Washing machine that doesn't need detergent.

The dream of a detergent-free washing machine is closer than ever, thanks to a washing system that produces ultra-clean water that can replace detergents.

According to Business Insider, the Swedish startup Scandinavian Water Technologies, or Swatab, has been granted a patent by authorities for a washing machine with a water-only washing technology called Diro.

The idea for this washing machine originated three years ago on a small farm in southern Sweden. Businessman Per Hansson and his wife, Katarina Klöfverskjöld, were running a paint company there at the time.

Mr. Hansson shared: "We purchased a system for cleaning building facades in an environmentally friendly way. Recognizing the system's effectiveness in cleaning moss and dirt, I thought we could also apply this method to washing machines."

Per Hansson (left) stands next to the Diro detergent-free washing system. Photo: Business Insider.

Driven by his passion for molecular and chemical research, Hansson decided to bring this idea to life. Just two years after Swatab was founded, the Hansson couple received a European patent for their water filtration system.

Hansson noted: "Water itself is a highly soluble substance. For example, if you get blood on your clothes, you can wash it off with cold water."

"Our filter makes the water ultra-pure, and by deionizing the water, we can remove salts and other contaminants present in the water. This ultra-pure water is then in a chemically unbalanced state, and it will attract and remove dirt from clothes."

This method allows Swatab's filtration system to clean clothes without the need for detergents. Diro has also undergone extensive testing by the Swerea IVF Institute in Sweden, as well as the European Union research center in Seville, Spain.

"We have achieved cleaning performance that meets EU standards, which are commonly applied in tests involving detergents," said Hansson.

Just two years after Swatab was founded, the Hanssons received a European patent for their water filtration system. Photo: Business Insider.

Swatab is still trying to prove that its solution not only saves costs and reduces emissions for businesses but also for consumers. Hansson claims: "For 5 kg of laundry, our technology saves 1 kg of carbon emissions." This is the result of Swatab's new laundry technology trial last year with the MKB association in Malmö, Sweden.

Swatab has also expanded into the UK market, where it has attracted interest from many large businesses. However, Hansson's long-term dream is to bring Diro laundry technology to millions of households. To achieve this, he and his wife are developing a consumer-oriented technology solution, expected to launch next year.

According to Zing