Scientists have created a fabric that can be washed without powder

Normal laundry requires:

• detergents
• large amounts of water
• energy

At the same time, some of the chemicals are released into the environment and pollute water bodies.

Researchers have created a special coating for fabric.

It:

• keeps a layer of water on the surface
• prevents dirt and germs from taking hold

As a result, dirt is simply washed away with water.

Details

The coating creates a kind of "water barrier".

It:

• repels grease and dirt
• does not depend on light (unlike other technologies)
• works on different types of fabrics

The new fabric:

• retains its properties after more than 100 washes
• removes:
  • grease
  • food stains
  • bacteria and fungi

A single rinse is sufficient instead of a full wash.

Why it's important

The technology can:

• reduce water and energy consumption by around 80 per cent
• reduce the use of chemicals

Because detergents

• contaminate water
• do not biodegrade well
• can harm ecosystems

New technology can reduce this effect.

If the technology becomes widespread:

• laundry will become faster and cheaper
• less strain on the environment
• water consumption would be reduced

Source

The study was conducted by scientists from China. The results were published in the journal Communications Chemistry.