Sanyo's Aqua: Wash Clothes Without Water
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 02. 6.06

Sanyo's new washing machine, the Aqua AWD-AQ1, can clean your clothes without water. Oxygen in the air is converted to ozone, using an ozone creation device, and is sprayed on clothing inside the drum. Ozone has a strong oxidation action, which either destroys or disassembles the cell walls of bacteria. This allows for eliminating bacteria, odors, and dirt (organic matter). Sanyo's release says "recently, sprays that eliminate bacteria and odor are popular, and the Air Wash does mostly the same thing... it just happens inside the washing machine." The machine also has a "normal" washing cycle that uses water recycled from the rinse cycle and ozone together, leading to a big reduction in water use when compared to more conventional machines. Water that has been used for rinsing is stored inside a tank, where ozone microbubbles are injected, purifying the water. This water is again used either for the next washing or as dehumidification water when drying clothes; this whole process only uses 50 liters from wash to dry, while using new water requires 80 liters.
This machine has several other cycles to vanquish dirt from clothes, like the "Zero Detergent Course" that washes out light dirt with ozone-injected water, "Ozone Steam Course" which eliminates bacteria and odors during drying by using steam that has ozone, and "Mold Guard," which prevents against the outbreak of black mold in the drum by using ozone water. Also available is "Shelf Dry," which can dry delicate clothing, stuffed animals, and shoes. It's scheduled for release in stores in March, for a hefty 262,500 Yen, or US $2,200. Thanks to Marzoo for the tip! via ::Gizmodo and ::Far EastGizmos




















"using an ozone creation device" - while ozone in the upper atmosphere is needed, I thought ground level ozone was just another word for smog. Could someone clarify if this is actually a good idea…
Ozone causes a variety of health impacts, including asthma attacks, respiratory hospital admissions, and even premature mortality in sensitive populations. Any idea where the "extra" ozone goes that this thing produces? If it tends to stay in the users house, this could lead to some pretty nasty indoor air quality. If it escapes to the outside, this could exacerbate ambient ozone levels - especially in large cities in the summer time, when these ambient levels tend to be high already...
I'm no scientist, but I was under the impression that ozone was quite unstable. It is possible that this appliance is hermetic and lets the ozone dissipate (revert back to O2?) before the end of the cycle.
Also, ozone doesn't equal smog. AFAIK, smog that is hit by sunlight can create ozone, which is bad for the health of humans (along with all the particulate matter in smog), but they are not the same thing. You can have ozone on its own without actual smog.
I would greatly appreciate it if someone more familiar with the science behind this could explain all of this in more detail, though.
So it uses a less water but what about energy usage?
Ozone is indeed a respiratory sensitizer. WOuld be a big issue for people with existing lung issues if they got a snoot full. Becuse it is fairly unstable and reactive it is possible that little escapes to the surrounding air. This would depend on design feedback loop between the "ozonator" (usually a corona discharger above a laminar water flow) and load size. Outside of the US, ozonators commonly are used in place of chlorine for drinking water disinfection. If it were such a big issue, drinking tap water would be a problem: but it's not (caveat -- has to be just enough to titer up against the organic and suspended solids content).
According to the [url=http://www.epa.gov/epahome/ozone.htm]EPA[/url], [i]"Ground-level or 'bad' ozone is a pollutant that is a significant health risk, especially for children with asthma. It also damages crops, trees and other vegetation. It is a main ingredient of urban smog."[/i]
The [url=http://www.sanyo.co.jp/koho/hypertext4-eng/0602/0202-1e.html]Sanyo[/url] website states that the washer uses 50L (9.0kg) of water when using recycled water purified through the washer itself, and 80L (9.0kg) when using tap water.
The website doesn't state where the ozone goes, how much electricity the machine uses, or where the dirt, pollen, grime etc goes (is there a gunk trap?).
I'm so tired of hearing about stuff that other people get that I can't have.
Ozone produced from an ozone generator (as they are called) has only a half life in water of only a couple of seconds before lossing the third oxygen molocule.
If it gets outside of the washing machine (which of course it could do) open the window, it will oxodise extreamly wash.
I have been waiting for the day a washing machine would be released using ozone, I use in it my aquarium (marine) and the potential in a washing machine is HUGE, no washing powder or extreamly small amounts.
I can't believe I just brought a new washing machine without even knowing this was about to come out onto the market.
Damn it damn it damn it!
With all due respect but some arbitrary machine in some arbitrary shop here does 44liters at 0,76kwh for a programm -- no ozone-shmozone.
(http://www.mediaonline.de/shop/ProductDisplay?storeId=5000&categoryPath=5000.57004&jspStoreDir=mediamarkt&productId=99128&langId=-3&catalogId=5000&ddkey=CategoryDisplay)
intresting one
Ozone weakens and distroys elastic. So I wouldn't recommend washing your underwear or socks in this thing.
But where does the ozone go?
Yes, ozone destroys cheep or bad rubber, but not good rubber.
Also, ozone is not bad for you!
Ozone is Mother Nature's way of purifying her air. Ozone can be made a few different ways. Lighting makes ozone and helps create that "fresh air" smell after thunderstorms. When there is too much smog (polutants) in the air, ozone is made (from ultraviolet rays bouncing off all of the dirty particles in the air) to clear the air of it's pollutants. Levels of ozone are easier to detect than levels of smog. Ozone is a wonderful thing.
It takes a drastic amount of Ozone to actually harm a body (just as too much of anything can harm you). In fact, ozone is very good. It actually HELPS people with asthma and allergies by getting the allergens and particles they react to out of the air.
While ozone has a bad rep, it is actually an amazing, helpful thing.
For a great company that works with eco friendly products, ozone, and ions, visit this site and find a dealer to talk to--they know the benefits of ozone better than most.
http://www.ecoquestintl.com/index_home.asp
i wish they,d us ozone instead of chlorine to treat our water supply in the uk as in sweden or were ever
where can i get one?!
EcoQuest Int'l just came out with LaundryPure - Wash clothes CHEMICAL FREE with NO detergent, NO hot water, NO bleach, NO fabric softeners .. use with your existing washing machine - it's nothing short of spectacular..experts are calling it the product of the century -- it is WOW!!!!
We've been approached by EcoQuest, they want us to sell their product. They offer a lot of testimonials, but seem to be unable or unwilling to provide us with any hard scientific data from a reputable university or testing lab proving that their LaundryPure System works. Does anyone know if this is the same EcoQuest company that does MLM and sells air purifiers?
I do believe it is the same company. My father sells the air purifiers--I have one in my room right now. Last night I got sick and couldn't breathe through my nose at all, by morning my nasal passageways were much clearer. I love eqo-quest products.
Hi Everyone.
I just came across this message board, so I will try to offer any assistance that I can regarding the EcoQuest products.
---------------------------
Samual: You wrote, "Ozone weakens and destroys elastic. So I wouldn't recommend washing your underwear or socks in this thing."
Yes you are correct. However, you forgot to mention that the level of Ozone would need to be a very high exposure. LaundryPure uses very little trace level ozone. EcoQuest has spent millions on R & D. I assure you, this is not an issue. In fact, we have conducted numerous tests. This product produces the following amount of ozone:
---------------------------
Corey K. Tournet: You wrote, "They offer a lot of testimonials, but seem to be unable or unwilling to provide us with any hard scientific data from a reputable university or testing lab proving that their LaundryPure System works."
The LaundryPure system is a little more complex than just ozone. There is actually several cleaning properties that are being introduced to the water. At the heart of the process is a process called Radiant Catalytic Ionization ("RCI"). The RCI process utilizes ozone, high intensity UV
light on a hydrated quad-metallic target to create:
1.Ozone
2.Ozonide Ions
3. Hydro peroxides
4. Hydroxides
5. Free oxygen molecules &
6. Super oxide ions
These Advanced Oxidizers become entrained in the water to break down oils and grime and disinfect the fabric and work best with cold water.
The science behind RCI is documented and accepted by University studies. Kansas State University has been working with EcoQuest in this effort. EcoQuest is the only company in the world to earn space certification on their air purification products. (Review here: http://tinyurl.com/4s9w6
and also
http://www.ezhealthydiet.com/ecoquest-international.html)
As for the science behind RCI, please visit http://tinyurl.com/hkczz (PDF)
Also, for those interested in the Tech Paper for LaundryPure, please visit:
http://tinyurl.com/euxoh (9 Page PDF file).
In the end, EcoQuest has a history of making great quality products. I let the product do all of the selling. I let my customers try in for a FULL 30 days, if it works, they keep it, if not, and they return it! I encourage those interested in trying the product to do so. You have nothing to loose!
Last but not least, you can download the Owners Manual for the Laundry pure here:
http://tinyurl.com/osvnb (PDF)
LaundryPure brochure:
http://tinyurl.com/lzhtw
Please visit our website for detailed info on LaundryPure at: http://www.laundryplus.com/laundrypure - the passcode is: guest.
Why don't we all just wait for a reputable independent third party organization like Consumer Reports to do their own tests. They don't get paid from any company to conduct tests.
I have a LaundryPure.
I love it. I have been using it for 6 weeks.
Three kinds of customers.
1. Tech type wants all the new toys.
2. Environment concerned.
3. Does a lot of laundry, kids, dirty job, bed & breakfast, etc.
I am type 1. It does what they say, and my husband’s underwear is no falling down.
I also love my air purifier from Eco Quest! www.ecoquest.com/tammyrimbey
I've been using Laundry Pure in my home for over a month, and it performs just as described in Ecoquest's literature. No soap, no bleach, nothing but water, UV generated ozone, and traces of silver from the ion generator. It installed in 1/2 hour, with only a screwdriver. It has no moving parts, and consumables are inexpensive and only needed after a period of years.
Clothes have been spotless and fresh for the month, except for one deep grease stain that was only partly removed. Conventional washing wouldn't have done as well.
Old clothes that were becoming caked and "cardboardy" have become soft again. Colors seem brighter too. We're looking for old clothes to cut in half for direct comparison.
I estimate that the payback period vs hot water/detergent washing is about 2-3 years. I'm expecting some detailed numbers soon.
This thing is real!!
I have had a LaundryPure for 6 weeks now. This is the best investment I ever made as far as household appliances go! My husband restores old cars and like stated earlier, the grease comes out better with this than with detergent. I am trying an experiment with some of his older greasier T-shirts, and so far my results are better than what I expected.
I have asthma and I have been using the air purifier from Ecoquest and have been able to breathe freely in my home for the first time in years. I have no problems at all...I was so shocked by the results...It definitely has improved my quality of life in my home. Just my experience...
All the EcoQuest products really work. I admit I've been selling them for about 5 years but I wouldn't be if they weren't the best on the market and I didn't believe in them by using them. If you are interested in the products, mention this discussion and receive 20% off the air purifiers and/or water products (we have water purifiers also). Take a look at my website: http://www.ecoquest.com/windairwater. If you have any questions, please email me at healthyliving@windairwater.com.
The above post is correct. The unit actually creates gaseous hydrogen peroxide which mixes in the water. A very small amount of ozone is also created. And YES, the ozone is very good for you. It's part of smog BECAUSE of the smog. It's nature's way of fighting the smog.
Mike, is the LaundryPure available in Europe, do you know?
Very typical of the EcoQuest salesmen to "hype" their products on a review for another product. Beware of these items - some don't do what they say - others are outright dangerous.
I've seen, experienced and tried EcoQuest items firsthand. I find that they are the proverbial "snake oil" that will "fix or cure all". Maybe they don't come out and put that in writing, but that is whay they will work hard to make you believe. EcoQuest is profiting massively from the ignorance of the general public with several products they make. I don't have the time of day to get into a lengthy discussion about ozone being introduced into your home with their "air purifiers" (which they will try and sell you after the laundrypure) - just do your own research.
I even had an EcoQuest salesman admit to me that after using the Laundrypure, he didn't see any difference in his laundry vs. using traditional methods.
Please stick to the original thread on the Sanyo machine and don't push these harmful air purifiers or other products that aren't the world-altering items they claim to be. (and no - I don't work for Sanyo or sell washing machines.)
i would love to trust laundrypure but how can i when there are so many deceitful marketing methods... i have spent several hours trying to validate their claims but have turned up with nothing but duplicate websites all under different great sounding website names - a Fox news report (and i hope we all know what significant liars they are) - and hundreds of customer claims say how AMAZING and REVOLUTIONARY it is (and they are not meaning the spin).
i accept that the use of ions is fascinating but i would guess that in the 2 years or longer laundrypure has been around there would be more legitimate third party verification. i do not trust consumer claims; for the power of marketing on opinions is significant and so too are financial incentives... who knows, for a company based on cleaning its surprising how dirty the information about it is. i can't trust over exaggerated claims even found on some of the posts here "best investment I ever made..." "improved my quality of life" "This thing is real!". i agree with mike post - "hype"
regarding the 2 distinct technologies involved are:
254 nm UV lights which destroys DNA of bacteria - it's well documented and accepted.
silver ions which are also used in Samsungs latest line of washing machines - very interesting but has "no superior sterilization effect" (http://www.appliancemagazine.com/news.php?article=9434&zone=0&first=1)
i was going to buy one but not after their seeing so much of their shopping channel style marketing. i say focus on clean the market!
I like the last 2 comments best.
They say don't get the product but then say that it works. In an off handed sort of way.
Mike says:
"I even had an EcoQuest salesman admit to me that after using the Laundrypure, he didn't see any difference in his laundry vs. using traditional methods."
The salesman told you he didnt need to use laundry detergent with this thing. That it cleans just as well as using traditional methods. I thought this was the whole point of this unit.
Jak says:
"regarding the 2 distinct technologies involved are:
254 nm UV lights which destroys DNA of bacteria - it's well documented and accepted.
silver ions which are also used in Samsungs latest line of washing machines - very interesting but has "no superior sterilization effect" (http://www.appliancemagazine.com/news.php?article=9434&zone=0&first=1)"
But then he closes with I'm not gonna buy one because they advertise it?
These last 2 just got me roaring with laughter.
I haven't bought one yet. I just started looking into it.
I sure would like to reduce my use of chemicals and pollutants even if it doesn't save me money. I'm just a bit nervous about smelly clothes. But I guess thats why they offer the 30 day trial.
I'll do the demo and post my results after trying it for a month.
K the laundry pure seems to work great. Clothes are clean and they smell clean after the wash.
been using it for almost 2 months now. Installing it was really easy, only took me about 15 minutes.