revolutionary changes in the washing methods adopted by homes and commercial establishments. Widespread use of detergents which contain harmful chemicals can be avoided in the best interests of environmental safety. No doubt, the future generations will be greatly benefited by this new technology.
