Washing Machines with Style

In a bid to save the environment, technology giants are sprinting to come out with even more innovative gear. Washing machines that use less energy is probably a norm, but have you ever heard of a washing machine that can cleanse your clothes without detergent? Try this for size… how about one that can wash your clothes without liquid? (No, I don’t mean dry-cleaning – besides, did you know that dry-cleaning is NOT dry? Bet you didn’t! Read more here…)

Haier’s WasH2O

This innovation by Haier uses no detergent whatsoever, thereby helping the environment a notch. Their incredible invention splits the H2O molecules into OH- and H+ ions. These ions then become a natural agent for cleansing – the OH- ions are a cleaning agent that attract dirt particles, while H+ ions sterilise the clothes. The price tag isn’t so handy at a whopping €699! Some day… it’ll come down in price.

Haier WasH2O

Sanyo Aqua AWD-AQ1

Sanyo AQUA AWD-AQ1

As we know, water is a limited resource. Sanyo, realising this has pioneered a washing machine that has an Air Wash feature, allowing the machine to disinfect & deodorize garments by injecting air and ozone into the drum. The ozone is able to remove odors and bacteria present. Residual ozone is the released back into our air.

Another interesting feature is the ability to place items that easily lose their shape on a shelf inside the drum. It will not go through the tumble cycle that normal washing machines go through. Retail price is USD$2,200! (I could buy 4 regular washing machines at that price!)

Electrolux KaionWAVE

Still in the concept/testing stage, Electrolux has a modern egg looking invention that they herald as the washing machine for the fabric of the future. The technology behind it is ultraviolet-C light that is used to clean nano-coated fabric. (Nanocoating consists of tiny particles coated onto normal fabric that repel ketchup, water, etc.)

Electrolux KaionWAVE

Singapore Prototype – Airwash

Singapore Airwash

Looks like our neighbours aren’t left behind on innovation. They’ve got a slick waterfall shaped prototype that was developed by a pair of third year NUS students. Their system utilises negative ions, compressed air and deodorants to cleanse the garments – in fact, it’s inspired by the technology in air purifiers – negative ions are used to clump dirt and bacteria, making it easier for the particles to be sucked out.

LG Steam Direct Drive Washing Machine

Hate ironing? I do! LG has now released a 2-in-1 solution that adds to the regular energy/water savings, the ability to steam-clean your clothes. The ironing feature removes creases from garments in just 20 minutes – thus saving us humans from the arduous task of ironing each piece.

LG is moving towards trendiness too – as witnessed with their wide-range of colour choices from white to black to  rose to blue and to four LIMITED EDITION design finishes as shown below. What will they think of next? Price-wise, it’s still a tad out of reach for most. Plain-jane-white retails for £799, while the funky coloured ones are £1300. (Hush, let’s not tell my wife about this invention yet!)