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Ling Xin

Astronauts have to get used to many things in space, including that they cannot wash their dirty clothes.
But researchers in Beijing have proposed a solution: a compact, detergent-free washing machine that cleans clothes with mist and ozone using almost no water – a limited resource in space.
The cube-shaped device is a bit larger than a carry-on suitcase and weighs 12kg (26lbs), according to the team that developed it from the China Astronaut Research and Training Centre.
They said it used only 400ml (13 fluid ounces) of water per cycle to clean up to 800 grams (28 ounces) of clothing.
That water is delivered as an ultra-fine mist through ultrasonic atomisation.
Instead of detergent, the machine uses ultraviolet light to produce ozone, a powerful disinfectant that sterilises clothes for up to five wears.


Writing in the latest issue of Chinese Journal of Space Science, the researchers said their system could reduce the weight of clothing taken on missions to China’s Tiangong space station and future lunar or Martian bases by more than 60 per cent.
“For a 15-year station mission, a three-person crew would go through about 3,383kg of clothing,” the paper said.
“Looking ahead to long-term stays on the moon or trips to Mars, developing on-board laundry technology will be crucial to reducing the huge amount of clothing that needs to be sent up from Earth.”
The design of the device avoids problems common in microgravity, such as pooling liquids and soapy wastewater. It also smooths and sterilises fabrics without chemicals. The team expected it to be especially useful for astronauts spending longer than five months in orbit or 2½ months in deep space.
Until now, astronauts have had no way to wash their clothes in space. They wear garments until they smell, then stuff them into cargo capsules that burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Water scarcity is a big part of the problem. Every drop on a spacecraft is recycled – often from urine or condensation – and prioritised for drinking and hygiene. That leaves almost no water for laundry.
While space does not have dirt or mud, astronauts still sweat, especially during the daily exercise routines needed to stay healthy in microgravity. As a result, clothing has become one of spaceflight’s biggest consumables, with tonnes of underwear, socks, shirts and other garments brought from Earth at great cost.
There have been several previous efforts to address the problem. In 2017, Oregon-based Umpqua Research Company introduced a sealed-drum washer that used steam and microwave drying, but the system was bulky, power-hungry, and required a vacuum to operate.
In 2021, Tide tested special detergent and stain-removal wipes aboard the International Space Station. And in 2023, US-based Ultrasonic proposed using vibrations to clean clothes with minimal water, but the design could not eliminate bacteria.


For the Beijing study, the researchers designed a system with a 30-minute cleaning cycle that includes misting, ozone sterilisation and drying – all done inside a sealed chamber to prevent gas leakage.
It starts with fans spraying an ultra-fine mist over the garments. Once humidity reaches a set level, ozone is released to disinfect the fabric. Heated air then dries the clothes and breaks down the ozone. Sensors then monitor moisture and ozone levels in real time, while filters in the air vents trap any leftover gas or droplets to keep the cabin air safe.
Simulations run by the team showed that the mist covered clothing evenly and that ozone levels stayed high enough for 99.9 per cent sterilisation before safely breaking down during drying, all without releasing moisture or chemicals into the station.
The researchers said the system was designed to last at least five years without the need to replace any major components, including the acrylic washing chamber, sensors, fans or ozone lamps.
They said the next steps included building a working prototype and improving the machine’s efficiency by boosting its load capacity and cutting water use even further – key goals for supporting long missions with limited resupply options.


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Dirty laundry in space: Chinese team joins race to develop washing machine for astronauts

Astronauts have to wear their clothes until they smell, then stuff them into cargo capsules that burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere. Photo: China Manned Space Agency

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Spacewalks are considered some of the most dangerous activities in space exploration, and extravehicular tasks are typically planned and rehearsed. Photo: Xinhua

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(From left) Mission specialist Oleg Platonov, pilot Mike Fincke, commander Zena Cardman and mission specialist Kimiya Yui pose for photos before their launch to the International Space Station from in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Friday. Photo: Reuters

News

China

Beijing researchers propose compact, detergent-free device that uses mist and ozone to clean clothes with very little water


Beijing researchers propose compact, detergent-free device that uses mist and ozone to clean clothes with very little water.
