Washing machines could soon become obsolete, thanks to this tiny, portable washing device. It looks like a harmless little bar of soap, but ‘Dolfi’ is a high-tech gadget that uses ultrasonic technology to convert a bucket or a sink anywhere in the world into a dirt-busting washing machine.

To use Dolfi, all you’ve got to do is fill a sink with water, add dirty clothes and detergent, and drop the device in as well. Switch it on and stand back as it emits powerful ultrasonic waves that travel through water, creating, high pressure bubbles. The bubbles implode creating strong jets of water that push the detergent through the fabric removing dirt and stains. The entire process lasts just 30 minutes.

The biggest advantage of Dolfi is that you always have a free laundry service at hand, even when you’re away from home. What’s more, the creators of the device claim that it is gentler on clothes and less likely to damage fabrics when compared with washing machines. It can be used on any type of fabric – heavy duty cotton, delicate silk, and even lace and cashmere. It’s energy-efficient too as it requires about 80 times less power than a standard washing machine. Lastly, it’s very silent, so you can even use it late into the night without disturbing anyone around you.

Dolfi is the brainchild of German entrepreneur Lena Solis, who got the idea for the device after she found it difficult to get her clothes washed during a trip away from home. “The idea of Dolfi came after a few terrible experiences with laundry during my extensive travel,” she writes on the product’s official site. “Inspired by amazing benefits of ultrasound, successfully utilised for many years in many industrial and medical applications, we’re excited to bring the advantages of ultrasonic precise cleaning to everyday personal use. I believe that ultrasonic technology will change the way we wash.”

“We want people to have more fun on their travels rather than stress about costly laundry service, or spend time searching for coin laundries, or even waste luggage space packing extra clean clothing,” added Andre Fangueiro, Dolfi’s product designer. “With Dolfi, travel will become easier, happier and a lot more fun.”

The makers ran an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds for production in January last year. By March, they had raised a whopping $974,716 – 428% of their original target. It is still under production, but you can pre-order it at $109 per unit.

Photos: Dolfi