Space hygiene: Kao to supply astronauts with specialized 3D shampoo sheet and laundry detergent

26 Nov 2021 --- Japanese chemicals company Kao has innovated two new hygiene solutions for use in space by astronauts of the Japan Aerospace Research and Development Organization (JAXA). 

The “3D Space Shampoo Sheet” offers a convenient hair washing method that can easily wipe off dirt from the scalp and hair, while the “Space Laundry Sheet” is a cleaning sheet for clothes that removes stains and odors from clothes.

Both products will be installed on the International Space Station (ISS) next year. In addition, they could be rolled out to other markets and regions where water is scarce as well as in emergency situations.

“Regarding keeping clothes, hair and body clean, we have been conducting essential research to thoroughly clarify dirt and developing various technologies related to washing,” the company details.

Kao developed a non-woven fabric sheet with an uneven 3D shape that has been infused with a cleaning solution for washing hair.“The knowledge gained from the product developed this time is expected to be applied not only to outer space, but also to countries and regions where water is scarce, in the event of a disaster or hospitalization.”

Clean hair in space
When washing hair, astronauts use a very small amount of water and a special shampoo liquid. 

Because this is done in a weightless environment, it is necessary to take care to wash the hair carefully so that the shampoo liquid does not scatter around. 

Kao developed a non-woven fabric sheet with an uneven 3D shape infused with a cleaning solution for washing hair. It can be used while massaging the scalp with the convex part of the sheet to wipe off dirt on the scalp and roots.

Because his method does not require water, users can wash their hair without worrying about liquid splashing under zero gravity. 

Laundry challenges aboard the ISS
Since water is precious in outer space, life on the ISS is very different from that on the ground and brings its own set of challenges. Because clothes cannot be washed, astronauts must wear the same clothes for days, even if they sweat or smell.

A significant challenge is when clothes get dirty and cannot be washed, meaning they have to be discarded.

Space Laundry Sheet and 3D Space Shampoo Sheet. (Credit: Kao)To deal with such issues related to clothing and hair washing in zero gravity, Kao has drawn insights from its years of research to create a non-woven fabric sheet pre-impregnated with a cleaning solution for clothes.

Users can wipe off any dirt or odor you care about by simply wiping the clothes with a sheet without using water. In terms of stain removal, it offers the same detergency as clothes that are washed in a washing machine with a laundry detergent.

In addition, the combination of antibacterial and deodorant ingredients keeps clothing fresh. “Kao will continue to pursue research aimed at realizing sustainable cleaning and cleanliness without using water,” the company concludes.

Earlier this month, the ISS launched its “National Laboratory Sustainability Challenge: Beyond Plastics,” naming Estée Lauder as its exclusive partner. The global beauty brand will provide funding for the awarded proposals.

By Benjamin Ferrer