Which would you rather have: more chemicals in your clothes or a Rapidry 1140 washer? How about "Tide HE with Bleach, with a touch of Downy, scent of Febreze, and water removal of Extractrol"?
Good news in the world of laundry
Compound added to spin cycle makes clothes less wet
The Washington Post
Published on: 08/15/05
Scientists are putting a new spin on laundry detergent.
University of Florida researchers say that their compound, added before the spin cycle, loosens the force between water molecules and helps fabrics shed as much as 20 percent more water, thus shortening the time needed to dry the clothes.
"A 10 percent reduction in the drying time could save the country up to $250 million per year," said Dinesh Shah, a professor of chemical engineering at the university, whose research was funded by a $200,000 grant from soapmaker Procter & Gamble.
Although a product is three to five years from appearing on store shelves, "the fundamental aspects are pretty much resolved," said Shah, whose research is being published this month in Langmuir, a journal of surface chemistry.
"It's like a chef who wants to make a (different) cookie," Shah said. The same ingredients, such as sugar and water, are used but in different proportions, he explained, alluding to the mixture of detergents and fabric softeners.
The method of delivery still needs to be fine-tuned. A capsule that would break open before the spin cycle, or a spray, are two possibilities, Shah said.
Daniel Carter, a doctoral student at Shah's lab and the lead researcher of this study, noted that 56 percent of Americans own electric dryers, typically handling 300 loads a year. Based on his calculations, drying clothes can account for 5 percent of total household electricity consumption.
"So the ultimate goal is to save energy and save time," Shah said.
Good news in the world of laundry
Compound added to spin cycle makes clothes less wet
The Washington Post
Published on: 08/15/05
Scientists are putting a new spin on laundry detergent.
University of Florida researchers say that their compound, added before the spin cycle, loosens the force between water molecules and helps fabrics shed as much as 20 percent more water, thus shortening the time needed to dry the clothes.
"A 10 percent reduction in the drying time could save the country up to $250 million per year," said Dinesh Shah, a professor of chemical engineering at the university, whose research was funded by a $200,000 grant from soapmaker Procter & Gamble.
Although a product is three to five years from appearing on store shelves, "the fundamental aspects are pretty much resolved," said Shah, whose research is being published this month in Langmuir, a journal of surface chemistry.
"It's like a chef who wants to make a (different) cookie," Shah said. The same ingredients, such as sugar and water, are used but in different proportions, he explained, alluding to the mixture of detergents and fabric softeners.
The method of delivery still needs to be fine-tuned. A capsule that would break open before the spin cycle, or a spray, are two possibilities, Shah said.
Daniel Carter, a doctoral student at Shah's lab and the lead researcher of this study, noted that 56 percent of Americans own electric dryers, typically handling 300 loads a year. Based on his calculations, drying clothes can account for 5 percent of total household electricity consumption.
"So the ultimate goal is to save energy and save time," Shah said.
