London, March 23 – Scientists have developed a spray-on fabric coating that allows clothes to be cleaned using only water, potentially cutting laundry-related water and energy use by more than 80 percent.

The coating, described in Communications Chemistry, can be applied to natural and synthetic fabrics. Researchers said it could reduce reliance on detergents, which contribute to microplastic release and water pollution.

The team, led by Chongling Cheng and Dayang Wang, sprayed alternating layers of two polymers – PDADMAC and PVS – to form five bilayers on fabric. The coating’s dense sulphonate groups attract water molecules, preventing stains from sticking and enabling removal with a single rinse.

Tests showed the method matched or outperformed conventional detergent washing on cotton, polyester and silk, including stains such as engine oil and soy sauce. It also demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal properties. Safety tests on mouse cells and plants suggested the coating is biocompatible.

Researchers said the coating remained effective after sunlight exposure, repeated wear and more than 100 wash cycles, while reducing microplastic release from synthetic fibres. They estimate the higher upfront cost could be offset after 15 to 50 laundry cycles, depending on detergent use.

“This approach could make laundry more sustainable by cutting water, electricity and detergent use,” the authors wrote.