Washing machine uses plastic beads instead of water, reduces electricity by 47%

Electronic Products ^ | 02/26/2014 | Jeffrey Bausch

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Today’s washing machines are considerably more economical than in years past, especially when it comes to the amount of electricity and water it takes for them to run. But for all the advancements made thus far, none have offered the efficiency of the new Xeros washing machine. 

 

Developed by Stephen Burkinshaw at the University of Leeds, this particular machine uses specially formulated nylon polymer beads in place of gallons of water. 

 

The beads are tasked with sucking away dirt and grease from the user’s clothing, and can be used up to 100 times (estimated to be six months of use) before needing to be replaced. That’s a small expense when considering that by reducing the amount of water used, the machine needs much less power in order to run — 47% less electricity to be exact. 

 

The new Xeros washing machine looks like a standard front-load machine. It requires a small cup of water, along with a tiny amount of detergent, per load, thereby reducing total water usage by 72% (when compared to water required for today’s washing machines).

The beads are released once the washing cycle has started, whereupon their unique polarization helps loosen stains without hot water; the stains are then removed by the machine’s dual drum system.

One question about this technology is what does one do with the beads once they need to be replaced? Xeros insists they’ll be recycled, but it’s up to the customer to contact the company and make sure they’re disposed of properly.

Despite this minor hurdle, Xeros has already earned accolades for this technology, including a spot on the WWF’s list of Green Game-Changers. The washing machines are available for purchase by businesses in the U.K. and North America, and Xeros plans on expanding into the residential market in approximately two years.

Story via xeroscleaning.com

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If it works it could help the drought here in California. (But they'd still cut off all the farmers' water)

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Dryers are the real energy sinks.

[gusopol3]

Meanwhile, your clothes are in tatters after the third cleaning.

[headstamp 2]

Must be fantastic with dirty diapers and other incredibly dirty work clothes. Nothing like water to carry that away.

I’m a bit skeptical.

[nascarnation]

Switched from electric to nat gas with this house.
Definitely reduced the drying cost and time.

[Raycpa]

Can’t wait for the new law requiring us to use the new washers and the new excise tax on the old washers.

[dhs12345]

Hmmm. Plastic. Isn't plastic made from crude oil. You know, that nasty stuff that no one likes. And where does the dirty plastic go? Recycled if you are lucky. Most likely the landfill.

[fatnotlazy]

No thank you. I’ll keep my water guzzler.

[angcat]

Sounds very ancient. I’ll stick to washing in water.

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[dhs12345]

Nat gas is the best. Worth the additional installation costs. Same with heat. Do some home still have electric heat? Hopefully not. The worst and expensive, too.

[SoothingDave]

What keeps all your pockets from getting filled with beads?

[dhs12345]

Lol. I would think that water is older. Beating your clothes against the rocks along the stream.

[chiefqc]

Can’t wait to see the extreme cost for this product, would not be surprised to see it cost more that a ten year water bill.

[Jim Robinson]

I think Rush Limbaugh Parodies, Ltd holds a patent on this idea.

[nascarnation]

In some warmer climates they build homes with electric heat pumps with electric resistance backup heat for when it’s very cold.

As crazy as propane prices have gotten, that might be a cheaper alternative depending on electric rates for locations not accessing nat gas.

[KSCITYBOY]

or lungs?

[angcat]

LOL funny!

[cyclotic]

And how do you get the little beads our of your pockets. My wife despises our nanny state washing machine. It is a top load that pre-dispenses a government determined amount of water, albeit not enough to actually wash the clothes or even remove the soap. (she uses about half of the recommended amount of soap)

She’s constantly going downstairs o dump a bucket of water in the washer so it actually works.

[jughandle]

Interesting, cost? Looks like it’s only a commercial machine right now.