News Release

WATERLESS WASHING MACHINE

Seattle, WA: April 4, 2010 -Xeros, Ltd has created a washing machine that benefits both the environment and the budget. This new technology cleans clothing using nylon beads instead of water, using 90% less water than a traditional washing machine. Bill Westwater, Chief Executive of Xeros, estimates that the polymer cleaning process will save up to 30% of the direct costs of operating a conventional washing machine. Xeros' first project is intended for commercial laundries, and is expected to be completed by the end of next year. The consumer version will follow shortly afterwards.

Cost benefits of the Xeros cleaning process include savings in water, electricity and detergent. The washing machine will use just enough water to dampen the clothing. The polymer beads do the work of removing dirt and stains, and then drain out of the machine, just as water drains from a conventional machine. Less detergent is needed for this process. Shorter washing cycles and the eliminated need to tumble-dry use less electricity. The estimated cost savings will be confirmed once the machine is available for commercial laundries.

The Xeros cleaning system is also better for the environment. Xeros commissioned a study by URS Corp. that estimates up to a 40% reduction of the carbon footprint. This includes recycling the polymer beads rather than discarding them when they are no longer able to clean clothes. Eventually Xeros intends to create a recycling system for the beads which refreshes them and allows them to be reused.

Stephen Burkinshaw, Professor at Leeds University, spent 30 years trying to improve dyeing techniques. Under normal conditions, nylon attracts dirt. However, Professor Burkinshaw discovered that in humid conditions, nylon polymer changes and becomes highly absorbent. Since nylon is extremely resilient, it can also be repeatedly re-used without breaking down. After realizing that dyes are just like stains, he discovered that the process can also be reversed to remove stains.