A new washing machine technology could save enough water annually to fill 17 million swimming pools in the U.S.

At least that's what Xeros Ltd. is claiming. The company is finishing development on a "virtually waterless" laundry cleaning system and hopes to release it by the end of next year.

Instead of relying on gallons upon gallons of water to clean clothes, the Xeros washing machine uses small nylon beads to infiltrate creases and crevices, eliminating dirt and stains from clothes. The machine uses 90% less water than traditional machines, and since the clean clothes emerge almost dry, it eliminates the need for energy-hogging dryers.

All said and done, the Xeros process could reduce utility bills by up to 30%.

The project began at Leeds University in London. Stephen Burkinshaw, a polymer chemist at the university, spent about 30 years developing methods to improve the dying of fabrics. During that period, he discovered that the same principals that improve the dying of fabrics also apply to the removal of stains.

Burkinshaw settled on nylon after testing a range of other plastics. Nylon naturally attracts stains to its surface and when subjected to the humidity of the Xeros washing machine, the stains diffuse into the center of the beads.

The machine has been successful in removing the most stubborn of stains like red wine and black ink.

But what happens to the beads after they've been run through? Will the washing process of Xeros entail the maddening task of picking the tiny beads out of my pockets?

Xenos claims not. After the wash cycle, the beads settle into a bin to be used again — hundreds of times. They've also developed a vacuum wand accessory to suck up any errant beads.

When the beads absorb their maximum filth capacity, they can then be recycled.

According to a report from the Energy Saving Trust, if all of the UK's people replaced their traditional machines with Xeros model, the reduction of carbon emissions would equal 1.4 million vehicles taken off the road.

So while these beads may be tiny in size, the technology could add up to big environmental impact when it's finally released to consumers.

Be Well,

Jimmy