A device using “hydrodynamic” technology to clean clothes without a washing machine is launching this month.
Called W’air, the gadget “combines a gentle burst of air with just a tiny bit of water and soap”, creating a spray that pushes dirt off of clothes.
It can be used to remove stains, dirt and odours, refresh lightly worn clothing, and even deep clean clothes – all using a small handheld device.
The company claims W’air uses less energy, 99% less water and 77% less detergent than traditional washing machines. The technology not only aims to cut down on the amount of water used when washing clothes, but also prevent damage, like shrinking or fading, that regular washing can cause.
According to W’air’s website, the average family puts on seven washes a week, using over 350 litres of water, while a single person averages two washes and over 100 litres of water per week.
W’air also wants to tackle the effects of laundry habits on the environment, saying the use of fashion products – including washing clothes – makes up around 20% of clothing’s 1.2 billion tonne carbon footprint.
Overuse of washing machines for minor dirt and stains has come under fire in recent years from environmental campaigners, who say it can fuel overconsumption by wearing out clothes quickly.
Orsola de Castro of campaign group Fashion Revolution told the Guardian this year:
“Efficient for us doesn’t mean that it’s good for the planet. So don’t just assume that your clothes are dirty because they have been worn. There are several ways to avoid washing when it’s not fully needed. And when you do wash, wash with knowledge, according to the clothing components, at the lowest possible temperature.”
W’air’s launch followed six years of research and a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo in 2019. The machine is being sold in the UK at £199, both online and through an exclusive partnership with Selfridges. It will also be available on Amazon EU listing from July.