There aren’t many effective methods to suppress airborne bacteria, viruses and allergens, especially those that exist in large spaces. In order to solve this problem, SANYO has developed the virus washer system, which suppresses and removes bacteria without the use of any chemicals. This system utilizes tap water which is very accessible and SANYO’s proprietary electrolyzed water technology.
SANYO's line-up of products with the virus washer system ranges from home use to commercial use, providing comfort and safety for everyday life.

SANYO aims to develop these products globally including those countries that are concerned with air quality such as Indonesia, China and Vietnam. SANYO will also go forward in testing the water quality of these countries in order to prepare these products for market deployment.

*1 Research: Gunma Prefecture Institute of Public Health and Environmental Sciences.
*2 Research: Japan Food Research Laboratories. Testing method: agar cultural method, Method of bacterial removal: electrolysis

*3 standard term in regards to the suppression of bacteria from the
Home Electric Appliances Fair Trade Conference, as compared to
no treatment must be below 1/100.
*4 Joint development with Gunma Prefecture Center of Environmental
Sciences

SANYO started employing electrolyzed water technology in products in 1987, for a cup type vending machine, installed a hygienic maintaining system. After that SANYO introduced a washing machine with a ‘zero detergent’ course as well as a home use air purifier, and commercial use air purifying system, etc., SANYO has continued to develop products that utilize electrolyzed water as well has test new positive effects.

In May 2006, SANYO’s ‘virus washer’ system was proven effective in suppressing avian influenza viruses. This result was achieved by collaborative research with Tottori University, Japan (team led by Professor Kouichi Otsuki of the Faculty of Agriculture). It was shown that SANYO’s proprietary electrolyzed water technology, ‘Disinfectant Element’ and ‘Disinfectant Electrolyzed Mist’ was highly effective in suppressing more than 99% of airborne avian influenza viruses.

The ‘Disinfectant Element’ rapidly disinfects a large room due to the electrolyzed water that saturates through SANYO’s proprietary honeycomb shaped gas liquid contact filter, which allows air to efficiently pass through. The ‘disinfectant electrolyzed mist’ produces a highly efficient mist due to minute particles that are produced from the ultrasonic vibrator which is emitted in a highly effective diffusion processes.

SANYO’s proprietary ‘disinfectant element’ was tested by first spraying avian influenza viruses (H5 type) into a test chamber and then forcing the virus-infected air through a honeycomb-shaped disinfectant element. Measurements of the filtered air determined that at least 99% of airborne avian influenza viruses decreased. It was also shown that an electrolyzed mist released into the air can render 99% or more of the viruses inactive.