clipped from: www.gizmag.com By Darren Quick
20:52 June 25, 2009 PDT
Nathan Wrench, program manager at Cambridge Consultants, and the nylon beads used in the Xeros washing machine (Photo: Xeros)
A washing machine that cuts water usage by 90% is due to hit American shores next year. The Xeros washing machine, which takes its name from the Greek word for “dry”, cleans clothes using reusable nylon polymer beads with an inherent polarity that attracts stains.
The beads are added to the wash along with as little as a cup of water and a drop of detergent. After the water dissolves the stains, the beads, which become absorbent under humid conditions, soak up the water along with the dirt. The dirt is not just attracted to the surface, but is absorbed into the center of the beads.
The technology was developed by researchers at Leeds University who have established a spin-off company called Xeros Ltd to market the technology.