Tag Archives: Washing Machine

The Roborock Zeo Mini M1 At IFA 2024 Is The Perfect Compact Washing Machine For Delicate Laundry

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At IFA 2024, we spotted a trend that may or may not be here to stay, but it did win our hearts. We came across a bunch of super adorable mini-washing machines. Roborock’s Zeo Mini M1 features a compact little body, soft curves, and downright cute plumpness. Of course, the model cannot be compared to traditional washer-dryers and their capacity, but it can handle one kilogram of laundry for washing, and only 500 grams for drying. It has a pretty small drum, which must be noted.

Designer: Roborock

Even though the machine has a small load, it has some intelligent features such as automatic drying, if you forget to unload the machine after washing, and detergent dispensing. It is an all-in-one solution that merges the convenience and size of a small washing machine, with the efficiency of a dryer. The cutesy washing machine can accommodate 25 pairs of lightweight underwear, 15 pieces of bras, and 80 pairs of socks simultaneously, so it could serve well for the everyday requirements of a contemporary family.

The M1’s engine is a DD variable frequency direct drive motor and it can rotate up to 4000 times per minute, with the air flowing up to 18kph. The motor runs pretty quietly, creating only 45dB of noise, and it can run overnight. It also includes a 90°C self-cleaning mode. The washing machine is essentially an auxiliary device, with the ability to handle fragile items of laundry that you don’t want to pop into your bigger washing machine. It functions as a companion to your primary washing machine, allowing you to fit in pieces of clothing that are too soft and gentle for a big load.

The Roborock Zeo Mini M1 isn’t currently available for sale, but it should arrive in the country soon for a price of around $660. Would you consider purchasing the M1? Is such a compact solution viable in today’s homes, or is it yet another unnecessary luxury that we could probably do without? We’ll probably know once it is out on the market.

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Mini drum washing machine concept lets you clean small loads of clothes

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Washing machines are normally pretty big and bulky, especially since you want to put in as many pieces of clothing as possible in one load. It has made washing clothes easier of course but it’s still a pretty tedious chore. If you live in a tiny space though, having a full sized machine may not be so feasible. Or if you have a child or children, constant washing and disinfecting of clothes is required, not necessarily needing the whole traditional machine.

Designer: Az

This concept for a mini drum washing machine may be the answer to space and size problems. Augenstern looks more like a rice cooker at first glance but it is a portable and smart machine that can disinfect clothes for babies and young children. It has a carrying handle since the idea is that you can carry it anywhere in the house or maybe even outside of your house if needed. There is a mention of wall-mounting by the designer but the renders don’t really show that.

The machine probably doesn’t fully function like your usual washing machines since there isn’t any of the usual tubes and things that you see. There seems to be a bottom suction cup somewhere there that is supposed to reduce the vibration and noise of the machine which should be useful if you have babies that wake up at the slightest noise. This means you can wash or disinfect their clothes even as they’re napping or sleeping.

It’s a pretty interesting concept especially for those that don’t have enough space to have a washing machine. But it may be a bit too small and therefore it means that you’ll have to do several loads, which may defeat the purpose. It would also be nice if there could be more information about the features but the design itself seems to be interesting and feasible.

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Your Washing Machine is Polluting the Ocean with Microplastics. This Modular Filter hopes to stop that.

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I was today years old when I learned that 35% of the ocean’s microplastic problem comes from washing machines. Most of the clothes we wear today have some blend of synthetic fibers that degrade ever so slightly when washed. These microscopic fibers mix in the water and get dumped down the drain, making their way into our oceans, and then into our body through seafood and even salt. Microplastics have reached parts of the body we never thought possible before, like our brain, our reproductive organs, and even fetuses through the placenta. It sounds scary (and it somewhat is), but the folks behind PLANETCARE 2.0 have a simple solution – a microfiber filter attachment for your washing machine.

Designers: Miha Vrhovec and Lenche Gjorjioski

Click Here to Buy Now: $62 $95 (35% off). Hurry, only 122/199 left!

Simply put, PLANETCARE 2.0 is a nifty filter that snaps to the side of your washing machine, filtering all the water the machine drains out after a cycle. Think of the PLANETCARE 2.0 as the water equivalent of you sorting your trash. You wouldn’t throw recyclables along with food waste, would you? So why would you dump microplastics out with your water?

Scientifically Proven – The only microfiber filter that truly stops 98% of fibers.

Tested by 7000+ Users – Their first-generation filter is used by more than 7000 users providing valuable feedback.

Easy to Install – Takes only 10 minutes to install the filter and a minute to change the filter cartridge.

Designed to easily attach to your washing machine in a matter of 10 minutes (you can assemble it yourself without calling a plumber), PLANETCARE 2.0 catches all the microplastics from your washing machine’s drain water, ensuring they never make it to the ocean. An estimated 700,000 tiny fibers shred from your clothes with each wash cycle. Depending on the fabrics you wear, these fibers will include natural materials like cotton, denim, wool, and silk, but also synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, and other fabric blends found in most clothes. PLANETCARE 2.0 catches up to 98% of these microfibers (both natural and synthetic), preventing them from getting carried into our waterways. The result indirectly benefits you, but directly benefits our planet, nature, and the delicate ecosystem of life on Earth. While we can’t easily remove existing microplastics in the world around us, we can easily prevent more microplastics from being added to it.

The PLANETCARE 2.0 is a rather cleverly designed product that tackles the microplastic problem on a whole systemic level. Plug the device into your washing machine and its microfiber filter traps up to 98% of all microscopic fibers in the drain water, without using any electricity. Once the filter reaches its maximum capacity, it pops up to reveal a red-colored ring, letting you know that it’s time to swap out the old filter for a new one. Just take the old filter cartridge out and add a new one in like you would replace batteries on your TV remote. The old filter cartridge can be sent back to the folks at PLANETCARE, who reuse 95% of the cartridge and recycle the remaining 5%, ensuring absolutely zero wastage. The entire circular economy around the filter tackles the microplastic problem on a systemic level, so that you’re not just passing the buck onto the next guy. You’re part of an honest movement to ensure plastics never enter our environment and our bodies again.

First-timers can grab their PLANETCARE 2.0 starter kit for just $62, which includes the device itself along with 3 filter cartridges and a spare drain hose. If you’re a part of the 7000+ users currently using the 1st gen Planetcare filter, you can upgrade to the v2.0 device for $31, with global shipping in December 2023 so you can begin the new year on an eco-friendly note!

Click Here to Buy Now: $62 $95 (35% off). Hurry, only 122/199 left!

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This mini washing machine is perfect for avid travelers and house on wheels fanatics

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The nomadic lifestyle made popular by trending RVs, tiny house on wheels and trailers has prompted travelers to fancy accessories and appliances that are portable. The same goes for people who have to travel frequently for business meetings or family vacations.

Having a portable washing machine comes in very handy on such trips and there are plenty out there to choose from. However, finding the one that is practical, safe for the environment and does the task of cleaning as intended is hard to find. That’s where this concept piques my interest profoundly.

Designer: PQP Design

The convenient little washing machine is a perfect washer for apartments, condos, motor homes, RVs, camping and any other place that doesn’t particularly permit the use of a full-sized washing machine. The freedom of washing clothes whenever and wherever you want is of value especially when you cannot afford to use a limitless amount of water for the task.

The foldable and lightweight form factor of the appliance makes it well-suited to carry in your suitcase or even a backpack. The Mini Foldable Washing Machine uses the unique technology of sending out vibrations to remove dirt effectively without wasting water or using much electricity. It works on stored electricity in the on-board battery that can be charged via the USB-C connector.

Since the waster tub size is smaller than conventional washing machines, this one is suited for light clothes, towels, and undergarments. Don’t expect to wash any bulky clothing items like down jackets or heavy sweaters in this portable washer. Apart from this limitation, the mini washing machine is perfect for bachelors, travelers and people who live a minimalistic lifestyle.

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Portable washing machine can fit in your suitcase and let you do laundry anywhere

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Traveling might be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also be stressful when you consider the preparation and maintenance involved. Packing can be a frustrating puzzle game of fitting as many clothes in a suitcase as possible, which can be problematic the longer your spend away from your home base. It’s definitely impossible to pack enough clothes for more than a week’s trip, and you’d be forced to do laundry one way or another, which can itself be a source of stress when trying to survive in a foreign land. Wouldn’t it be grand if you could bring your washing machine along with you in the first place? Fortunately, that’s actually possible, at least for small and light pieces of clothes, with this collapsible washing machine that can even fit inside your suitcase.

Designer: Modern-G

Truth be told, it’s always possible to do laundry on your own in whatever hotel or AirBnB you’re staying at, but it’s not exactly convenient nor affordable. Not all accommodations even provide such an amenity, forcing guests to search for laundry machines or services elsewhere. Given how washing machines work, it’s almost inconceivable that you’d be able to bring one along with you, not to mention cramming it inside a travel suitcase, but that’s exactly the miracle that this portable washing machine tries to pull off.

You’d be forgiven if you mistake this odd appliance for a gigantic collapsible silicone cup because that’s exactly the same mechanism that the G-Soak uses to implement its shape-changing feat. Its collapsed form lets you stow it inside a suitcase, though you will have to sacrifice some space for it. When expanded, it has a size of 6 liters, large enough to hold 4 shirts or 10 pieces of underwear at a time.

It functions pretty much the same way as a regular washing machine, except on an extremely smaller scale. It spins soapy water around together with your clothes to take the place of manual scrubbing. It can even “dehydrate” or spin dry clothes, though we all know how effective that is in actually drying clothes. Still better than having to hang dripping clothes inside the room. There’s a special drain valve at the bottom to make it easy to remove the used water without having to tip the whole container over.

As far as appearances go, you can’t really say that the G-Soak is inspired, but few washing machines are, anyway. The focus, after all, is on portability, and in that arena, there are few or even nothing like it in the market. It’s not going to solve all your travel laundry problems, though, especially when it comes to heavier and bigger pieces of clothing, but it will most likely get you by without having to stress over where to do your laundry in an unfamiliar place.

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Samsung Less Microfiber Filters stop our laundry from destroying our oceans

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Sometimes it’s the small things that can have the biggest impacts because they’re taken for granted until they snowball into a catastrophe. Small pieces of trash thrown haphazardly gather to become mounds of garbage that block drains and cause floods. Even the way we clean our clothes, unbeknownst to us, can actually kill our seas and oceans in the long run. That’s the unfortunate side effect of having microplastics in the textiles we use, too small to distinguish from the wastewater we drain out of our washing machines. Fortunately, we now know better, and companies like Samsung are lending a helping hand to make sure that our personal hygiene won’t be causing harm to the planet for generations to come.

Designer: Samsung

Given how essential they are both to our comfort and our style, we take for granted what mass-produced clothes are made of. Unfortunately, the synthetic textiles used in many of them actually shed small pieces of plastic or microplastics in our wash. Of course, we simply drain the dirty water like any other, and these microplastics find their way into our oceans, along with the other bits of broken-down plastics from the garbage we carelessly throw away.

Now that the microfiber cat is out of the bag, eco-conscious people are moving quickly to clean up the mess, literally and figuratively. Since it will be next to impossible to immediately change the textile that produces these microplastics, the most efficient solution would be to stop laundry machines from spitting out these minute particles in the first place. That’s where Samsung’s new Less Microfiber Filter comes in, promising to capture as much as 98% of these microplastics before they even hit the drain. The company says that this mass is equivalent to eight 500ml plastic bottles per year if the wash is used four times a week.

The filter is designed with a rather minimalist aesthetic and can be mounted on top of any standard washing machine, not just Samsung’s. The box itself is made from recycled plastics and is shipped in sustainable packaging. It’s also engineered to be long-lasting, maintainable, and convenient to use, requiring cleaning about once a month only. The filter works in conjunction with Samsung’s new Less Microfiber Cycle mode launched last year, which attempts to reduce the shedding of microplastics during washing.

Samsung’s filter, which is available only in South Korea and the UK for now, isn’t the only solution available today. What makes this launch important, however, is the acknowledgment of a major appliance maker of a problem that very few people are aware of. As one of the biggest washing machine manufacturers, it also has an equally big responsibility in righting this wrong, and the filter is a nice and admittedly stylish first step in that direction.

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Actually functional tiny washing machine made from Coca Cola feels like a perfect DIY summer project

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This fully-operational washing machine is so tiny that it can’t even accommodate a single sock. However, just because it’s possible to create such a machine doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good idea… but that’s seldom how the internet operates, right?! Meet this tiny little contraption, put together by YouTuber Inventus, using a couple of Coke cans, an empty pill bottle, a flexible straw, popsicle sticks, and a USB-powered mini DC motor. It’s portable (although that’s hardly a feature), and even manages to dry the scrunchies after washing them. Don’t expect different modes for your denims and delicates… they don’t belong here.

Designer: Inventus

Building absurd miniatures from Coke cans seems to be one of Inventus’ more incredible talents. Using the sheet metal of the can to his advantage, Inventus’ YouTube channel features objects like clocks, bicycles, mini vacuum cleaners, and even a functional sewing machine. Obviously, the Coke can isn’t the only thing he uses, but it forms a dominant part of the overall aesthetic. In the case of this washing machine, there’s a DC motor under the hood, and the rotating drum of this top-loader is, in fact, a perforated plastic bottle once used to store medication.

The entire machine holds about a cup of water, and features a drum small enough for scrunchies, ribbons, and maybe shoelaces.

A tiny capful of detergent probably feels like overkill, but anything to get that froth going, right?!

Watching Inventus build the machine out feels like pure eye-therapy. It’s fun as he figures out all the moving (and non-moving) parts, and puts together, using craft tools, what feels like a pretty reliably functional appliance. This would score top marks in a class science project.

The build starts with the drum, which Inventus makes using a half-cut Coke can and a perforated plastic pill bottle. The can remains stationary, while the perforated bottle rotates inside it, creating the vortex forces that help agitate the water and wash the clothes. A mini DC motor sits underneath the drum, powering it at pretty impressive RPM speeds.

The machine’s built to be a top-load style contraption given how much simpler it is. The lid on top rests loosely over the drum, preventing water from splashing out, while the rest of the machine is pretty reliably water-proof, so there’s really no leakage anywhere. Water is poured into the machine using a cup (there’s no fancy tap-connected inlet here), but a pretty elaborate drainpipe lets you drain water out from the machine once a cycle is over.

The top of the soda can gets turned into a lid for the washing machine

Sure, Inventus’ washing machine doesn’t have separate cycles for different clothes, or isn’t even big enough FOR clothes, but it’s a fun build that was enjoyable to watch from start to finish. Personally, I’d upgrade this by adding a Raspberry Pi to this and configure the drum to move in clockwise and counter-clockwise patterns to wash the clothes more effectively. I’d also probably add an LCD display with a timer or a piezo unit to play one of Schubert’s melodies once the cycle is complete. I’d also make it big enough to wash something more than just scrunchies and shoelaces.

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Portable washing machine concept folds down like a collapsible silicone cup

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We live in an age of many conveniences empowered by technology, and yet there are still some things that remain just as burdensome as they were centuries ago. Sure, we now have smart laundry machines that can go through each stage of the process automatically without human intervention, but there are still aspects of the chore that have to be done manually. That’s especially true for certain types of clothing that might be too delicate to lump with everything else. Washing machines themselves can be quite a literal burden because of their size, limiting their use to a single location only. While that might be fine for the general use case, there are some more specific needs that aren’t covered by regular washing machines. Those corner cases are what this design concept tries to address, and it takes its unique form after one popular style of reusable coffee cups.

Designer: Kai Xia

Today’s most advanced washing machines can wash, drain, spin, dry, and refill water all on their own. They can’t, however, segregate clothes based on color or prevent delicate pieces from getting mixed in the pile. This still has to be done manually, and on some occasions, people have to wash smaller or more delicate clothes by hand. Large washing machines might also be a bit overkill for people living alone, especially if they can take those larger pieces of clothes to a laundromat or similar. What they need is a smaller machine, which is what this foldable washing machine design is aiming for.

If the base design of this washing machine looks a little too familiar, then you might have seen one too many collapsible cups. In fact, these two things share a lot of similar properties in that regard, with the top part of the structure folding down onto the smaller base until it becomes a shorter and more portable device you can carry around or even keep in storage. And like a silicone cup, this concept also uses thermoplastic elastomer or TPE to make it more resistant to aging, yellowing, and corrosion. Sadly, that material isn’t the most long-lasting nor the most sustainable option around.

Despite its rather deceptive appearance, it’s still a washing machine, but one that is designed for a very specific purpose. Its low power consumption and limited capacity mean it can run at gentler speeds, providing the perfect settings for washing smaller clothes or ones made with sensitive material. While it sounds unnecessary to have yet another washing machine, presuming you already have a normal one, it certainly beats having to hand wash those few pieces yourself.

The folding washing machine is also designed for a specific demographic, specifically single-person households that are trying to economize both space and expenditures. The machine doesn’t take up too much space, but it can be compressed even more when not in use. Its power and water consumption are also significantly lower than a regular washing machine. As a bonus, it can also be equipped with antimicrobial blue light to disinfect clothes, which is especially useful for underwear or baby clothes.

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All-natural sustainable washing machine uses river currents to to wash your clothes

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It doesn’t need extra water cycles, and it runs entirely without electricity. Meet the Bamboo Washing Machine, a cleverly low-tech appliance that washes your clothes efficiently with zero wastage and emissions. A winner of the Red Dot Design Concept Award, the machine is made entirely from bamboo wood, and plugs right into a shallow riverbed, using river currents to turn the machine’s drum. The water flowing through the machine helps wash dirt off the clothes too, giving you an entirely automated device that runs entirely on its own, using the powers of nature and human ingenuity!

Designer: Dalian Minzu University along with Tangshan Shangjiu Industrial Design Center

“Bamboo Washing Machine is a simpler version of a traditional vortex or top-loading washing machine”, say the designers, students at the Dalian Minzu University in China. The analog machine was designed for rural communities to help automate a task and free up their time without needing the capital to buy a washing machine or requiring an electric grid to power it. There are two components to each machine, the outer body itself, which stays fixed in the ground, and the internal drum, which detaches and can be used as a basket to carry clothes from the home to the machine and back. Each family in the community possesses their own drum, which they use to carry the clothes around. Every part of the machine is made from bamboo, which is easy to grow, biodegradable, and can be repaired or replaced with zero plastic or metal waste (unlike your average washing machine). The machine can be used at any time of the day and all year round too, although water levels during the rain or drought may have an effect on usage.

The Bamboo Washing Machine is a Best Of Best Winner of the Red Dot Design Concept Award for the year 2020.

The Red Dot Awards: Design Concept is now accepting entries for its 2023 edition. Click here to participate or visit the Red Dot Awards website to learn more. Early Submission Phase ends on January 18th, 2023.

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Retro-looking automatic washing machine brings smart washing functions

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When it comes to functional appliances in my home, I’m not really particular with the design since I don’t have a specific aesthetic that I’m going for. What I need is something that’s affordable, can fit into my small space, and can do what needs to be done. Every once in a while though, when I see something that has a cute design, it piques my interest. Most of the time though these are just product concepts so I’m not really sure if it will translate well when it becomes a consumer product.

Designer: Yathin Krishna

This concept for an automatic front-load washing machine caught my attention because of its retro design. The Toshin Machine looks like a toy rather than an actual washing machine, looking like a cross between a lego set, a game boy and some other retro-futuristic kinds of devices. But it was designed to be an actual machine that should be able to automate your clothes-washing experience, whether you’re going for a quick wash or a steam clean and has a moon crystal drum and smart automated select features.

While you’d probably want to thoroughly wash your clothes, there are times when you don’t have enough time so the Quick Wash feature should come in handy. The Steam Clean is there so you can give your clothes a deep clean when you need to. Inside, you get a moon crystal drum with shaped ridges bringing a gentle tumble to your clothes when they’re being washed and the small exit water holes in the drum actually protect your fabric from being caught in the whirl.

The Toshin Machine also is designed to have a smart select AI that will suggest to you what’s the best mode to set for your machine depending on the weight data. Design-wise, the retro-futuristic look is pretty interesting as you don’t see a lot of washing machines with that kind of design. Now whether that will translate into an actual fully functional piece of appliance that both looks cute and does what it needs to do is another question. Even though I don’t wash clothes at home, I wouldn’t mind having this if it makes my life easier and if it looks that cute.

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