"Sanyo has announced that its new washing machine, the Aqua AWD-AQ1, made to convert air to ozone which is then used to clean your clothes, will be released on March 11 for about 262,500 yen (around $2,200). The Aqua AWD-AQ1 uses air wash technology, already used in industrial washing, to wash, dry and purify your laundry. Oxygen (O2) in air is converted to ozone (O3) using an ozone creation device, and is sprayed oŽn clothing inside the drum. Ozone has a strong oxidation action, which either destroys or disassembles the cell walls of bacteria. This allows for eliminating bacteria, odors, and dirt (organic matter). The oxidated ozone simply returns to oxygen, making it easy oŽn the environment. The Aqua AWD-AQ1 will feature different wash cycles such as "Zero Detergent Course," "Ozone Steam Course," "Mold Guard" and “Shelf Dry," but its main feature is [b]the ability to recycle water by injecting ozone microbubbles into it. The recycled water can be used again for the next wash cycle or as dehumidification water when drying clothes. The only downside is that the purified water can’t sit there for longer that 2 days before being re-used.[/b] Basically, it can only be recycled if the washing machine is being used every day (or every other day). So while the Aqua AWD-AQ1 might be good if you do laundry every day, it might not be as convenient if, like me, you do your laundry only once a week. Nonetheless, I think this is a really good step towards more environmentally friendly home appliances.