Manufacturing washing machines using polymer particles to clean clothes

Scientist Stephen Burkinshaw of Leeds University is working on developing the Xeros washing machine using the mechanical force of specially designed polymer particles to loosen and remove stains from fabrics. The technique promises to help laundry work more efficiently and save a significant amount of water during cleaning.

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Compared to the past, the current generation of washing machines is being improved to help people reduce their workload significantly. However, washing machines still have a big problem: consuming a lot of electricity, water and detergents. On average, each washing machine consumes between 37 and 90 liters of water per wash. In the United States, each household consumes more than 34,000 liters of water a year for laundry by regular washing machines.

Instead of using water and detergents in the past, the new generation of polymer washers is designed in special shapes to remove dirt and grease from the fabric. Polymer particles can be reused in 100 washes before being recycled, helping to reduce 47% of power consumption while reducing more than 72% of water using conventional washing.

Xeros has an exterior design similar to other standard washing machines. The name Xeros of the upper washing machine generation comes from the Greek word, meaning 'dry'. As its name suggests, instead of using a large amount of water to clean the cloth, the Xeros washing machine only needs to use 1 cup of water and a small amount of detergent. After that, the polymer particles will be released inside and take on the work of cleaning clothes with mechanical impact. Moreover, due to the hydrophobic nature, the polymer is capable of cleaning grease stains many times better than water. Even some polymer particles can absorb stains into its molecular structure.

As a result, clothes are cleaned without using much water and high temperature to remove stains. Although not the main washing medium, a small amount of water is still used as a lubricant for polymer particles. After the washing process, the polymer particles will be separated from the clothes through the dual drum system on the washing machine.

The biggest question asked by environmental scientists for the above washing method is what to do when the polymer particles are no longer usable. The manufacturer believes that it is fully recyclable or processed according to the appropriate method of the user. If discharged into rivers and oceans, this could be a leading danger to both the earth's ecosystem.

Xeros washing machines are currently being applied to a number of professional laundry companies, sports clubs, hotels, etc. As expected, the above washing machine generation will be officially commercialized for consumers. used in the next 2 years.