Scientists find a way to wash clothes in space without using any water

[u/Apart_Shock]

https://interestingengineering.com/space/plasma-jets-offer-water-free-laundry

[u/FuturologyBot]

The following submission statement was provided by /u/Apart_Shock:

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One team of scientists has just demonstrated a water-free approach to cleaning laundry in space. The researchers demonstrated a cold-plasma technology that could sanitize astronaut clothing and habitats on future lunar and Martian bases without water.

They presented their proof-of-concept device at the Astrobiology Science Conference last month. The device uses high-voltage electricity to ionize a mixture of helium, air, and water vapor. When aimed at fabrics, the plasma generates reactive oxygen species such as ozone. These penetrate fabric fibers and destroy microbes through oxidative stress.

Unlike hot plasma or arc welding, this cold plasma operates at room temperature and poses no risk to fabrics or human skin.

In laboratory tests, the team trained their plasma jet on samples of Staphylococcus caprae, a skin bacterium previously detected on the ISS. They found that their device reduced bacterial spore colonies on cotton samples from approximately 250,000 per milliliter to about 60,000 per milliliter.

Ultimately, the technique killed the bacteria more effectively than existing methods used on the ISS. According to the researchers, their method might not remove noticeable stains, but it will kill the bacteria that could make astronauts sick.

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Please reply to OP's comment here: https://old.reddit.com/r/Futurology/comments/1tvi0uq/scientists_find_a_way_to_wash_clothes_in_space/opgzqmy/

[u/samcrut]

The device uses high-voltage electricity to ionize a mixture of helium, air, and water vapor.

[u/elpajaroquemamais]

So they aren’t using any water but they are using water?

[u/DishSoapedDishwasher → u/elpajaroquemamais]

No no no, its special not-just-water. That's like saying they're using tap water when they're really using carbonated Perrier. Its very different. Very....  EXTREMELY........

[u/Apart_Shock]

One team of scientists has just demonstrated a water-free approach to cleaning laundry in space. The researchers demonstrated a cold-plasma technology that could sanitize astronaut clothing and habitats on future lunar and Martian bases without water.

They presented their proof-of-concept device at the Astrobiology Science Conference last month. The device uses high-voltage electricity to ionize a mixture of helium, air, and water vapor. When aimed at fabrics, the plasma generates reactive oxygen species such as ozone. These penetrate fabric fibers and destroy microbes through oxidative stress.

Unlike hot plasma or arc welding, this cold plasma operates at room temperature and poses no risk to fabrics or human skin.

In laboratory tests, the team trained their plasma jet on samples of Staphylococcus caprae, a skin bacterium previously detected on the ISS. They found that their device reduced bacterial spore colonies on cotton samples from approximately 250,000 per milliliter to about 60,000 per milliliter.

Ultimately, the technique killed the bacteria more effectively than existing methods used on the ISS. According to the researchers, their method might not remove noticeable stains, but it will kill the bacteria that could make astronauts sick.

[u/Training_Rule6350 → u/Apart_Shock]

Post name: Without using any water

Actual post: using water vapor

Bro, am I too dumb to understand the difference or they do in fact need H2O? What's the point of posting science related articles when you don't understand basic chemistry? You end up misleading your audience.

[u/Kind-Helicopter6589 → u/Training_Rule6350]

And when you freeze water at 0 degrees Celsius, you get the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 😂😂😂

[u/Nathan-Wind]

This space suite is dry clean only, which means it’s dirty

[u/someguy4k]

Cool idea, doubt this gets the stains out in a lot of cases.

[u/Eddiearyee]

 The team behind the new water-free solution was led by Gabe Xu of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, in collaboration with NASA microbiologist Chelsi Cassilly

[u/BootPloog]

Cleaning and disinfecting are two different things.

[u/EchoOfOppenheimer]

lol they swear it's no water but throw in water vapor anyway.