Washing machine without detergent

The dream of a washing machine that doesn't use detergent is closer than ever, thanks to a washing system that produces super-clean water that can replace detergent.

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

The idea for this washing machine was born three years ago on a small farm in southern Sweden. Entrepreneur Per Hansson and his wife, Katarina Klöfverskjöld, were running a paint company there.

“We bought a system that cleans building facades in an environmentally friendly way,” says Hansson. “Recognizing how effective it is at cleaning moss and dirt, I thought it could also be applied to washing machines.”

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

With a passion for molecular and chemical research, Hansson decided to turn this idea into reality. Just two years after Swatab was founded, the Hanssons received a European patent for their water filtration system.

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

“Our filter makes the water super clean, and by deionizing the water, we can remove the salt and other contaminants that are in the water. This super clean water is then in a chemically unbalanced state, and it will attract all the dirt from the clothes.”

This allows Swatab's filtration system to clean clothes without the need for detergents. Diro has also been extensively tested by Sweden's Swerea IVF research institute and the European Union's research center in Sevilla, Spain.

“We have achieved cleaning performance that is acceptable according to EU standards that are commonly used in tests involving laundry chemicals,” 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. "For every 5 kg of laundry, our technology saves 1 kg of carbon waste," Hansson said, after testing Swatab's new washing technology last year with the MKB association in Malmö, Sweden.

Swatab has also expanded into the UK, where it has attracted interest from major companies. But Mr Hansson’s long-term dream is to bring Diro washing technology to millions of households. To do this, he and his wife are developing a consumer-oriented technology solution, which they plan to launch next year.

According to Zing