Ioning the dirty laundry

A waterless washing machine that uses negative ions, compressed air and deodorants to clean clothes has won the 2005 Electrolux Design Lab Award.

The household appliance manufacturer’s annual competition challenges students worldwide to develop new devices to meet the changing demands of customers.

Airwash, designed by students from Singapore, beat entries from almost 90 countries.

Based on a waterfall, it eliminates the need for detergent and water, so it can go anywhere in the home. It fights dirt and bacteria using air and negative ions, a natural cleansing agent.

Meanwhile, Samsung has launched a washing machine that uses silver nanoparticles to disinfect clothes that would otherwise be bleached or boil washed. It uses electrolysis to sterilise and kill bacteria and mould. During the rinse cycle clothes are covered with silver nanoparticles.

They are said to remain bacteria free for 30 days.