In a world grappling with environmental concerns, a pioneering startup from Chandigarh is making waves with its revolutionary approach to laundry. Founded by Rouble Gupta, Nitin Kumar Saluja, and Varinder Singh, 80Wash is transforming the washing machine landscape with its water-efficient and detergent-free solution.
In today’s context where traditional washing machines consume a staggering 100 liters of water to remove a mere tablespoon of dirt, the Chandigarh-based startup’s innovation is a game-changer. Their cutting-edge washing machine can effectively wash fabrics, metals, and even PPE kits within a remarkable 80 seconds, using a mere half-cup of water and entirely eliminating the need for detergent.
Behind this remarkable feat is 80Wash’s patented ISP steam technology, a breakthrough that leverages low-frequency, non-ionizing, and non-polarizing radio-frequency microwaves to sterilize items effectively. This technology not only eradicates bacteria but also utilizes dry steam at room temperature to tackle stains, dirt, and odors, all without the need for chemical additives.
A single 80Wash cycle, clocking in at 80 seconds, can effortlessly clean up to five garments, employing just half a cup of water and zero detergent. For stubborn stains, the machine allows multiple cycles, with around 4-5 cycles usually enough to tackle even the toughest marks. The startup also offers larger machines, designed to cater to more substantial loads and needs.
The journey of 80Wash started at the incubation center of Chitkara University in Rajpura, Punjab. The trio of founders, with Rouble as a computer science student, Nitin as an associate director at CURIN, and Varinder as a project manager at Aautosync Innovations, began with the idea of a rapid sterilization machine for hospitals, initially utilizing UV rays. However, they pivoted their focus to creating a machine capable of efficiently cleaning fabrics, resulting in their patented ISP steam technology.
In its pursuit of a sustainable and eco-friendly solution, 80Wash embarked on pilot deployments across various sectors, including hostels, hospitals, and salons in Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly among university hostel students who appreciate the convenience and environmental benefits. Operating on a pay-per-usage model, 80Wash charges students a nominal fee for unlimited laundry, enabling both feedback collection and revenue generation.
With strong governmental support, including grants from Punjab and Himachal governments, Chitkara University, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), 80Wash is well-positioned to forge ahead in its mission to revolutionize laundry practices. As the startup gears up for manufacturing, its upcoming machines are poised to hit the market by September 2022. While the immediate focus is on the B2B market encompassing hospitals, hotels, and salons, 80Wash has plans to explore other avenues, including the realm of launderettes.
In a world where environmental sustainability is a paramount concern, 80Wash’s innovation not only stands as a testament to ingenious technology but also offers a promising solution to one of our daily routines’ most pressing challenges. The startup’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of innovation and determination in addressing real-world problems.
“The government has been supportive of our product. It is not just about the low pricing or saving time, but also about being friendly to the environment,” says Rouble.
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