New waterless washing machine unveiled, Washing & Ironing

New waterless washing machine unveiled - 09/06/2008

Clothes cleaning may never be the same again following the announcement of a new "waterless" washing machine technology.

Researchers at the University of Leeds have secured funding £500,000 investment to develop a cleaning system technology that uses two per cent less water and energy than conventional machines.

Some of the biggest commercial names in domestic cleaning have pledged their support to the project, alongside the University's commercialisation partner IP Group plc.

The revolutionary Xeros process uses plastic granules that are "tumbled" with fabric items to remove stains while leaving clothes fresh.

Xeros inventor, Professor Stephen Burkinshaw, remarked that the results of the tests have been "quite astonishing".

He said: "We've shown that it can remove all sorts of everyday stains including coffee and lipstick whilst using a tiny fraction of the water used by conventional washing machines."

Around 20 kilograms of chips need to be added to each load, alongside a cup of water and detergent.

However, the chips can be used up to 100 times, or six months washing in an ordinary household.