self-cleaning

Sanyo's 'self-cleaning' projector

You read that right: Sanyo has announced two new "self-cleaning" portable multimedia projectors. The 3,100-lumens LP-XC55 and 2,600-lumens LP-XC50 incorporate the Japanese company's new Active Maintenance Filter to keep them free of everyday dirt and grime.

This minimizes maintenance hassles by controlling the projectors' built-in dust filtration mechanism with automated air filter replacement. It also preempts the notorious dust blob problem which commonly plagues LCD projectors.

Clean projectors apparently don't come cheap, however. The LP-XC55 and LP-XC50 will be launched in Japan from July for $3,522 and $3,016. It's unclear whether … Read more

Next big thing: Self-cleaning trash cans?

So it's not just us after all. For the record, we allergy sufferers aren't the only ones who are fixated on cleaning technologies. Gizmag says a recent survey claims that 60 percent of respondents would buy a self-cleaning garbage can and 59 percent want a stove top that can do the same. Oh, and while they're at it, 47 percent wouldn't mind a dryer that also folded laundry.

We wish the research stopped there. Gizmag goes on to include some other frightening hygiene-related statistics that are enough to make our thrice-shampooed hair stand on end: "… Read more

Eco-friendly nanoparticles to keep clothes clean

A $28-million military research project could pay off for you at the Laundromat.

Researchers have developed a water-repellant coating using a polymer film (polyglycidyl methacrylate) mixed with silver nanoparticles that, when fixed to common clothing and soaked in a chemical solution, allows them to repel bacteria.

"The coating doesn't actually clean itself," said Dr. Phil Brown of Clemson University. "You will still need some water to rinse away dirt and stains, but cleaning will be quicker and less frequent."

That works for us, but how about socks? Originally developed to protect troops from biological warfare … Read more