Waterless Washing Machines - Really?

One big household item that everybody, from the single man to the busy housewife finds a blessing is their washing machine. The washer is a necessity of life nowadays, not many of us would be prepared to start beating ones clothes on a rock to get them clean! The concept of new washing machines using less water has been available on the market for some time now (known as high energy efficient washers). These washers use about 3/4 less water then the machines that so many of us are used to seeing. 

They have an agitator that is quite squat and only sits a few inches high at the bottom of the wash bin. Agitators generally reach through the center of the washer and rise to the washer lid - they look to 'agitate' the dirt from clothes, much as a rock would have been used maney years ago. These new washers however use less water (as well as a high efficiency laundry detergent) and produce less suds.

Researchers have gone a step further in developing a washer that some day soon will use no water. People who hear this concept feel that this is quite foreign and wonder just how one can get their clothing clean without the traditional soap and water - but it could happen!

Researchers are on the brink of developing waterless washing machines that are very unique and user friendly. Instead of copius amounts of water, these waterless or near waterless washing machines will use what are called 'nylon polymer beads'. These beads are placed into the washer’s reservoir and are released into the machine. The beads enter the clothing items and dirt and stains are attracted to the nylon polymer, pulling out all dirt and stains from the clothing. At the end of the washing cycle the beads are separated and re-enter the drum for reuse. This whole washing cycle process will take only about 1 gallon of water compared to the traditional 30-40 gallons now required in traditional washer.

This whole new approach to doing traditional laundry is still being perfected and is not quite ready to enter the retail market scene. It is on the horizon and is showing promise in revolutionizing the laundry industry while decreasing water consumption, and energy costs.